A modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason why a disease as common as cervical osteochondrosis is actively getting younger. "IT people", drivers and other representatives of "sedentary" professions are increasingly complaining about him. According to doctors, even 17-year-olds complain of cervical osteochondrosis. As a rule, these are those who actively use a smartphone.
The fact is that, depending on the inclination on the gadget, the human spine undergoes a load of 12 to 27 kg. The longer a person spends in this position, the faster the intervertebral discs wear out, neck and back pain, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend starting treatment immediately when the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of neglecting health can be irreversible.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervical. It has seven vertebrae that are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has an annulus fibrosus with a nucleus pulposus inside it.
A metabolic disturbance in it can indicate the appearance of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses its strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of loads, the fibrous ring protrudes, cracks appear in it.
The cervical region has many nerve channels and blood vessels to provide nutrition to the brain, and the vertebrae are close together. So, even a moderate deformation of one of the vertebrae leads to the fact that the nerve structures and blood vessels are compressed.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and what is its danger?
The first signs of the disease are manifested in the form of tension and tingling in the neck muscles, pain that can radiate to the back of the neck, shoulder blades and arms. When cerebral circulation is disturbed due to osteochondrosis, migraines, vegetovascular diseases and hypertension arise. In addition, the disease has a bad effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, general coordination, hearing and vision deteriorate.
If treatment is not started in time, cervical osteochondrosis can cause intervertebral protrusion, hernia, and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is carried out by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists specializing in the field of vertebrology. First, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. Possible causes of appearance are also determined - harmful working conditions, patient habits, presence of injuries.
If this is necessary, the patient is recommended an additional examination:
- The radiograph shows the degree of instability of the cervical vertebral bodies.
- MRI can detect the formation of bulges, herniated discs, and the condition of soft tissues.
- Ultrasonography of the vessels of the head and cervical region (Dopplerography) is recommended for strokes, migraines. This exam makes it possible to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries and veins, as well as the presence of pathological tortuosity and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows you to see violations of blood vessel permeability. Together, all these tests allow you to see the overall picture of the state of the cervical spine to correctly establish the diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to ensure a long-term outcome.
Features of the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment is aimed at improving blood supply to the brain and tissues around the cervical spine, increasing the mobility of blocked segments of the cervical spine and reducing pain and myotonic syndrome.
To achieve these goals, several methods are used:
- Massages in combination with light orthopedic corrections to improve blood flow in the cervical spine.
- Short lever method for spinal correction. This non-traumatic method makes it possible to effectively eliminate functional blocks and restore segment mobility.
- Shockwave therapy to improve metabolic processes, renew affected cells and tissue areas, and eliminate muscle spasms.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blocks, multizone injections and others) in combination with the above methods. Medications are used only in a few cases to relieve an acute condition with myotonic (soft tissue edema) and pain syndrome.
Exercise therapy for cervical spine osteochondrosis
In the treatment of diseases, physical therapy exercises are becoming more and more popular. It is used not only in a state of remission, but also as a prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Physical exercises improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscular corset, eliminate restrictions on the mobility of the vertebrae, increase the range of motion and allow you to restore neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved by therapy according to the Finnish-German David method, carried out at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. In the course of complex computer tests, the vulnerability of the cervical spine, the muscular asymmetry in the cervical region, the predominance or lack of development of the muscular system are determined. Based on these indicators, the possible load is calculated and an individual training program is formed on innovative medical simulators. For treatment and consolidation of the result, a course of 24 sessions should be taken twice a year. Results of simulator training are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not an option
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-medicated. Meanwhile, it can lead to serious complications. A person is especially at risk in the case of self-treatment or the use of traumatic manual techniques and physical manipulations, which not only do not cure, but can even worsen the disease. It is better to entrust the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to qualified specialists who will select for you gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of injury to the affected cervical spine.