Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine, and preventing damage to 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 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.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is necessary immediately after the appearance of the first signs of the disease.
Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis
The spine consists of vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded on the periphery by a dense fibrous annulus.The pulp core 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 is 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 feed the discs, and further 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 load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretch zones, tears 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 characteristics of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: a different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, denser articulation in the intervertebral joints and an underdeveloped muscle frame.With prolonged static loading of the cervical vertebrae (working at a computer), weak muscles do not support the head well and the main load falls on the spine.
The 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, lack of physical activity.
- Passion for spine-dangerous sports: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue - collagenoses.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a deficiency of proteins, vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
- 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 smoothness of the cervical lordosis and muscle tension.Morphological changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs begin: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
Stage II.The pain in the neck intensifies and radiates to the arm and shoulder.Severe headaches, weakness and reduced work capacity appear.The destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.
Stage III.The pain in the neck is severe and constant, radiating to the arms and shoulders.The muscles of the arms become weak and there is numbness in the upper limbs.Patients experience headaches, dizziness and problems with spatial orientation.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, it protrudes beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.The hernial bulge compresses the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in poor blood circulation in the cervical vertebrae.
Stage 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.Joints become fused and immobile (ankylosis).The patient's condition is severe: 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 qualification 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 affected and cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we give detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of: the patient's complaints, characteristic clinical picture, history, data from the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination 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 should be used in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
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.
- Physical therapy.
Surgical intervention is used extremely rarely when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis or when the functioning of internal organs is impaired.
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 development 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 allow 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 impact on the 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 the 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 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, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of the surrounding tissues, improve blood supply in the area of inflammation and activate the metabolic processes of the cartilage tissue of the damaged intervertebral discs.The goal 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 USA, are safe, effective, have practically no contraindications and are well tolerated by patients even in older groups.
The patient will receive recommendations on what to do with cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of the symptoms, accompanying pathologies and the results of the examination.