Existing treatments for cervical osteochondrosis aim to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, halt further destruction of spinal cartilage and bone tissue, and prevent patient disability.
Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative process of destruction that affects first the intervertebral discs and then the vertebrae themselves.
- Positive dynamics 97% of the time.The results of the treatment procedure were confirmed by control MRI images.
- No side effects.The methods used clinically are safe and have no side effects.
- The effect is long-lasting.Treatment minimizes the risk of new hernias developing elsewhere and of recurrences.
It is necessary to treat cervical osteochondrosis immediately after the first symptoms appear.
The pathogenesis of osteochondrosis
The spine is made up of vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae.There is a gel-like nucleus pulposus in the center of the intervertebral disc, surrounded by a dense annulus fibrosus.The nucleus pulposus is hydrophilic—full of water and highly elastic.Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral disc, the shock absorption and mobility of the spine are ensured.
In people over the age of 20, the intervertebral discs begin to gradually lose their elasticity.This is due to the blood vessels supplying blood to the disc being occluded and further blood supply occurring due to spread from adjacent vertebral bodies.In cartilage tissue, due to lack of nutrients, the regeneration process slows down - the intervertebral disc begins to "age".Initially, the nucleus pulposus dehydrates, loses elasticity, and flattens, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus.Microcracks, tensile zones, breaks and delaminations appear in the structure of the rings.
The degenerated disc herniates toward the spinal canal, stimulating the nerve endings of pain receptors located on the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The pathological process characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this part of the spine: the structure and size of the cervical vertebrae are different, the intervertebral joints are denser, and the muscular framework is underdeveloped.The cervical spine is subjected to static loads for a long time (working at the computer), the weak muscles cannot support the head well, and the main load falls on the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed in specialized clinics using unique techniques based on a combination of manual therapy, electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy.
The main causes of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired spinal abnormalities.
- The natural process of aging in the body.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Chronic static and dynamic overload of the spine: forced postures, lack of physical activity.
- Passion for a sport that's bad for the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Collagenopathy, an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue.
- Improper nutrition, mainly carbohydrates and fat foods, lacking protein, vitamins, trace elements and macroelements.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Spinal Injury and Disease.
Development stages of cervical osteochondrosis
As a disease, cervical osteochondrosis goes through several stages in its development process:
Stage one.The initial symptoms are localized pain in the neck that worsens when turning and tilting the head.There is the smoothness of the cervical lordosis and the tone of the muscles.Morphological changes begin with the disc structure: drying of the nucleus pulposus and rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
The second stage.Neck pain worsens and radiates to arms and shoulders.Severe headaches, weakness, and decreased performance may occur.The destruction of the annulus fibrosus continues, and signs of pathological movement and instability of the vertebrae appear.
The third stage.The pain in the neck is severe and constant and radiates to the arms and shoulders.The arm muscles are weak and the upper limbs are numb.Patients experience headaches, dizziness, and problems with spatial orientation.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed.The nucleus pulposus is not fixed and extends beyond the vertebrae into the spinal canal, forming a hernia.Hernias compress nerves and blood vessels, causing poor blood circulation in the cervical spine.
The fourth stage.This is the final stage of the disease.The cartilage of the intervertebral disc is replaced by connective tissue, and adjacent spinal segments participate in the pathological process.The joints grow together and become immobile (ankylosis).The patient's condition was serious: not only severe pain in the neck, but also severe pain in the arms, chest, and between the shoulder blades, as well as signs of cerebrovascular accidents and sensitivity disorders.This is a life-threatening disease that can lead to stroke.
The success of treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Free consultation and diagnosis with a doctor
- chiropractor
- chiropractor
- Osteopath
- Neurologist
During the consultation, a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment is performed.An experienced doctor can determine exactly which segments and nerve roots are affected and causing painful symptoms.Based on the results of the consultation, we provide detailed treatment recommendations and, if necessary, perform additional diagnostics.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is based on: patient complaints, characteristic clinical manifestations, medical history, data from neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient using modern diagnostic methods (radiography, magnetism and computed tomography), results of functional tests.
After making an accurate diagnosis, doctors decide how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in a specific patient and what techniques should be used in a given case.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly with conservative methods, including:
- Medication, including painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and B vitamins.
- Physical therapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- acupuncture.
- Therapeutic exercise.
Surgical intervention is rarely used when there is a real threat of stroke, paralysis, or destruction of internal organ function.
At the current stage of medical development, it is impossible to completely cure cervical osteochondrosis, but it is possible to prevent the further development of the pathological process and stabilize the condition of the affected spinal segments.
The comprehensive approach and the gentleness of the treatments used make it possible to effectively treat advanced cervical osteochondrosis.
Main methods of modern clinical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy and osteopathy.This method of manual impact on problem areas of the spine is designed to restore the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.During the surgery, compressed nerve roots in the spine are eliminated and the neck muscles in the diseased area are relaxed.
Electrophoresis is a method of delivering drugs directly to the affected area of the spine.Medications are used to improve circulation and relieve inflammation and muscle spasms.
Photodynamic phototherapy.The method is based on the ability of photosensitive drugs to be activated under the influence of laser radiation.Apply a layer of medicine on the skin of the affected area and penetrate 10-13 cm into the tissue. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis therapy, and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, eliminate swelling of surrounding tissues, improve blood supply to inflamed areas, and activate metabolic processes in damaged disc cartilage tissue.The goal of treatment is not only to relieve pain and improve the patient's condition, but also to prevent further destruction of the disc and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves by affecting various parts of the pathological process.
The method used in modern clinics to treat osteochondrosis of the neck has been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the United States, is safe and effective, has few contraindications and is well tolerated even by elderly patients.
After consultation with a neurologist, patients will receive advice on what to do with cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, accompanying pathology, and test results.