Existing methods for treating 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 were confirmed by control MRI images.
- No side effects.The method used in the clinic is safe and has 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 spinal column consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded at the periphery by a dense fibrous ring.Nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.Due to the elastic nature of the intervertebral disc, shock absorption and spinal mobility are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the disc begins to gradually lose elasticity.This is due to the destruction of the vessels that feed the disc, and further blood supply occurs due to the spread from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In the cartilage tissue, due to the lack of nutrients, the regeneration process slows 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, breaks, and delamination appear in the ring structure.
A degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the pain receptor nerve endings 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, more compact articulation of the intervertebral joints and less developed muscular skeleton.With 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 professional clinics is carried out using 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 natural aging process of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overload on the spine: forced posture, physical inactivity.
- Passion for a sport dangerous to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- An autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper nutrition with a predominance of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a lack of protein, 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 turning and tilting the head.There is smooth cervical lordosis and muscle tension.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral disc: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
Stage II.The pain in the neck gets stronger and radiates to the arms and shoulders.Severe headaches, weakness, and decreased performance occur.Destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and vertebral instability appear.
Stage III.The pain in the neck is severe and constant, radiating to the arm and shoulder.Arm muscles become weak, and there is numbness in the upper part.Patients experience headaches, dizziness, and spatial orientation problems.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, goes beyond the vertebra and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia.The protrusion of the hernia compresses nerves and blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation in the cervical spine.
Stage IV.This is the final stage of the disease.Intervertebral disc cartilage is replaced by connective tissue, and adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process.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 treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnostics with a doctor
- Chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- Osteopathy
- Neurologist
During the consultation, a comprehensive diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is carried out.An experienced doctor accurately determines the segment and root of the nerve that is involved and causes 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 the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic methods: radiography, magnetic and computed tomography, functional test results.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat neck osteochondrosis in a particular patient, what technique should be used 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 pain relievers, 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 internal organ function 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.
The integrated approach and gentle nature of the therapeutic methods used make it possible to effectively treat even more advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main method of treating cervical osteochondrosis in modern clinics
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method exerts a manual effect 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 spinal nerve roots are removed, and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of delivering drugs directly to the affected spinal segment.Medicines are prescribed to improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasms.
Photodynamic phototherapy.This method is based on the ability of photosensitive drugs to be activated under the influence of laser radiation.A layer of the 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 tissue, increase blood supply in the area of inflammation, and activate metabolic processes of damaged intervertebral disc cartilage tissue.The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also, by affecting various parts of the pathological process, to stop the further destruction of the intervertebral disc and the destruction of the vertebra itself.
The methods used for the treatment of neck osteochondrosis in modern clinics have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the United States, are safe, effective, have almost no contraindications, and are well accepted by patients even in the older age group.
Patients will receive recommendations on what to do for cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, concomitant pathology and examination results.