The term "osteochondrosis" includes a group of diseases that predominantly damage the intervertebral discs and joints. Due to degenerative changes in them, a patient suffers from constant pain, and neurological disorders may develop. Treatment of osteochondrosis in Germany involves the use of conservative and surgical methods.
Content
- Conservative therapy for osteochondrosis
- Cell therapy for osteochondrosis
- Minimally invasive treatment for osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis treatment in Germany involves the use of conservative methods such as cell therapy, drug blocks, and minimally invasive procedures (laser and radiofrequency treatments). Nonetheless, surgical techniques can also sometimes be used.
You can seek medical attention from the Beta Klinik Bonn, the University Hospital Ulm, or the Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin.
The specialists from the Booking Health company will take care of all the arrangements for your treatment in Germany. We will help you select a hospital and a doctor, make an appointment for your preferred dates, and reduce the waiting time for your treatment. We will book hotel and airline tickets, meet you at the airport, and take you to the hospital by car.
Conservative therapy for osteochondrosis
Most patients with osteochondrosis receive conservative treatment. The following methods are the main ones:
- systemic drug therapy: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants;
- medical drug blocks: the injection of local anesthetics into the soft tissues near the spine, sometimes in combination with glucocorticoids, to block the conduction of pain impulses and relieve inflammation;
- non-drug procedures: wearing corsets, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, massage, acupuncture, or manual therapy.
Cell therapy for osteochondrosis
Cell therapy, which is a new direction in the conservative treatment of osteochondrosis, is practiced in Germany. This treatment option involves the injection of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) or stem cells into the area of spinal tissues with degenerative changes.
Platelets are cells that are responsible for the formation of a blood clot and the healing of tissues in the wound area. The wound healing effect is provided by growth factors that are contained in platelet granules. This property is used in medicine. Doctors take blood from a patient, centrifuge it, and remove excess cells and fluid. As a result, they receive autologous conditioned plasma with an increased platelet count. It is injected into the area of the pathological process. Already in the first hours after the injection, platelets secrete growth factors that stimulate tissue healing.
Some hospitals use stem cell therapy using stem cells harvested from the patient's blood, bone marrow, or adipose tissue. These cells also secrete growth factors. In addition, they can mature into cells that form the intervertebral disc, integrate into the defect area, and thus restore damaged tissues.
Minimally invasive treatment for osteochondrosis
Doctors in Germany use minimally invasive procedures for treating osteochondrosis. They are aimed at destroying sensory nerves, repairing minor intervertebral disc protrusions, and strengthening the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.
Various techniques are used to destroy the nerves, including laser and chemical neurolysis, but the most common are radiofrequency denervation and cryoablation. A probe is inserted into the region of the sensitive nerve, which, due to heating or cooling, destroys the nervous tissue. Over time, it regenerates, but the procedure provides significant pain relief or its complete disappearance for 6-12 months or more.
Degenerative processes in discs are often treated abroad with laser and radiofrequency techniques. The procedure is carried out with a puncture needle. With the help of a probe, doctors evaporate intervertebral disc protrusions. They can also strengthen the annulus fibrosus to prevent the formation of new protrusions and hernias. Doctors cause damage with high temperatures, which initiates scar tissue growth.
You are welcome to use the Booking Health service to undergo your diagnostics, treatment, and neurological rehabilitation at one of the German medical centers. On our website, you can find out the cost of treatment and get medical services at the best price. Our specialists will select clinics in Germany for you and take care of all the arrangements for your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Sergey Pashchenko. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
Healthline
Web MD
The Lancet
