Cervical osteochondrosis, in contrast to diseases in other parts of the spine, occurs almost as often in young and old. It's hard to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain: this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly staying at a computer or a study table in an inclined state.
Other risk factors include bad habits and nutritional errors, overweight, poor posture and flat feet, inadequate physical activity. Even the habit of carrying a bag on the shoulder can lead to osteochondrosis, which is associated with inadequate 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 subject to a slow progression, however, as the tissue condition deteriorates, other pathologies can appear:
- hernia and protrusion;
- 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 a pain attack, accompanied by other signs: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, hypertension, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness and even temporary speech disturbances. Despite being reversible consequences, such symptoms are dangerous and worsen the quality of life, which means that it is necessary to prevent the onset of the syndrome. This is possible with early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The location of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- crunch when turning the head;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- fainting, semi-fainting;
- hand pain, numbness, tingling of the fingers;
- neck pain;
- limit neck movement;
- neck muscle spasms;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
In case there is a combination of osteochondrosis of several departments (eg cervical and thoracic), the disease may manifest itself by other signs: back muscle spasms, chest pain, etc.
To choose the correct treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of evolution of the pathology, stage, to clarify the presence or absence of concomitant dysfunctions. First, you must consult a neurologist. Based on complaints, anamnesis, lifting, in addition to visual examination in various positions of the trunk, movement and rest, the physician will forward an exhaustive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed by several methods:
- SHOP radiography;
- CT;
- 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, an accurate and detailed diagnosis allows you to see the diseases that accompany osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision when choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of other measures depends on how timely and accurate the diagnosis was 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 right choice.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed surgically or by conservative methods. The operation is performed only in the most extreme cases, the strict indications for intervention are the total ineffectiveness of conservative methods (for a long time), the impossibility of its use and the rapid progression of the disease.
The treatment regimen is chosen by the neurologist, taking into account the severity, general health, indications and contraindications for specific procedures. Both conservative and postoperative treatment require an attentive 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 - Regularly performing prescribed exercises corrects posture, strengthens the muscular corset, contributes to normal neck muscle tone, and reduces nerve tissue compression;
- 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 - going to the pool helps to strengthen muscles, relieve spasms, naturally unload the STORE and stretch the spine;
- Traction therapy - Traction of the spine allows to increase the space between the discs, correct the structure of the spine, it is widely used when combining pathologies from different locations;
- physiotherapeutic methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis - increase the effect of taking medications, aim to stop pain and inflammation of tissues, contribute to their normal recovery, accelerate metabolic processes;
- Dietary nutrition - the ideal water regime prevents water loss by cartilage tissue, as well as ensuring the supply of the necessary amount of vitamins and trace elements.
Active treatment for cervical osteochondrosis takes up to 3 months, depending on the severity of the disease. However, even after that, it is impossible to forget the health of the spine: the restorative and supportive measures last up to 1 year. The observation of ideal physical activity, diet and also the abandonment of bad habits is necessary during the entire period of life, this is the basis for an effective prevention of the disease.