Current 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 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 treatment course are confirmed by control MRI images.
- No side effects.The methods used in the clinic are safe and have no side effects.
- Long-term effect.Treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias forming in other segments, as well as the risk of recurrent hernias.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be treated immediately after the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spine consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs between them.The intervertebral disc has a jelly-like nucleus pulposus in the center surrounded by a dense fibrous ring.Pulposus core is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, the shock absorbing ability and mobility of the spine is ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the discs gradually begin to lose their elasticity.This is due to the destruction of the vessels feeding the discs, and more blood supply occurs due to diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.Due to the lack of nutrients in the cartilage tissue, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age".First, the nucleus pulposus becomes dehydrated, loses elasticity and flattens, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretch zones, 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 in the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The characteristics of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: the different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, tighter articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscle framework.With a long-term 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.
- Natural processes of aging of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overload of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Spine-dangerous sports passion: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance of carbohydrate and fatty foods, lack of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Developmental stages of cervical osteochondrosis
As a disease, cervical osteochondrosis goes through several stages in its development:
Stage I. The initial period is characterized by local pain in the neck, which intensifies when turning and bending the head.Cervical lordosis has smoothness and muscle tension.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
Stage II.The pain in the neck intensifies and spreads 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.
III stage.The pain in the neck is severe and persistent, spreading to the arms and shoulders.The arm muscles are weak, 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 unstable, protrudes from the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.The protrusion of the hernia compresses the nerves and blood vessels, which leads to the deterioration of blood circulation in the cervical spine.
Stage IV.This is the last 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 pains 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 comprehensive diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is performed.An experienced doctor determines exactly which segments and nerve roots are involved and which cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we make 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 the following: patient's complaints, characteristic clinical picture, medical history, data of the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic methods: X-ray, magnetic and computer tomography, results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat neck osteochondrosis in a particular patient, which technique to use in a particular situation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly by conservative methods, which include:
- Drug treatment containing pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgical intervention is rarely used when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis or when the functioning 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 the further progression of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected spinal segment.
The 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 influence on the problem areas of the spine, the goal of which is to restore the normal physiological state of the spine and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, compressed nerve roots of the spine are removed and neck muscles are relaxed in the area of pathological changes.
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 activation ability of the photosensitive drug under the influence of laser radiation.A medicinal substance is applied to the skin in the area of the affected segment, which penetrates the skin to a depth of 10-13 cm, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The author's three-component technique, including hand therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of the surrounding tissues, improve blood supply in the area of inflammation and activate the 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 the further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves by affecting various parts of the pathological process.
The methods used for the treatment of neck osteochondrosis in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the United States, are safe, effective, have practically no contraindications, and are well tolerated even by patients in older age groups.
Depending on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, accompanying pathologies and examination results, the patient will receive recommendations on what to do for cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist.