80% of people over the age of 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of them do not think about the real cause of their disease. At the same time, degenerative changes in the spine lead to disruption of its structure and functions and are the main cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, the forced finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position for a long time. The onset of the disease is usually ignored, the signs of degeneration are increasing, and many people do not pay attention to the increasing headaches and discomfort in the neck, neck and back. With the development of the disease, the feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and nervousness are combined. These symptoms are nothing but manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
In the initial stage of the disease, special treatment is not required, but preventive measures should be taken to prevent 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. Rejection of bad habits, adherence to a moderate calorie diet, rejection of fatty, spicy and salty foods, and restriction of weight lifting play an important role.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases, it is only possible to slow down the progression of the disease, so you have to resort to other complex methods of treating this disease. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of related specialties: vertebrologist, osteopath and prescribes treatment individually in each case.
As prescribed by the doctor, a course of drug therapy is used to eliminate inflammation in the spine, relieve painful spasms, and restore impaired blood flow. Analgesic drugs, vitamins of group B are prescribed. Physiotherapy procedures have a good therapeutic effect: magnetic fields that relieve pain, ultrasound, laser.
The use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment also relieves pain well and facilitates the recovery process after an exacerbation of the disease. After the acute condition is eliminated, physiotherapy exercises, massage, reflexology, spinal stretching are used. These activities are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain and normalizing metabolism in the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained massage therapist. Nearby there are vital brain centers that regulate the main functions of the body, so special care should be taken when performing such manipulations in order not to harm the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is prescribed a neck collar. It is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to provide peace to the affected part of the spine. Wearing a collar should last at least 1 month, but not more than 2-3 hours a day. During night sleep, the correct position of the neck and body can be achieved with the help of orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
If necessary, after consultation with neurosurgeons, surgical treatment can be indicated - in case of destruction of the intervertebral disc and the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.