Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spinal column, and preventing the patient's disability.
Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative-destructive process that first affects the intervertebral disc, and then the vertebra itself.
- Positive dynamics in 97% of cases.The results of the treatment are confirmed by control MR images.
- No side effects.The methods used in the clinic are safe and have no side effects.
- Long lasting effect.Treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias in other segments, as well as hernia recurrence.
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine immediately after the first signs of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spinal column consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded by a dense fibrous ring on the periphery.Nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic - it is saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Thanks to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and spine mobility are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the discs begin to gradually lose elasticity.This is due to the obliteration of the vessels that fed the discs, and further blood supply comes from diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In the cartilage tissue, due to the lack of nutrients, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age".Initially, the nucleus pulposus becomes dehydrated, loses its elasticity and becomes flat, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretching zones, ruptures and delamination appear in the structure of the ring.
The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors located on the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The characteristics of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, denser articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular framework.With long-term static load on the cervical spine (working at the computer), weak muscles do not support the head well, and the main load falls on the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a professional clinic is carried out using a unique technology based on a combination of manual therapy, electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy.
The main reasons that lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired anomalies of the spine.
- Natural processes of aging of the organism.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloads of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for spine-dangerous sports: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance of carbohydrate and fatty foods, with a lack of protein, vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spinal column.
Stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, cervical osteochondrosis, as a disease, goes through several stages:
And stage.The initial period is characterized by local pain in the neck area, which intensifies when turning and tilting the head.There is a smoothness of the cervical lordosis and muscle tension.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
Phase II.The pain in the neck intensifies and spreads to the arm and shoulder.Severe headaches, weakness and reduced performance occur.The destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.
Phase III.The pain in the neck is strong and constant, spreading to the arms and shoulders.Arm muscles weaken, and numbness occurs in the upper extremities.Patients have headaches, dizziness and problems with spatial orientation.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.Nucleus pulposus is not fixed, extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.A herniated disc compresses nerves and blood vessels, leading to poor circulation in the cervical spine.
Phase IV.This is the final stage of the disease.The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, and the adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process.The joints grow together and become immobile (ankylosis).The patient's condition is serious: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of cerebrovascular infarction, sensitivity disorders.This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultations and diagnostics at the doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- A neurologist
During the consultation, a detailed diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is performed.An experienced doctor determines exactly which segments and nerve roots are affected and which cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we give detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of: patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture, history, data of neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient using modern diagnostic methods: radiography, magnetic and computerized tomography, results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a particular patient, which technique should be used in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly by conservative methods, which include:
- Drug therapy, which includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgical intervention is used extremely rarely when there is a real danger of a stroke, paralysis or when the work of internal organs is disturbed.
At this stage of the development of medical science, it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but it is possible to prevent further progress of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected segment of the spine.
The integrated approach and the gentle nature of the used therapeutic methods enable effective treatment of even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method of manual influence on problem areas of the spine, the purpose of which is to restore the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, pinched spinal nerve roots are removed, and neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of administering drugs directly to the affected segment of the spine.Medicines are prescribed to improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasms.
Photodynamic phototherapy.The method is based on the ability of the photosensitive drug to be activated under the influence of laser radiation.A layer of medicinal substance is applied to the skin in the area of the affected segment, which, penetrating 10-13 cm deep into the tissue, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, enables rapid pain relief, removal of swelling of surrounding tissues, improvement of blood supply in the area of inflammation and activation of metabolic processes of cartilage tissue of damaged intervertebral discs.The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also to stop further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves by acting on different parts of the pathological process.
The methods used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic have been tested in the best centers for manual therapy in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have almost no contraindications and are well tolerated by patients even in older age groups.
After a consultation with a neurologist, the patient will receive recommendations on what to do for cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of the symptoms, accompanying pathologies and examination results.