Currently, there is almost no one over the age of 25 who does not have spine problems.One of the most common pathologies is damage to the cervical vertebrae, which, if not treated, inevitably progresses 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:
- decrease in visual and hearing acuity;
- numbness of the tongue;
- when you turn your neck sharply, your vision darkens and you feel dizzy;
- a throbbing pain is felt at the back of the head, which can spread to the temples and the crown of the head;
- pain in the cervical region and shoulders, which bothers the patient even during sleep and increases with movement or stress;
- neck stiffness, especially in the morning;
- pressure in the sternum;
- shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air.
Since the spinal cord does not receive enough nutrients, the range of motion, as well as the sensitivity of the upper and lower limbs, is significantly reduced.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The tendency to osteochondrosis of the neck is hereditary.In addition, common reasons for the development of pathology:
- unbalanced diet;
- scoliosis;
- straight legs;
- VSD;
- stress;
- spinal injuries and bruises;
- excessive physical activity;
- rheumatism;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess body weight.
Reference!The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is a violation of mineral metabolism, which may be related to calcium deficiency or hormonal imbalance.Women often experience this pathology during pregnancy and menopause.
Diagnostics
The following diagnostic methods are used to determine the degree of degenerative changes in the spine:
- Dopplerography of carotid and vertebral arteries.It allows to detect spasmodic blood vessels, as well as disruption of 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 neck spine.It is performed to assess the affected area, check the condition of the intervertebral discs, and determine the compression of the spinal cord and blood vessels.
- Blood test.
- X-ray in the early stage of pathology.
- Electroneuromyography showing the presence of inflammatory processes, compressed nerves and injuries.
- Duplex scanning of the vessels of the head.
Reference!It is most convenient to carry out all these procedures in a place where diagnostics are carried out using modern equipment.
Which doctor treats?
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, treatment cannot be started immediately.First of all, you should make an appointment with a neurologist.The specialist will conduct an examination and then send the patient to the necessary tests.
It is important!Performing manual therapy and other types of treatment without a preliminary diagnosis risks injury and exacerbation of existing problems.
Treatment methods
After the diagnosis, the patient can proceed to treatment.Leading specialists work in the treatment and rehabilitation center, so the probability of complications is minimal.
The main method of treating osteochondrosis of the neck is manual therapy.The specialist performs a massage that relaxes the neck and shoulders, restores the vertebrae and joints to their natural state, and tries to normalize 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, nerve endings are freed from compression, the spine is stabilized, pain disappears or weakens.A chiropractor can realign the vertebrae and increase the distance between the damaged discs, thereby eliminating friction.
It is important!Osteochondrosis of the 2nd and 3rd degree cannot be completely treated.But therapy and rehabilitation will allow the patient to restore the damaged functions of the spine as much as possible.
Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration
In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, rehabilitation measures are also carried out in the treatment and rehabilitation center.The patient leaves the center healthy and ready to return to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation is aimed not only at restoring the function of the spine, but also at preventing damage to healthy tissues.The program is designed taking into account the severity of the pathology and the presence of complications.Physiotherapy procedures, massage, exercise therapy and mud applications have proven themselves well.If the patient still has symptoms of pathology, he is prescribed drug blockades.
Lifestyle with cervical osteochondrosis
In order not to repeat the disease, you should follow the following recommendations:
- change body position at least every half hour;
- Do not lift loads weighing more than 5 kg;
- more walking, physical therapy, swimming, Pilates;
- It is more appropriate to use a shovel than a bag;
- Take ten-minute breaks every hour when working in a sedentary position.
It is important!The position of the human body during sleep is of great importance.It is necessary to sleep on the back, on an orthopedic mattress and an orthopedic pillow of medium hardness.At this time, the head and neck should lie on the pillow, and the shoulders should lie on the mattress.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most effective in the early stages, so do not delay a visit to a neurologist.However, regardless of the degree of damage to the joints and intervertebral discs, it is possible to stop the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.It is important not to waste time and follow the recommendations of a specialist.