A modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason why such a common disease as cervical osteochondrosis is actively rejuvenating. The "computer specialists", drivers and other representatives of the "sedentary" professions are complaining more and more about him. According to doctors, even 17-year-old teenagers complain of cervical osteochondrosis. As a rule, these are those who actively use a smartphone.
The fact is that depending on the inclination on the gadget, the human spine experiences a load of 12-27 kg. The more time a person spends in this position, the faster the intervertebral discs wear out, pain in the neck and back occurs, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend starting treatment when the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of lack of health may be irreversible.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervical one. It has seven vertebrae connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has an anulus fibrosus with a nucleus pulposus inside.
A metabolic disorder in it may indicate the appearance of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses its strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of loads, the fibrous ring protrudes, cracks appear on it.
The cervical region has many nerve channels and blood vessels to provide nourishment to the brain, and the vertebrae are closely adjacent to each other. Thus, even a moderate deformation of one of the vertebrae leads to the fact that the nerve structures and blood vessels are 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 feelings of tension and tingling in the muscles of the neck, pain that may radiate to the back of the head, shoulder blades and arms. When cerebral circulation is disturbed by osteochondrosis, migraines, vegetovascular diseases and hypertension appear. Also, the disease has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, general coordination, hearing and vision deteriorate.
If treatment is not started in 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 carried out by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists specializing in the field of vertebrology. First, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. Possible causes of the appearance are also determined - harmful working conditions, habits of patients, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, the patient is recommended an additional examination:
- X-ray shows the degree of instability of the cervical vertebral bodies.
- MRI can detect the formation of protrusions, herniated discs and the condition of soft tissues.
- Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and cervical region (dopplerography) is recommended for strokes, 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 the patency of blood vessels. Together, all these examinations provide an overview of the condition of the cervical spine in order to correctly establish the diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to guarantee a long-term result.
Features of the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment aims to improve blood supply to the brain and tissues surrounding the cervical spine, increase mobility of blocked segments of the cervical spine, and reduce pain and myotonic syndrome.
To achieve these objectives, different methods are used:
- Massages in combination 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 blockages and restore the mobility of the segments.
- Shock wave therapy to improve metabolic processes, renew affected cells and tissue areas and eliminate muscle spasms.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blockages, multi-zonal injections and others) in combination with the above methods. Medicines are used only in certain cases, to relieve an 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 a state of remission, but also for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Physical exercises improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscle corset, eliminate restrictions on the mobility of the vertebrae, increase the range of motion and help restore neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved by therapy according to the Finnish-German David method, which is carried out at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. During complex computer tests, the vulnerability of the cervical spine, muscle asymmetry in the cervical region, the predominance or lack of development 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 treatment and consolidation of the result, a cure of 24 sessions must be followed twice a year. The results of simulator training are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not an option
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-medicated. During this time, it can lead to serious complications. A person is particularly at risk in case of self-treatment or the use of traumatic manual techniques and physical manipulations, which not only do not cure, but can even aggravate the disease. It is better to entrust the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to qualified specialists who will select for you gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of injury to the affected cervical spine.