Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the spine, and preventing patient disability.
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 lasting effect.Treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias in other segments as well as recurrence of the hernia.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is necessary immediately after the first signs of the disease appear.
Mechanisms of the development of osteochondrosis
The spine consists of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs between them.The intervertebral disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the middle, which is surrounded by a dense fibrous ring at the periphery.The nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic – saturated with moisture and has high elasticity.The elastic properties of the intervertebral discs ensure shock absorption and mobility of the spine.
In people over the age of 20, the intervertebral discs gradually begin to lose elasticity.This is due to the obliteration of the vessels supplying the intervertebral discs, and further blood supply occurs by diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies.In the cartilage tissue, the regeneration processes slow down due to a lack of nutrients - the intervertebral disc begins to “age”.First, the nucleus pulposus dehydrates, loses its elasticity and becomes flat, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, stretch zones, fractures and delaminations occur in the structure of the ring.
The degenerated intervertebral disc protrudes towards the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors 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 articulation in the intervertebral joints and an underdeveloped muscular frame.With prolonged static loads on the cervical spine (work 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 for the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired anomalies of the spine.
- Natural aging processes of the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overloading of the spine: forced posture, lack of movement.
- Passion for sports that pose a risk to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoke.
- Autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissue – collagen vascular disease.
- Incorrect diet with predominantly carbohydrate and fatty foods, with a deficiency of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis as a disease goes through several stages in its development:
Stage I. The initial phase is characterized by local pain in the neck area, which increases when turning and tilting the head.There is smoothness of the cervical lordosis and muscle tension.Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying out of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.
Stage II. The pain in the neck increases and radiates to the arm and shoulder.Severe headaches, weakness and reduced performance occur.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 and radiates to the arms and shoulders.The arm muscles become weak and there is numbness in the upper extremities.Patients suffer from headaches, dizziness and problems with spatial orientation.At this stage the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed, extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates the spinal canal, creating an inguinal hernia.The hernia bulge compresses nerves and blood vessels, resulting in poor blood circulation in the cervical spine.
Stage 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 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 cerebrovascular accident, sensory 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 advice and diagnostics from a doctor
- chiropractor
- Vertebrologist
- osteopath
- neurologist
As part of the consultation, a detailed diagnosis of the entire spine and each individual segment is carried out.An experienced doctor will determine exactly which segments and nerve roots are affected and cause pain symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide detailed treatment recommendations and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of: patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture, medical history, data from a neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient using modern diagnostic methods: X-ray, magnetic and computed tomography, results of functional tests.
After an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a particular patient and what technique to use in each individual case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is symptomatic, mainly using conservative methods, including:
- Drug therapy, which includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgical interventions are used extremely rarely if there is a risk of stroke or paralysis or if the function of internal organs is disturbed.
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 progression of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected spinal segment.
A holistic approach and the gentle nature of the therapy methods used enable effective treatment of even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method of manual impact on problem areas of the spine is intended to restore the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.During the procedure, pinched nerve roots in the spine are removed and the neck muscles in the area of pathological changes are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of delivering medication directly to the affected section of the spine.Medications are prescribed that improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasms.
Photodynamic phototherapy.The method is based on the ability of a light-sensitive drug to be activated under the influence of laser radiation.In the area of the affected segment, a layer of a drug is applied to the skin, which penetrates 10-13 cm deep into the tissue and 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, eliminate swelling of the surrounding tissues, improve blood supply in the area of inflammation and activate the metabolic processes of the cartilage tissue of damaged intervertebral discs.The goal of treatment is not only to relieve pain and improve the patient's condition, but also to prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves by influencing various parts of the pathological process.
The methods of treating neck osteochondrosis in a modern clinic have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have almost no contraindications and are well tolerated by patients even in older age groups.
The patient, after consulting a neurologist, receives recommendations on what to do with cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, concomitant diseases and examination results.