Cervical osteochondrosis, unlike diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost as often in young and old. It's hard to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain: it is a "payment" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly standing in front of a computer or a study desk in a state of disrepair. inclined.
Other risk factors include bad habits and nutritional errors, excess weight, poor posture and flat feet, and inadequate physical activity. Even the habit of carrying a bag on one shoulder can ultimately lead to osteochondrosis, which is associated with poor 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 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?
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 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. It 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, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness andeven temporary speech disturbances. 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 onset 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:
- cracking when turning the head;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- fainting, semi-fainting;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling of the fingers;
- neck pain;
- limit neck movement;
- muscle spasms of the neck;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
In the event of an association of osteochondrosis from several departments (for example cervical and thoracic), the disease can manifest itself by other signs: spasms of the back muscles, chest pain, etc.
In order to choose the right treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of development of the pathology, the stage, to clarify the presence or absence of concomitant disorders. First of all, you should consult a neurologist. Based on complaints, anamnesis, investigation, as well as a visual examination in various torso positions, movements and rest, the doctor will send a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed using several methods:
- SHOP radiography;
- CT;
- myelography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck, Doppler ultrasound of the cerebral arteries;
- laboratory tests (for inflammatory processes, etc. ).
In some cases, an accurate and detailed diagnosis makes it possible to see the diseases that accompany osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision in choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of other measures depends on how quickly and accurately 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's the treatment going?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out surgically or using conservative methods. The operation is used only in the most extreme cases, the 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 state of 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. ;
- Exercise therapy - regular performance of prescribed exercises corrects posture, strengthens the muscle corset, contributes to the normal tone of the muscles of the neck and reduces compression of nerve tissue;
- massage - massage of the area of the cervical neck allows you to eliminate pinches 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 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 spine, is widely used when combining pathologies of different localization;
- physiotherapeutic methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis - improve the effect of taking drugs, 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 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 this, 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 throughout the period of life, it is the basis for effective prevention of the disease.