Today, there is practically no person over 25 who does not experience spine problems.One of the most common symptoms is damage to the cervical vertebrae, which inevitably progresses without treatment and causes more and more discomfort to the patient.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints and intervertebral discs.
As cervical osteochondrosis progresses, the following symptoms begin to appear:
- reduced visual and hearing acuity;
- numbness of the tongue;
- when he turns his neck sharply, his vision darkens and he feels dizzy;
- a throbbing pain is felt in the back of the head, which may radiate to the temples and crown of the head;
- pain in the neck region and shoulders, which disturbs the patient even during sleep and increases with movement or stress;
- stiff neck, especially in the morning;
- pressure in sternum;
- shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air.
Since the spinal cord does not receive enough nutrients, the range of motion and the sensitivity of the upper and lower limbs are noticeably reduced.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The tendency to cervical osteochondrosis is inherited.In addition, the following are common causes of the development of pathology:
- unbalanced diet;
- scoliosis;
- flat feet;
- VSD;
- tension;
- spinal injuries and bruises;
- excessive physical activity;
- rheumatism;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight.
Reference!The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is a violation of mineral metabolism, which can be associated with calcium deficiency or hormonal imbalance.Women often encounter this pathology during pregnancy and menopause.
Diagnostics
The following diagnostic methods are used to determine the degree of degenerative changes in the spine:
- Doppler ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries.It allows the detection of spasmodic blood vessels and impaired blood supply to the brain and spinal cord.
- Audiography to check the functioning of the hearing organs.
- Ultrasound.
- CT and MRI of the head and cervical spine.This is done to assess the affected area, check the position of the intervertebral discs, and identify compression of the spinal cord and blood vessels.
- Blood test.
- X-ray in the early stages of pathology.
- Electroneuromyography shows the presence of inflammatory processes, pinched nerves and damage.
- Duplex scanning of the vessels of the head.
Reference!It is most convenient to perform these procedures in one place, where diagnostics are carried out with modern equipment.
Which doctor treats you
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment cannot be started immediately.First of all, you need to make an appointment with a neurologist.The specialist performs the examination and then forwards the patient to the necessary tests.
Important!Performing manual therapy and other types of treatment without prior diagnosis risks injury and worsening of existing problems.
Treatment methods
After the diagnosis, the patient can continue the treatment.Leading specialists work in the treatment and rehabilitation center, so the likelihood of complications is minimal.
The main method of treating cervical osteochondrosis is manual therapy.The specialist performs a massage that relaxes the neck and shoulders, restores the vertebrae and joints to their natural position, and normalizes lymph flow and blood circulation.
Manual therapy is often combined with therapeutic exercises that increase the tone of the neck muscles.In addition, drug treatment and physical therapy are used to get rid of the pathology.
Results
As a result of the therapy, the nerve endings are freed from entrapment, the spinal column is stabilized, and the pain ceases or weakens.A chiropractor can realign the vertebrae and increase the distance between the damaged discs, thereby eliminating friction.
Important!Osteochondrosis of the 2nd and 3rd degrees cannot be completely cured.But therapy and rehabilitation allow the patient to restore the damaged functions of the spine as much as possible.
Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration
The treatment and rehabilitation center provides not only the diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, but also rehabilitation measures.The patient leaves the center healthy and ready to return to their normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation is aimed not only at restoring the function of the spinal column, but also at preventing damage to healthy tissues.The program is compiled taking into account the severity of the pathology and the presence of complications.Physiotherapy procedures, massage, exercise therapy and mud packs have proven to be effective.If the patient still has symptoms of the pathology, drug blockades are prescribed.
Lifestyle with cervical osteochondrosis
In order to avoid a relapse of the disease, you should follow the following recommendations:
- change your position at least every half hour;
- do not lift a load greater than 5 kg;
- walk more, do physical therapy, swimming, Pilates;
- Use a backpack rather than a bag;
- Take a ten-minute break every hour for sedentary work.
Important!The position of the human body during sleep is of great importance.You must sleep on your back, on a medium-hard orthopedic mattress and orthopedic pillow.In this case, the head and neck should rest on the pillow, and the shoulders should rest on the mattress.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most effective in the early stages, so do not delay visiting a neurologist.But it is possible to stop the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life, regardless of the degree of damage to the joints and intervertebral discs.For this, it is important not to waste time and follow the recommendations of the specialist.