The modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason that such a common disease as cervical osteochondrosis is actively getting younger. He is increasingly complained about by "computer scientists", drivers and other representatives of "sitting" professions. According to doctors, even 17-year-old teenagers complain of cervical osteochondrosis. As a rule, these are the ones who actively use the smartphone.
The fact is that, depending on the inclination over the device, the human spine experiences a load of 12 to 27 kg. The more time a person spends in this position, the faster the intervertebral discs wear out, there is pain in the neck and back, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend that treatment be started as soon as the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of neglecting health may be irreversible.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervical spine. It has seven vertebrae connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has an annulus fibrosus with a nucleus pulposus inside.
Metabolic disorder in it may indicate the appearance of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of load, the fibrous ring protrudes, cracks appear on it.
The cervical region has many nerve channels and blood vessels that provide nutrition to the brain, and the vertebrae are close together. Thus, even moderate deformation of one of the vertebrae leads to nerve structures and blood vessels being compressed.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and what is their danger?
The first signs of the disease are manifested in the form of tension and tingling in the muscles of the neck, pain that can radiate to the back of the head, shoulders and arms. When the cerebral circulation is disturbed due to osteochondrosis, migraines, vegetovascular diseases and hypertension occur. Also, the disease has a bad effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, and general coordination, hearing and vision deteriorate.
If treatment is not started on time, cervical osteochondrosis can cause intervertebral protrusion, hernia, and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is performed by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists specializing in vertebrology. First of all, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. Possible causes of the occurrence are also determined - harmful working conditions, patient habits, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, the patient is recommended an additional examination:
- An X-ray shows the degree of instability of the cervical vertebrae.
- MRI can detect bulges, disc herniations and soft tissue conditions.
- Ultrasound of blood vessels of the head and cervical region (Doppler) is recommended for cerebrovascular accidents, migraines. This examination allows you to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries, veins, as well as the presence of pathological tortuosity and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows you to see violations of vascular patency. All these examinations together enable an overview of the overall picture of the condition of the cervical spine in order to correctly diagnose and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to ensure long-term results.
Features of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The treatment is aimed at improving the 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 myotonia syndrome.
Different methods are used to achieve these goals:
- Massages combined with light orthopedic corrections to improve blood flow in the cervical spine.
- Short lever method for spine correction. This non-traumatic method allows you to effectively eliminate functional blocks and restore segment mobility.
- Shock wave therapy to improve metabolic processes, regenerate cells and affected areas of tissue and eliminate muscle cramps.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blockades, multizonal and other injections) in combination with the above methods. Medications are used only in some cases, to alleviate the acute condition with myotonic (soft tissue edema) and pain syndrome.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In the treatment of diseases, physiotherapy exercises are becoming increasingly popular. It is used not only in remission, but also as a prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens the muscular corset, removes restrictions on the mobility of the spine, increases the range of motion and allows you to restore neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved with therapy according to the Finnish-German David method, which is carried out at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. During the complex computer testing, the vulnerability of the cervical spine, the asymmetry of the muscles in the cervical region, the predominance or underdevelopment 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 the treatment and consolidation of results, it is necessary to conduct a course of 24 sessions twice a year. The results of training on simulators are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not an option
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-medicate. In the meantime, this can lead to serious complications. The person is especially endangered in the case of self-medication 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 choose for you gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of injury to the affected cervical spine.