Existing methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the spine, and preventing patient disability.
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-destructive pathological process that first affects the intervertebral disc and then the vertebra itself.
- Positive dynamics in 97% of cases.The results of the treatment cycle are confirmed by control MRI 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 the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gelatinous nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded on the periphery by a dense fibrous ring.The nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic, saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Thanks to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and mobility of the spine are guaranteed.
In people over the age of 20, the discs gradually begin to lose elasticity.This is due to the obliteration of the vessels that fed the discs and the further blood supply occurs by diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In cartilaginous tissue, due to a lack of nutrients, regeneration processes slow down: the disc begins to "age".Initially, the nucleus pulposus dehydrates, loses its elasticity and becomes flat, which increases the load on the fibrous ring.Microcracks, areas of stretching, breaks 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.
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, denser joint in the intervertebral joints and an underdeveloped muscle structure.With a prolonged 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 leading to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired anomalies of the spine.
- Natural aging processes of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloads of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for sports dangerous for the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissue – collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance 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 intensifies when turning and tilting the head.There is a softness 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 neck pain intensifies and radiates to the arm and shoulder.Severe headaches, weakness, and decreased 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, radiating to the arms and shoulders.The arm muscles weaken and numbness is felt in the upper limbs.Patients experience headaches, dizziness and spatial orientation problems.In this phase the fibrous ring is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, it extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal forming a hernia.The hernial protrusion compresses the nerves and blood vessels, which leads 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 stick 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 experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnosis 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 nerve segments and roots are involved and cause painful symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnoses.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is carried out on the basis of: patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture, anamnesis, data from a 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 given patient, what technique to use in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly with conservative methods, which include:
- Drug therapy, which includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgical intervention is used very rarely when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis, or when the functioning of internal organs is disrupted.
At this stage of 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.
The integrated approach and the gentleness 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, the pinched nerve roots of the spine are eliminated, and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of administering medications 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 photosensitive drug to activate 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 the tissue to a depth of 10-13 cm, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic 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 to the area of inflammation and activate metabolic processes of the cartilaginous tissue of damaged intervertebral discs.The purpose of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also, by influencing various parts of the pathological process, to stop further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves.
The methods used to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the United States, they are safe, effective, have practically 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 consulting a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, concomitant pathologies and the results of the examination.