80% of people over the age of 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of them do not even think about the real cause of their disease. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to a violation of its structure and functions, and also prove to be the root cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, forced long-term finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The development of the disease usually goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration gradually increase, and many people do not pay attention to the increasing headache, neck, neck and back discomfort. As the disease progresses, it is accompanied by numbness and tingling of the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability. These symptoms are none other than manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
In the initial stages of the disease, no special treatment is required, but preventive measures should be taken to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis. Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role: you should regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain the correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by rejecting bad habits, following a moderate calorie diet, rejecting fatty, spicy and salty foods, and limiting weight lifting.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases it is only possible to slow down the progress of the disease, so other complex methods must be used in the treatment of the disease. The therapy is carried out by a neurologist, who, if necessary, consults with doctors in related fields: vertebrologist, osteopath, and prescribes the treatment individually in each case.
According to the doctor's prescription, drug therapy is used to relieve spinal inflammation, eliminate painful spasms, and restore impaired blood flow. Painkillers and B group vitamins are prescribed. Physiotherapy procedures have a good therapeutic effect: magnetic fields, ultrasound, laser, which relieve pain.
The use of physiotherapy treatment methods also relieves the pain well and facilitates the healing process after the disease has worsened. After the acute condition is removed, physiotherapy exercises, massage, reflexology, and spinal stretching are used. These activities are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain and normalizing the metabolism of the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained massage therapist. Nearby there are vital brain centers that regulate the basic functions of the body, so special care should be taken when performing such manipulations so as not to harm the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is required to wear a neck collar. It is necessary to fix the vertebrae in a certain position and ensure the peace of the affected part of the spine. The collar should be worn for at least 1 month, but no more than 2-3 hours a day. During a night's sleep, the correct position of the neck and body can be achieved with the help of orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
If necessary, surgical treatment may be indicated after consultation with neurosurgeons - in case of destruction of the intervertebral disc and the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures for the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.