Sooner or later, almost every person leading a normal life is faced with back pain. In order to avoid this problem, you need to constantly do exercises and special exercises that strengthen the muscle corset, move as much as possible, and not be in a sitting position for a long time.
If the problem has already appeared, you must immediately consult a doctor in order not to aggravate your health. This must be done when the following symptoms appear:
- back pain even with small physical exertion, which does not go away within 2-3 days;
- there was a spinal injury;
- lumbago in the back;
- when lying down or while sleeping, the discomfort does not go away;
- pulling and aching pains do not go away for a week or more.
The vertebrologist deals with the treatment of diseases of the spine. Since this is a narrow specialist, it is not always possible to get an appointment with him on time, therefore, in urgent cases, you can get advice from a neurologist, traumatologist (if the appearance of unpleasant sensations was preceded by an injury), oncologist, surgeon.
If you do not know which doctor to go to, it is best to first contact a therapist who will give initial recommendations and refer you to the necessary specialist.
In this article, we will consider the criteria for choosing the best clinic for the treatment of the spine, as well as make a rating of the best of those located in St. Petersburg.
How to choose a medical center for the treatment of the spine, and what to look for
Consider the main recommendations and tips for choosing a back clinic:
- First of all, it is necessary to study the list of services provided and the qualifications of the personnel. A self-respecting organization publishes this information on the official website, making it available for everyone to see. It is advisable to find in this list a specialist with a qualification level not less than a candidate of medical sciences. The more experience he has in the specialization, the better. Age is not always worth considering as it is a controversial criterion. Sometimes a young doctor actively exploring new technologies and attending conferences will be preferable to a person of an age who, due to their health problems, can “work half-heartedly”, “stay in the past,” and use only the knowledge gained in youth.
- It is recommended to give preference to doctors with a narrow specialization. Universal, multidisciplinary centers are very popular, however, in terms of functionality, they rarely go beyond the framework of a state polyclinic.Clinics with a narrow specialization usually have better specialized equipment, a large number of doctors who know the specifics of the disease.
- The quantity and quality of reviews. We recommend talking to your relatives and friends, as it is possible that one of them has already encountered a similar problem and will tell you a good institution dealing with spinal hernias, osteochondrosis and joint problems. A good option would be to search for customer reviews on the Internet, not only on the official website of the clinic, but on specialized independent sites where people are not interested in leaving exclusively positive comments, and reviews are not censored. When studying the center, it is worth paying attention to the period of work (the longer it is, the better), the presence of an extensive network (branches) - all this speaks in favor of the company. It would be useful to study specialized forums where people share their opinions about a particular clinic, or about a specific doctor.
- Availability of modern diagnostic equipment, tidy renovated premises, cleanliness and order. A good clinic pays special attention to equipping offices with all the necessary equipment, and does not save on it. It helps not only to quickly diagnose, but also to make the correct diagnosis, on which the outcome of treatment depends.
- The optimum ratio of price and quality. We do not recommend considering clinics that provide services at the most budgetary prices, since they usually save on the most important thing - technical equipment and salaries for competent specialists. Accordingly, the staff of the institution in such centers has an average or low qualification, does not have all the necessary skills and is not able to carry out all the necessary measures and provide the required assistance for pain in the spine, uses low-quality materials. At the same time, the price should not be too high, since the patient's budget is often limited.
In well-known centers, the first doctor's consultation is free, so before making the final choice, it is worth visiting the chosen clinic, talking with the doctor, evaluating his approach to treatment, and only after that make the final decision.
Elimination of problems associated with the spinal column can be carried out conservatively and operatively. The conservative method is a classic technique, which consists in influencing the patient's body in ways with minimal interference. Most often, patients are prescribed: taking medications, physical therapy, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, sessions with a chiropractor. The operative method involves carrying out surgical procedures, including cartilage transplantation, the installation of prostheses, and the removal of formations of various etiologies (hernia, etc.). This technique is used only after conservative treatment in the event that it has not yielded results, or in urgent cases that cannot be delayed. Hernia surgery can give serious complications, so this method is used as a last resort.
Rating of clinics providing quality treatment services in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region
Let's start our review of institutions dealing with spinal column problems with the most famous organizations within the Ring Road and the Leningrad Region.
Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology
Address: St. Petersburg, st. Bekhterev, 3.
Working hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 18:00.
Phone number: ☎ + 7 812 670-02-22.
Official website on the Internet: bekhterev.ru.
The institution is located near the Elizarovskaya metro stations, Alexander Nevsky Square - 1 and 2.
It provides qualified assistance to people with problems of the cervical and lower spine, intervertebral hernias, peripheral nerve injuries, stenosis, osteochondrosis, back pain.
The clinic is equipped with modern and technological equipment that allows for diagnostic and surgical procedures. Experienced and qualified professionals use innovative techniques used all over the world every day.
The main preference is given to conservative methods that allow achieving the desired result without the use of traumatic manipulations, which allows the patient to quickly recover. However, in case of vital indications, doctors perform operations in all areas of neurosurgery and neurology. Most of the operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which make it possible to accelerate the body's recovery up to several days.
The neurosurgical department has 30 beds, which are located in 9 wards - general, double, postoperative and operating room, single.
There is its own consultation department, patients are admitted daily. In case of revealing any problems with the client, it is possible to obtain the conclusion of a council of doctors of narrow profiles. If a patient has a referral from a local polyclinic, consultations are provided free of charge.
The staff of doctors consists of neuropathologists, rheumatologists, neurosurgeons and therapists. Due to the presence of doctors of all specialties, the patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and the correct diagnosis in a short time. All of them are constantly undergoing retraining and possess the latest achievements in medicine.
The following technologies are used for diagnostics:
- stabilometry (evaluates the vestibular apparatus, the ability to maintain balance),
- micropolarization (examination of defects in the spinal cord and brain using microcurrent exposure);
- transcranial magnetic stimulation;
- X-ray examination;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- computed x-ray tomography;
- ultrasound examinations;
- dopplerometry.
On the basis of the center, an educational department has been created, in which doctors are trained in neurological and psychiatric directions. The training is paid and free of charge. The center's graduates work in many renowned clinics. Staff retraining and refresher courses for employees are also organized here.
On the company's website, you can find a detailed description of the proposed diagnostic examinations, a list of types of medical procedures performed, contacts of doctors conducting an appointment, a detailed map with a description of how to get to the center are also posted here.
The prices for the services provided are inexpensive and affordable for everyone. The clinic offers high standards of care, including a comfortable stay, courteous attitude of staff, and a full range of medical services. The center performs operations of any complexity: elimination of spinal stenosis, complications caused by injuries of the spine and skull, stiffness of movements, lumbar lumbago, removal of hernias, etc.
The following methods are used to eliminate back problems:
- drug therapy (use of analgesics, injections, anti-inflammatory drugs and chondoprotectors, physiotherapy procedures (traction, massage, exercise therapy, etc.);
- surgical manipulations.
Most often, patients with intervertebral hernias come to the appointment. In order to prevent compression of the spinal cord and eliminate the likely consequences, surgery is indicated for such patients. The equipment of the center makes it possible to identify hernias of any location and diameter. Minimally invasive interventions significantly shorten the rehabilitation period. Each client is given an individual schedule of rehabilitation procedures, which includes physiotherapy exercises, massage, physiotherapy. Endoscopic procedures allow the hernia to be removed with minimal risk of complications.
Also, the clinic carries out the operative elimination of osteochondrosis by microdecompression (elimination of compression of the intervertebral discs) and open removal of the hernia.They carry out operations associated with spinal injuries of any degree, treatment of oncological diseases of the spinal column and its congenital anomalies.
Decompressive and stabilizing manipulations are also performed, with the installation of implants for rigid and dynamic fixation. Before prescribing this or that surgical intervention to a patient, a consultation of doctors is necessarily gathered, with an individual consideration of a specific case.
The center's specialists also carry out the elimination of the consequences of unsuccessful manipulations carried out earlier in other medical institutions, find and eliminate the source of pain, which is a side effect of the previous intervention.
Advantages:
- competent, professional and friendly doctors;
- convenient site, has its own Vkontakte page, Instragram;
- average prices for services are much cheaper than in private clinics;
- convenient location, a large number of departments and beds;
- severe cases of patients are considered by a council with the appointment of an individual treatment program;
- it is possible to make an appointment online.
Disadvantages:
- due to the heavy workload of doctors, an appointment is scheduled several months in advance;
- a small number of rooms of increased comfort, not the best conditions for finding patients (poor repair, overcrowding).
Spine clinic of Dr. Razumovsky
Address: St. Petersburg, Aviakonstruktorov Ave., 6.
Working hours: daily from 09:00 to 21:00.
Phone number: ☎ + 7 (812) 649-03-03.
Official website on the Internet: https://medklinika.spb.ru/.
The clinic has been operating for over 10 years and is well known in St. Petersburg. The main activity is problems with the spine and joints in adults and children.
The organization uses advanced methods for diagnosing back problems, among them:
- ultrasound bone densitometry is a test that measures the mineral density of bone tissue. Because bones are mostly calcium, ultrasound examines the percentage of calcium and evaluates the structure of the bone tissue. The procedure allows you to identify even the initial forms of demineralization, to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Service cost - 1 100 rubles;
- computerized optical topography of the spine - a non-invasive technique that allows you to identify various defects of the spinal column and the causes of poor posture (scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis, torso, etc.). Diagnostics is performed by calculating the luminous flux reflected from the human body with the function of its registration. The procedure without side effects, allows you to identify the angle of inclination of the body, pelvic misalignment, deformation of the chest and other defects. The method is highly informative, safe in repeated use, allowed for adults and children over 5 years old. The cost of the service is 1,900 rubles;
- magnetic resonance imaging is a high-precision diagnostic method that allows you to obtain a layer-by-layer image of the part of the body in question. Scanning of various parts of the spine is performed: thoracic, cervical, lumbosacral, coccygeal and spinal cord. The procedure can be carried out in a closed and open way. The second is suitable for claustrophobic and overweight people. This method is not used for patients with pacemakers, metal implants, etc. The examination can be carried out on the basis of several centers by appointment, around the clock;
- multispiral computed tomography. The diagnostic method is based on the use of X-ray radiation. The examination of the spine is carried out in cases of traumatic injuries, inflammatory processes and tumors, degenerative changes, intervertebral hernias with different locations. The examination is not carried out in pregnant women.If the study is carried out using contrast, clients with the following problems cannot undergo it: diabetes mellitus (in acute form), renal failure, allergy to the components of the composition, defects of the thyroid gland.
The clinic provides services for the treatment of the spine in accordance with the latest achievements of world science, among the main methods are:
- Gialripier hondoprotector injections. The drug is made on the basis of hyaluronic acid, and also contains active substances that can reduce inflammation, activate regenerative and metabolic processes in tissues. In addition, the preparation contains an analgesic that helps to eliminate pain. The course requires 3 to 5 procedures with a break of up to 14 days.
- Magnetotherapy. The procedure has a complex effect, which consists in improving blood circulation and metabolic processes, pain relief, elimination of inflammation and edema, and improvement of the compensatory abilities of the human body. The cost of the service is 1,400 rubles.
- Photodynamic therapy. It consists in the introduction of a special substance under the skin, which accumulates in defective tissues, and when exposed to a light beam, damaged cells are destroyed. The method has proven itself in the removal of intervertebral hernias, osteochondropathy and other diseases. Sessions are held for 3 days, after which they take a break for at least 10 days. The cost of the service depends on the characteristics of the device and the area to be affected, and ranges from 2,300 to 9,200 per session.
- Plasmolifting. In the treatment of the spine, it is used in the following cases - osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, in traumatism and in other situations. The process stimulates the production of new cells, improves the general condition of blood vessels, and normalizes the mobility of the spinal column. The cost of the service is 4,800 rubles.
- Infusion therapy. In this procedure, a special fluid is injected into the patient's bloodstream by jet or drip. This technique helps to relieve swelling and eliminate severe pain that often occurs in people with back problems. As a rule, the procedure is carried out in a hospital.
- Intra-compound blockades. The procedure does not consist in treatment, but only in relieving pain by injecting an anesthetic directly into the site of inflammation. It allows you to relieve pain in intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis, radiculopathies, etc. The cost of the blockade depends on the type of joint, and is 1,100-2,000 rubles.
- Carboxytherapy (pneumopuncture). The bottom line is the subcutaneous injection of carbon dioxide into the tissue using a medical pistol. According to 80% of patients, the technique brings significant relief from pain syndrome, as well as improved mobility of the spinal column. After the introduction of gas, red blood cells begin to be produced in the tissues, which reduce pain and promote regeneration. The effect appears several days after the session. The clinic uses a pistol from one of the world's best manufacturers of such equipment. The apparent complexity of manipulation does not affect how much one session costs - depending on the zone, the service costs no more than 1,600 rubles.
- Spinal traction is one of the most effective techniques to prevent the destruction of the spinal column, eliminate osteochondrosis and changes in fibrous nature. Sessions are held both separately and as part of complex therapy at the rehabilitation stage after surgery. The procedure strengthens the muscle corset, eliminates joint subluxation in the spinal column, its curvature and displacement. The cost of the session is 1,300-1,600 rubles.
- Manual therapy is a targeted influence of the doctor's hands on problem areas to eliminate clamps and displacements. After the session, the patient relieves pain, muscle tension, improves blood supply and motor functions. The course is 5-12 procedures with a break of up to 3 days.One session will cost 2,300 - 2,700 rubles.
- Operative intervention. It is carried out only in cases where other methods have not shown an effect.
The clinic uses many other types of therapy, which cannot be described within the framework of this article.
The company has a convenient website where you can find out all the information on the methods used, read customer reviews, find out the current prices, as well as ongoing promotions and discounts, and find out other necessary information.
Advantages:
- the clinic conducts many types of diagnostic tests, as well as treatment methods;
- a convenient website that provides all the information the patient needs;
- the clinic is a laureate of many awards and ratings held in St. Petersburg;
- accept not only adults, but also children from birth;
- all doctors have many years of experience and are professionals in their field.
Disadvantages:
Scientific and Clinical Center for Spinal Pathology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "SPb NIIF"
Address: St. Petersburg, st. Polytechnic, 32.
Working hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
Phone number: ☎ 8 (812) 775-75-55.
Official website on the Internet: https://spbniif.ru/klinicheskie-podrazdeleniya/nauchno-klinicheskiy-tsentr-patologii-pozvonochnika-fgbu-spb-niif.php.
The center is a structural subdivision of the St. Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, which includes 3 departments:
- inpatient department - here adults and children with spinal pathologies of varying severity receive help;
- outpatient consulting department - patient care is provided on an outpatient basis or in a day hospital;
- laboratory department - instrumental research, analysis, etc. are carried out here.
The direction of the institution's activities is the elimination of pain syndrome, inflammatory and tumor lesions of the spinal column, elimination of its various deformations, congenital malformations, traumatic effects, as well as unsuccessful surgical interventions.
Diagnostics of the patient's condition is carried out using special equipment: by the method of computer and magnetic resonance imaging, digital X-ray, radioisotope scanning, ultrasound and laboratory research, electroneuromyography.
For patients in the center, the following manipulations are prescribed: anti-inflammatory therapy, analgesic blockades, electrical stimulation.
To recover from surgical interventions, patients are offered physical therapy classes, physiotherapy, electrical stimulation of various parts of the spine, making and wearing special orthoses.
The inpatient department of the institution consists of two-bed and one-bed wards, where patients undergo complex research methods, including punctures, removal of nerves from joints, discography, discoplasty, etc.
Surgical intervention is performed in cases where there is a need for:
- removal of intervertebral discs (can be carried out both simultaneously and in stages);
- installation of implants in the spinal column;
- removal of hernias;
- decompression of the spinal canals;
- electrical stimulation of the spinal cord;
- elimination of deformity and posture disorders in adults and children using a variety of fixation systems;
- thoracoplasty;
- vertebrotomy;
- motor rehabilitation.
In order to get hospitalization, you need to consult a doctor, or have a referral from the clinic at your place of residence. In the center, due to the workload of the staff and the large flow of visitors, there may be delays in hospitalization. It is carried out through the compulsory medical insurance policy or on a paid basis.
The department has its own educational center, which trains and upgrades the skills of its own employees. Various seminars and improvement courses are constantly held here. For teaching, both active teaching methods and interactive ones are used. Analyzes of specific patient situations and practical exercises are carried out periodically.All this improves the general level of qualification of doctors and contributes to better patient care.
The institution has its own website where you can get all the necessary information, including information about the schedule of admission of specialists, the schedule of the treatment room, get acquainted with what are paid medical services and the price list for them. All contact information, a list of employees, a map is also presented here.
Advantages:
- large staff, experienced specialists;
- there is an opportunity to get an OMC certificate;
- accept not only adults, but also children;
- single and double rooms are offered for hospitalization;
- a lot of positive feedback from patients.
Disadvantages:
- not too good repair and general condition of the premises;
- some equipment is outdated morally and physically.
Conclusion
Despite the large number of medical centers dealing with spine problems in adults and children in St. Petersburg, it is very easy to make a mistake when choosing the best one.
We recommend focusing, first of all, on the rating of establishments and the number of positive customer reviews. It is best if there are no negative reviews at all, but since such a situation is extremely rare, such reviews should be carefully studied and assess whether you are ready to put up with the shortcomings indicated in them.
The choice between public and private organizations is difficult to make, since each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. For many patients, the decisive criterion is the final cost of the services provided, which is why they do not even consider private companies.
Nevertheless, we recommend contacting such centers, since in most cases, the best doctors work there, for whom the head has created optimal conditions, in comparison with state clinics. If you do not have the opportunity to receive treatment in a private company, we advise you to go to a specific doctor in a public institution, making a choice based on the feedback from relatives and friends, or by studying the relevant forums in your region.