Cervical osteochondrosis, in contrast to diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost equally often in young and elderly people. It is difficult to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain: this is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly staying at a computer or a study desk in a tilted state.
Other risk factors include bad habits and nutritional errors, excess weight, poor posture and flat feet, inadequate physical activity. Even the habit of carrying a bag on one shoulder can ultimately lead to osteochondrosis, which is associated with improper distribution of the load and a forced change in the normal position of the spine.
The prevalence of the disease can be the reason for the frivolous attitude towards it. 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?
Osteochondrosis SHOP 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 prone 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 common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. This is an attack of pain, accompanied by other signs: 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. 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 appearance of the syndrome. This is possible with the early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Localization of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- crunch when turning the head;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- fainting, semi-fainting;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling of the fingers;
- neck pain;
- limiting the movement of the neck;
- neck muscle spasms;
- 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.
In order 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, anamnesis, a survey, as well as a visual examination in various positions of the torso, movement and rest, the doctor will send for a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed using a number of methods:
- radiography SHOP;
- CT;
- myelography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck, Doppler ultrasonography 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 that accompany osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision in the choice of treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of further measures depends on how timely and accurately 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 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 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 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 an attentive 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 muscle corset, contributes to the normal tone of the neck muscles, and reduces the compression of nerve tissues;
- massage - massage of the cervical-collar zone allows you to remove muscle clamps 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 to strengthen muscles, relieve spasms, naturally unload 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 spinal column, is widely used when a combination of pathologies of different localization;
- physiotherapeutic methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis - enhance the effect of taking medications, 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 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, 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.