Cervical osteochondrosis, in contrast to diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost as frequently in young and old. It is difficult to imagine a person who has never experienced pain in the neck - this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly being at the computer or at a desk in an inclined state.
Other risk factors include poor nutritional habits and errors, excess weight, poor posture and flat feet, inadequate physical activity. The habit of carrying a bag on one shoulder can also 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 the frivolous attitude towards him. 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?
SHOP osteochondrosis 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 slow progression, however, as the condition of the tissues deteriorates, other pathologies may appear:
- hernia and protrusion;
- inflammatory processes;
- instability of the cervical vertebrae and associated risks;
- muscle diseases;
- paralysis, etc.
One of the most common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. This is a pain attack, accompanied by other signs: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, and even temporary speech disturbances. Although these are reversible consequences, these 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
Localization of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- creak when turning the head;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- fainting, semi-fainting;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling in the fingers;
- neck pain;
- limit movement of the neck;
- muscle spasms in the neck;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
In the event that there is a combination of osteochondrosis of several departments (for example, cervical and thoracic), the disease can manifest itself in other signs: spasms of the back muscles, chest pains, etc.
To choose the correct treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of development of the pathology, stage, to clarify the presence or absence of concomitant disorders. First, you should consult a neurologist. Based on complaints, medical history, probing, as well as a visual examination in various positions of the torso, movement and rest, the doctor will send a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed using a number of methods:
- STORE of radiography;
- TC;
- 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 detailed diagnosis allows you to see the diseases accompanying osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision in choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of further measures depends on the timeliness and accuracy with which 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 carried out?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out surgically or using conservative methods. The operation is carried out only in the most extreme cases, strict indications for surgery 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 a neurologist, taking into account the severity, general health, indications and contraindications for specific 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. ;
- Physical therapy - regular performance of the prescribed exercises corrects posture, strengthens the muscular corset, contributes to the normal tone of the neck muscles and reduces the compression of nerve tissues;
- massage - massage of the cervical neck 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: a visit to the pool helps strengthen muscles, relieve spasms, naturally download the SHOP and stretch the spine;
- traction therapy - traction of the spine allows you to increase the space between the discs, correct the structure of the spine, is widely used when combining pathologies of different localization;
- physiotherapeutic methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis - improve the effect of taking drugs, are designed to stop pain and inflammation of the tissues, contribute to their normal recovery, accelerate metabolic processes;
- dietary nutrition - the optimal water regime allows you to prevent the loss of water by cartilage tissues, as well as to ensure the supply of the required amount of vitamins and microelements.
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 - restorative and supportive measures last up to 1 year. Observing optimal physical activity, diet, and also giving up bad habits is necessary for the entire period of life, this is the basis for effective prevention of the disease.