Cervical osteochondrosis, unlike diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost as often in young and old people. It is difficult to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain - this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly staying at a computer or study desk in an inclined state.
Other risk factors include poor nutritional habits and errors, excess weight, poor posture and flat feet, inadequate physical activity. Even the habit of carrying a bag on one shoulder can eventually lead to osteochondrosis, which is associated with an inappropriate load distribution and a forced change in the normal position of the spine.
The prevalence of the disease may be the reason for the frivolous attitude towards it. But it is important to remember that the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a mandatory measure if you want to prevent unpleasant and dangerous complications.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a degenerative disease of the cartilage of the cervical spine, which is also characterized by a violation of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs. This disease is prone to slow progression, however, as the state of the tissues deteriorates, other pathologies may appear:
- hernia and bulge;
- inflammatory processes;
- instability of the cervical vertebrae and associated risks;
- muscle diseases;
- paralysis, etc.
One of the common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. It is an attack of pain, accompanied by other signs: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness and even temporary disorders of the speaks. Despite the fact that these are reversible consequences, these symptoms are dangerous and worsen the quality of life, which is why it is necessary to prevent the appearance of the syndrome. This is possible with early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The localization of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- creaking when turning the head;
- Headaches
- dizziness;
- difficult to focus;
- fainting, semi fainting;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling in the fingers;
- Neck Pain;
- limit neck movement;
- spasms of the neck muscles;
- impairment of cognitive processes.
In the event that there is a combination of osteochondrosis of various departments (for example, cervical and thoracic), the disease can manifest itself in other signs: spasms of the back muscles, chest pains, etc.
In order to choose the correct treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of development of the pathology, stage, to clarify the presence or absence of concomitant disorders. First, you need to consult a neurologist. On the basis of complaints, anamnesis, a survey, as well as a visual examination in various positions of the torso, movement and rest, the doctor will send a complete examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed by several methods:
- X-ray SHOP;
- CONNECTICUT;
- myelography;
- Magnetic resonance;
- ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck, Doppler ultrasound of the arteries of the brain;
- laboratory tests (for inflammatory processes, etc. ).
In some cases, a detailed and accurate diagnosis allows you to see the diseases that accompany osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision in choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of other measures depends on how timely and accurate the diagnosis has been made. Despite the presence of specific symptoms, the picture of cervical osteochondrosis is similar to the course of other diseases. Therefore, it is important to differentiate the pathology and make the correct decision.
How is the treatment carried out?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out surgically or by conservative methods. The operation is resorted to only in the most extreme cases, strict indications for intervention are the complete ineffectiveness of conservative methods (for a long time), the impossibility of their use, and the rapid progression of the disease.
The treatment regimen is chosen by a neurologist, taking into account the severity, general state of health, indications and contraindications for specific procedures. Both conservative and postoperative treatment require a careful and comprehensive approach. Combine the following methods:
- drug therapy - restores cartilage tissue, relieves pain and inflammation, improves metabolic processes, saturates tissues with oxygen, etc. ;
- Exercise therapy - regular performance of prescribed exercises corrects posture, strengthens the muscular corset, contributes to the normal tone of the neck muscles and reduces compression of nervous tissues;
- massage - massage of the cervical collar area allows you to remove clamps and muscle spasms, restore the normal position of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, and normalize blood flow;
- water aerobics, swimming - a visit to the pool helps to strengthen muscles, relieve spasms, naturally unload the TENT and stretch the spine;
- traction therapy - spinal traction allows you to increase the space between the discs, correct the structure of the spine, is widely used when combining pathologies of different localization;
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis - they enhance the effect of taking drugs, are designed to stop pain and inflammation of tissues, contribute to their normal recovery, accelerate metabolic processes;
- dietary nutrition - the optimal water regime allows you to prevent water loss from the cartilage tissues, as well as ensure the supply of the required amount of vitamins and microelements.
Active treatment of cervical osteochondrosis takes up to 3 months, depending on the severity of the condition. However, even after that, it is impossible to forget about the health of the spine - supportive and restorative measures last up to 1 year. Observing optimal physical activity, a diet, and also giving up bad habits is necessary throughout the entire period of life, this is the basis for the effective prevention of the disease.