Current methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the spinal column, and preventing disability of the patient.
Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative-destructive process that damages first the intervertebral disc, and then the vertebra itself.
- Positive dynamics in 97% of cases.The results of the treatment course are confirmed by a control MRI image.
- No side effects.The methods used in the clinic are safe and have no side effects.
- long lasting effect.Treatment reduces the risk of new hernias in other segments as well as the risk of hernia recurrence.
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine as soon as the first signs of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spinal column consists of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like core in the center, which is surrounded on the periphery by a dense fibrous ring.The nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, shock absorption and spine mobility are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the discs gradually lose their elasticity.This is due to the destruction of the blood vessels that nourished the discs and further blood supply due to diffusion from the surrounding 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 is dehydrated, loses its elasticity and flattens, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, tensile zones, ruptures and delamination appear in the ring structure.
The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors located on the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The peculiarities of the pathological process of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: different structure and size of the cervical spine, denser articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular framework.During a prolonged static load on the cervical spine (working at a computer), weak muscles cannot support themselves 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 for 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 overloads of the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for spine-threatening sports: professional wrestling.
- smoking
- Autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Malnutrition with excessive amount of carbohydrates and fatty foods, lack of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Spine injuries and diseases.
Developmental stages 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, which worsens when turning and bending the head.Cervical lordosis smoothness and muscle tension are noted.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
II stage.Neck pain intensifies and radiates to arm and shoulder.There is a severe headache, weakness and decreased performance.Destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the spine appear.
III stage.The pain in the neck is strong and constant, spreading to the arms and shoulders.Arm muscles weaken, numbness appears in the upper limbs.Patients have headaches, dizziness and spatial orientation problems.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, goes beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.A herniated disc impinges on the nerves and blood vessels that supply circulation to the cervical spine.
IV stage.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 pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of a cerebrovascular accident, 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 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 will determine exactly which segments and nerve roots are involved and cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we give detailed recommendations on treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnosis.
diagnosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed on the basis of the patient's complaints, characteristic clinical picture, medical history, 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, what 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 therapy, which includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- therapeutic exercise.
Surgical intervention is extremely rarely used when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis, or internal organ dysfunction.
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 progress of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the damaged segment of the spine.
An integrated approach and the gentle nature of the used therapeutic methods make it possible to effectively treat advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method of manual impact on the problem areas of the spine, the purpose of which is to restore the normal physiological state of the spine and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, the stretched nerve roots of the spine are opened and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of delivering drugs to the damaged segment of the spine.Medications are prescribed to improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasm.
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 damaged segment, which penetrates 10-13 cm deep into the tissue, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of the surrounding tissues, improve blood supply to the inflamed area and activate the metabolic processes of the cartilage tissue of the damaged intervertebral discs.The goal of the 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 spine itself by affecting different parts of the pathological process.
The methods used in the modern clinic for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, 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 in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, accompanying pathologies and examination results.