Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of cartilage and bone tissue in the spine and preventing disability of the patient.
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 course of 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 recurrent hernias.
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 spine consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs that are located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded on the periphery by a dense fibrous ring.Nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and mobility of the spine are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, discs gradually begin to lose elasticity.This is due to obliteration of the vessels that fed the discs, and additional blood supply occurs due to diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In cartilage tissue, due to a 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 stress on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretch zones, breaks and delamination occur 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.
Features of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, closer articulation in the intervertebral joints and an underdeveloped muscular frame.With prolonged static load on the cervical spine (working at a 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.
- The body's natural aging processes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloads of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for sports dangerous to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with an excess of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a lack of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, cervical osteochondrosis, as a disease, goes through several stages:
Stage I. The initial period is characterized by local pain in the neck area, which increases when the head is turned and tilted.There is a smoothness of 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 radiates 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 severe and constant and radiates to the arms and shoulders.The arm muscles become weak and there is numbness in the upper limbs.Patients experience headaches, dizziness and spatial orientation problems.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.The hernial protrusion compresses the 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 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 accident, sensitivity disorders.This is a life-threatening condition that can result in a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the doctor's experience and qualifications.
Free consultation and diagnostics with a doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopath
- Neurologist
During the consultation, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is carried out.An experienced doctor determines exactly which segments and nerve roots are involved and causing pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide 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, medical history, data from a neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient using modern diagnostic methods: radiography, magnetic and computer tomography, results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a given patient, which technique to use in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly by conservative methods, which include:
- Drug treatment, 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 threat of stroke, paralysis, or when the function 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 spinal segment.
An integrated approach and the gentle nature of the therapeutic methods used make it possible to effectively treat 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 impact 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 nerve roots in the spine are eliminated, and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of delivering 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 a light-sensitive 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 penetrates 10-13 cm deep into the tissue and has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of surrounding tissues, improve blood supply in the area of inflammation and activate the metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue of damaged intervertebral discs.The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also, by affecting different parts of the pathological process, to stop further destruction of the intervertebral discs and destruction of the vertebrae themselves.
The methods used in the treatment of neck osteochondrosis in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have virtually no contraindications and are well tolerated by patients even in older age groups.
The patient will receive recommendations on what to do for cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of the symptoms, concomitant pathologies and examination results.