The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" is established in more than 25% of cases of intervertebral disc degeneration;Symptoms and treatment characteristics should be considered in as much detail as possible.It is known that the manifestation of this disease is most often detected by people aged 35-40 years, but now there is a tendency to reduce the age of patients suffering from this disease.
To get rid of cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods allow you to: eliminate disturbances in the function of the spinal roots, neutralize the accompanying pain, and prevent the further development of degenerative changes in the specified part of the spine.If non-surgical methods are considered ineffective and there are special indications, the patient is prescribed surgery.The amount of intervention is determined by the degree of neglect and clinical manifestations of the disease.
With the help of conservative treatment methods, you can get rid of the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in 1-3 months.The postoperative recovery period will take about one year.Pain syndrome can be relieved as soon as possible with the help of physiotherapy procedures and special exercises.To speed up the results, the patient's own positive attitude, his focus on healing, patience and perseverance are very important.In this way, expert help is needed.Therefore, it is possible to achieve the greatest effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation only in modern medical clinics, equipped with the latest technology and using the latest methods in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
What methods of conservative complex treatment include:
- Physiotherapy.This method is a set of procedures using physical factors: magnetic field, low frequency current, ultrasound, etc.This effect allows you to shorten the treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain, and stop the inflammatory process.
- Reflexology.This technique involves influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to improve basic treatment and activate the body's self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercises.This method consists in creating decompression of the nerve root using a dose load during training on special equipment.It allows you to improve the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, normalize metabolism and blood circulation, increase the distance between the vertebrae in certain parts, and reduce the load on the spine.
- Attraction treatment.This procedure involves traction on the cervical vertebrae to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and relieve pressure on blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.This procedure is performed manually by qualified specialists.A set of techniques are used that aim to relieve muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
- Drug treatment.The use of drugs is indicated if there is an increase in cervical osteochondrosis.To improve the body's metabolic processes, prescribed drugs are given orally or by injection.
Although each method described has proven its usefulness in combating the degenerative process in the intervertebral disc, a lasting effect can only be obtained by using it comprehensively.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, it is the fair sex that makes up 2/3 of those who suffer from this disease.Predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormone levels and a more fragile structure of the spine.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be prescribed taking into account age, the presence of symptoms of cardiovascular disease, and the state of the endocrine system.
Causes of osteochondrosis
It is believed that the main reason that leads to cervical osteochondrosis is an insufficiently active lifestyle led by office workers and the elderly.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the occurrence of this disease.Today, even young people are not immune from the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of older patients is increasing.The development of this disease can be facilitated by back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors.Here is their list:
- genetic predisposition (heredity);
- body hangover;
- infection;
- age-related changes;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- excess weight;
- micronutrient deficiencies due to poor nutrition;
- broken, bruised spine;
- instability of the cervical vertebrae (hypermobility);
- flat feet;
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- abnormal development of the cervical spine;
- incorrect posture;
- uneven development of the skeletal system and muscles;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, heels that are too high;
- prolonged exposure to stressful conditions;
- sudden cessation of normal exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot disease
People who are often involved in heavy physical labor often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment must be started immediately.The cause of this disease is: heavy lifting, jerking movements, flexion, extension and frequent rotation of the body.The pressure on the disc between the vertebrae also increases with prolonged exposure to an unnatural position in any position - standing, lying, sitting.A sharp transition to active physical exercise, especially related to moving heavy objects, can also cause cervical osteochondrosis.To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend increasing the load gradually and under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
It should be remembered that the disease that develops in the cervical spine is recognized as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.It leads to pinching of nerve endings coming out of the spinal cord and causing a cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people who are at risk for the reasons described above should pay attention to the slightest deterioration in their health and contact an experienced specialist if they suspect a disease.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is confirmed in a patient, the doctor must, based on the overall symptoms, determine the extent of the disease and prescribe effective treatment.Diagnostic MRI or radiographic examination of the area in different projections is mandatory.In its development, this disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look.
Osteochondrosis of the first degree is diagnosed at an early stage of the disease.Currently, the disease is at the beginning of its development, but patients can already feel its manifestations.First of all, he began to experience a small pain in the neck, which became stronger if he turned his head.In this part of the spine, at this time, there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilage-like plate, and its compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly even with a small load.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medical, which aims to relieve swelling.
The second stage of cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed when the disease begins to cover new areas and progress.During this period, destructive changes in the spinal column itself begin - the disc becomes thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complained of severe pain in the neck.Weakness, general weakness, and headache are also noted.
Due to frequent malaise, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis that has progressed to this level may develop "falling" syndrome.It is characterized by almost constant pain, which can only be eliminated by supporting the head with your hands and redistributing the load from the vertebrae.Treatment of the patient in this case should include not only taking prescribed drugs, but also special procedures.
The third stage of osteochondrosis is a dangerous and complex form in which a person experiences constant pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.The patient's X-ray will clearly show the pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae.At this stage, the hernia may begin to develop, which causes a loss of sensation in the hand.Other symptoms include: curvature of the cervical spine, pain on palpation, inability to hold the head on its own, loss of skin sensitivity.With this disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as in the previous stage.If it does not lead to improvement, then surgery followed by rehabilitation is inevitable.
The fourth stage of the disease is diagnosed when the intervertebral disc is almost completely destroyed, and connective tissue forms in its place.During this dangerous period, there is a high risk of pinching the arteries and disrupting the brain's natural nutrition.If this happens, along with constant pain and dizziness, the patient will experience periodic frustration in space.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the level of recovery, which occurs after surgery for a herniated disc.The patient should be under the supervision of a doctor and undergo regular examinations to prevent the condition from worsening.During this period, it is necessary to give him the most comfortable conditions for the healing of the operated area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people do not realize how important treatment is immediately after detecting the first symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis.When the first disease begins to manifest, it is often mistaken for a normal disease.However, the problem will worsen every day, bringing danger to the whole human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is affected, the brain will not be able to receive sufficient nutrition.This threatens to lead to constant pain, loss of coordination, and impaired motor activity.Of course, such a life cannot be called complete.And if the disease is neglected, in addition to the inability to perform normal activities, it can cause stroke, ischemia and many other diseases that pose a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is quite different from that of other parts of the spine, so the signs of osteochondrosis in this area are quite specific.The following signs indicate that you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible:
- A painful sensation.They can appear not only in the specified area, but also on the head, arms, shoulders and other parts of the body.This is explained by pinched nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.Occurs when arteries are pinched, causing difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and brain nutrition disorders.
- Weakness in hand.Occurs due to pinching of the nerves responsible for motor activity.
- Crunching and difficulty turning the head.They appear when the structure of the intervertebral disc begins to change, and dense connective tissue forms in its place.
- Reduces sensitivity in the hands.Explained by a pinched nerve.
- Vision and hearing impairment.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellar region is disrupted.
Among the clinical signs of this disease, several syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as a severe pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blades, shoulders or lumbar.
- Vertebrates.Characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital region.
- Reflex.It manifests itself as an intense pain in the back of the neck, increasing with head movement.Pain can be localized in the chest and shoulders.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is quite often confused with the signs of angina pectoris;It is quite difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart area takes it for an attack and starts taking the appropriate medicine, for example, nitroglycerin.Since these drugs do not solve the problem, the condition can quickly worsen.
To determine the extent of the disease, it is not enough to know the symptoms alone.To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there are relatives in the family suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, ask about professional activities and lifestyle.This is followed by visual inspection, palpation, computed tomography, cervical x-ray, MRI.
The situation becomes more complicated when it comes to subtypes of the disease such as osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.It has ambiguous symptoms, so it is quite difficult to meet the conditions of this disease - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, patients complain of dizziness, migraines in various parts of the head, lumbago in the neck, pain in the chest when coughing, shortness of breath, gray skin, increased heart rate, constant fatigue, and mood swings.All these resemble the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion may arise when making a diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the center of Greece
The rehabilitation center provides treatment for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern physiotherapy methods.The clinic is located in Greece, on the Halktai peninsula, which is washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea.Patients undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in beautiful areas, and interesting sightseeing tours.And the healing sea air and ideal climatic conditions contribute to a quick recovery.
Thanks to the use of modern equipment, the diagnosis of the stage of cervical osteochondrosis in the rehabilitation center is as good as possible - errors are completely eliminated.Treatment involves a set of procedures aimed at restoring connective tissue and intervertebral disc elasticity, relieving inflammation, relieving pain, normalizing metabolic processes and generally improving the patient's health.
A multidisciplinary team of experts provides qualified care to patients at the center.To carry out professional rehabilitation until complete recovery, various physiotherapeutic procedures are used, and robotic and computerized equipment is used.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis, such as PRP therapy, are practiced.This complex includes spinal traction and hydromass.To quickly neutralize the pain in the affected area, a very effective therapy is used - a physiotherapy method based on the influence of targeted radio waves that is safe for humans.
The quality of high-quality medical services at the clinic is combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-type rooms that have everything you need.Experienced staff provide 24/7 support and assistance to patients.
To get rid of pain and stiffness in the cervical spine and other consequences of osteochondrosis as soon as possible, the patient must carefully monitor the quality of his diet.It is important that during the recovery period the body receives a sufficient amount of substances responsible for the synthesis of cartilage tissue.It is also necessary to limit salt intake, include fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu, and monitor the calorie content of dishes.At the rehabilitation center, specialists will take care of your diet.You will be able to taste delicious meals prepared by our chef according to homemade Greek recipes, taking into account your diet.
The clinic has created all the conditions so that you can not only return to your previous quality of life, but also have a good rest.Ride in the beautiful library, playground and flower garden.Regardless of how long your treatment lasts, you will feel at home.