Cervical osteochondrosis, in contrast to diseases of the spine, occurs almost equally in young people and the elderly. It’s hard to imagine someone who has never had a neck pain: this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, always sitting at a computer or study desk in a tilted position.
Other risk factors include bad habits and eating disorders, being overweight, poor body 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 forced changes in the normal position of the spine.
The spread of the disease can be a reason for a reckless attitude towards it. But it is important to remember that the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a mandatory step if you want to prevent unpleasant and dangerous complications.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
SHOP osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage of the cervical spine, which is also characterized by violations of the structure and function of the intervertebral disc. The disease is prone to slow progression, however when the tissue condition worsens, other pathologies may appear:
- hernias and protrusions;
- inflammatory processes;
- cervical vertebral instability and associated risks;
- muscle diseases;
- paralyzed, etc.
One of the most common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. These are attacks of pain, accompanied by other symptoms: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, buzzing in the ears, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, and even temporary speech disorders. While this is a reversible consequence, such symptoms are dangerous and worsen the quality of life, which means it is necessary to prevent the onset of the syndrome. This may be done with early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Localization of pathological processes in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- cramps while turning the head;
- Headache;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- faint, partially faint;
- pain in hands, numbness, tingling of fingers;
- neck pain;
- limiting neck movement;
- neck muscle spasms;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
If there is a combination of osteochondrosis of several departments (eg cervical and thoracic), the disease can manifest itself in other symptoms: back muscle spasms, chest pain, etc.
To choose the right treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the stage of pathological development, the degree, to clarify the presence or absence of corresponding disorders. First, you should see a neurologist. Based on complaints, anamnesis, surveys, as well as visual examinations at various torso positions, movements and rest, the doctor will send a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the initial diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed using several methods:
- Radiography SHOP;
- CT;
- myelography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination of the cervical canal, cerebral artery Doppler ultrasonography;
- laboratory tests (for inflammatory processes, etc. ).
In some cases, an accurate detailed diagnosis allows you to see the disease that accompanies osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decisions in choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of the next step depends on how accurately and precisely the diagnosis is made. Although there are certain symptoms, the picture of cervical osteochondrosis is similar to other diseases. Therefore, it is important to differentiate pathology and make the right choice.
How is treatment carried out?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out surgically or using conservative methods. Surgery is performed 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 the neurologist, taking into account the severity, general health, indications and contraindications for a particular procedure. 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 - the implementation of regular exercises that correct posture, strengthen the muscular corset, contribute to the normal tone of the neck muscles, and reduce the compression of nerve tissue;
- massage - massage of the cervical collar zone allows you to eliminate 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 strengthen muscles, relieve cramps, naturally release SHOP and stretch the spine;
- traction therapy - spinal traction allows you to increase the space between the discs, correct the structure of the spinal space, is widely used when combining different localization pathologies;
- physiotherapeutic methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis - enhance the effect of drug intake, designed to stop pain and inflammation of tissues, contribute to their normal recovery, accelerate metabolic processes;
- food nutrition - an optimal water regime allows you to prevent water loss by cartilage tissue, as well as ensure a supply of necessary vitamins and micronutrients.
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: rehabilitation and support measures last up to 1 year. Observing optimal physical activity, diet, and even abandoning bad habits is necessary for the rest of life, this is the basis for effective disease prevention.