Cologne (NRW) Spine Specialist: Dr Charilaos Christopoulos

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Dr Charilaos Christopoulos, a specialist in neurosurgery specializing in spine surgery, is head of the spine surgery department at the private clinic ATOS Orthoparc Clinic Cologne.

As a proven expert with many years of experience in spine surgery, head physician Dr Christopoulos treats patients with diseases, injuries, and pain in and around the spine using gentle, minimally invasive procedures. His focus is on the well-being and prompt recovery of his patients.

Specialist in Herniated Disks in Cologne

In the case of a herniated disk, the soft, gelatinous core of a disk leaks out between the vertebrae of the spine and applies pressure to the surrounding nerves. The compression of the nerve roots causes pain and neurological deficits. In addition to a comprehensive physical examination, the suspected diagnosis at the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic in Cologne is confirmed by Dr Charilaos Christopoulos and his team using imaging techniques such as MRI.

The treatment can be carried out conservatively, including rest, physiotherapy, medication, and injections. In severe cases or if symptoms persist, surgery is recommended to reduce the pressure on the nerves and reconstruct the damaged disk. After treatment, rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring functionality and mobility.

Most excellent Expertise in the Treatment of Spinal Canal Stenosis

Spinal canal stenosis is a degenerative disease of the spine defined by spinal canal narrowing. As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord is directed along the spinal column in this tunnel. If this bony canal is narrowed due to aging, degeneration of the spine, herniated disks, or spondylolisthesis, the spinal cord can be severely compressed.

This spinal canal narrowing manifests in back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. The symptoms can gradually worsen and often affect the patient's ability to walk and quality of life.

The diagnosis is made at the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic in Cologne using clinical examinations and imaging procedures such as MRI.

The treatment can be conservative, including physiotherapy, pain management, injections, and regular exercise. In severe cases or when conservative measures are ineffective, Dr Christopoulos recommends surgical widening of the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Many Years of Experience in the Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis describes a spinal disorder in which a vertebra slips out of its normal position and shifts forward or backward. Congenital defects, aging, herniated disks, or spine fractures can cause such a slipped vertebra.

The displacement can pressure the nerves, leading to back pain, muscle tension, and neurological symptoms.

Clinical examinations and imaging procedures such as simple X-rays or MRIs make the diagnosis. The treatment of a slipped vertebra is initially conservative, using physiotherapy, pain medication, and special exercises.

Spine specialist Dr Christopoulos has many years of experience with severe cases and recommends surgery in these cases to stabilize the spine and reduce the pressure on the nerves.

Spinal Surgery in Cologne: Myelopathy Treatment with State-of-the-Art Technology

If a compressive situation persists on the spinal cord in the cervical vertebrae over a more extended period, or if the nerve pathways are permanently damaged by a serious accident, the spinal cord can suffer severe damage. In this case, the pressure should not be surgically minimized promptly.

This surgery aims to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. Dr Christopoulos and his team remove tissue or bony structures pressing on the spinal cord during the procedure.

This can be achieved through various procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, or fusion of two sliding vertebral bodies. The aim is to alleviate the symptoms, improve nerve function, and increase the patient's quality of life. The decision to undergo myelopathy surgery at the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic in Cologne is made individually after careful diagnosis and consideration of the risks and benefits.

Individual Therapy for Facet Syndrome 

Facet syndrome is a spine disease characterized by degenerative irritation of the small facet joints between the vertebrae.

This is manifested by back pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Typical causes are aging injuries or excessive strain on the spine. The diagnosis is made at the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic in Cologne using clinical examinations and imaging procedures such as X-rays or MRIs.

Dr Christopoulos recommends an individual treatment approach to determine the best treatment option for each patient. Initially, conservative treatment options such as physiotherapy, effective pain medication, injections, and targeted exercises to strengthen the back muscles are used. Cryoanalgesia (icing/nerve obliteration) can also be carried out to relieve pain. In severe cases, surgery to stabilize the spine may be considered.

Please visit the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic Cologne website for more information.