Cervical osteochondrosis, unlike diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost equally often in young and elderly people. It's hard to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain: this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, which is constantly at the computer or desk in an inclined position.
Other risk factors include bad habits and eating errors, being overweight, 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 improper load distribution and a forced change in the normal position of the spine.
The prevalence of the disease may be the reason for a frivolous attitude towards it. But it is important to remember that 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 characterized by a violation of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs. This disease is prone to slow progression, however, as the tissue condition worsens, other pathologies may occur:
- hernia and bulge;
- inflammatory processes;
- cervical spine instability and associated risks;
- muscle diseases;
- paralysis etc.
One of the common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. This is an attack of pain, accompanied by other signs: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, and even temporary speech disorders. Despite the fact that these are reversible consequences, such symptoms are dangerous and worsen the quality of life, which means that it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of the syndrome. This is possible with early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Localization of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- crunching when turning his head;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- unconsciousness, semi-unconsciousness;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling in the fingers;
- neck pain;
- restricting door movement;
- neck muscle cramps;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
If there is a combination of osteochondrosis of several departments (for example, cervical and thoracic), the disease can be manifested by other signs: back muscle cramps, chest pain, etc.
In order to select the correct method of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of development of the pathology, stage, clarify the presence or absence of concomitant disorders. You should consult a neurologist first. Based on the complaints, anamnesis, examination, as well as visual examination in different positions of the torso, movement and rest, the doctor will send a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed in several ways:
- SHOP radiography;
- CT;
- myelography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination of blood vessels, Doppler ultrasound of cerebral arteries;
- laboratory tests (for inflammatory processes, etc. ).
In some cases, an accurate 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 further measures depends on how timely and accurate the diagnosis is 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 carried out?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out surgically or conservatively. Surgery 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 application and the rapid progression of the disease.
The treatment regimen is chosen by a neurologist, taking into account the weight, general health condition, indications and contraindications for certain procedures. Both conservative treatment and the postoperative period 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 the compression of nervous tissue;
- massage - neck neck massage allows you to remove muscle contractions and spasms, restore the normal position of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae and normalize blood flow;
- water aerobics, swimming - a visit to the pool helps strengthen muscles, relieve cramps, naturally relieve SHOP 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 in combining pathologies of different localization;
- physiotherapeutic methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis - enhance the effect of medication, 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 cartilage tissue, as well as to ensure the supply of the necessary amount of vitamins and trace elements.
Active treatment of cervical osteochondrosis lasts 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: restorative, supportive measures last up to 1 year. Observing optimal physical activity, diet, as well as giving up bad habits is necessary throughout life, it is the basis for effective disease prevention.