The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" is established in more than 25% of cases of intervertebral disc degeneration.its characteristic symptoms and treatment should be considered in as much detail as possible.It is known that the manifestations of the disease are most often detected by people aged 35-40 years, but now there is a strong 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 disorders in the functioning of the spinal roots, neutralize the accompanying pain and prevent the further development of degenerative changes in the specified part of the spine.If the non-surgical method is considered ineffective and there are special indications, the patient is prescribed surgery.The volume of intervention is determined by the degree of neglect and the 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 last about a year.The pain syndrome can be relieved as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapy procedures and special exercises.To accelerate the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his focus on treatment, patience and perseverance are extremely important.Expert help is needed on this path.Therefore, it is possible to achieve the greatest effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation only in a modern medical clinic, equipped with the latest technology and using the latest methods to combat diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
What methods does conservative complex treatment include:
- Physiotherapy.This method is a set of procedures that use physical factors: magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, ultrasound, etc.This effect allows you to shorten the treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to enhance basic healing and activate the body's self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercise.The method consists in creating decompression of the nerve roots using dosed loads during exercises in 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 a certain section and reduce the load on the spine.
- Traction therapy.The procedure involves traction on the cervical vertebrae in order to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and relieve pressure on blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The process is performed manually by a qualified specialist.A set of techniques is used that aims to relieve muscle tension and has general strengthening.
- Pharmaceutical treatment.The use of drugs is indicated if there is an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.To enhance the body's metabolic processes, prescription drugs are administered orally or by injection.
Despite the fact that each of the described methods has proven its benefits in the fight against degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs, a lasting result can be achieved only with their overall use.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscle brace.
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special attention.According to statistics, it is the fairer sex that makes up 2/3 of those suffering from this disease.The predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormone levels and a more fragile structure of the bones of the spine.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be prescribed taking into account age, the presence of symptoms of cardiovascular diseases and the state of the endocrine system.
Causes of osteochondrosis
It is believed that the main reason that leads to cervical osteochondrosis is the insufficiently active lifestyle led by office workers and the elderly.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the appearance 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 steadily increasing.The development of the disease can be facilitated by back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors.Here is a list of them:
- genetic (hereditary) predisposition.
- body poisoning;
- infections;
- age-related changes;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- excess body weight;
- micronutrient deficiency due to poor nutrition.
- fractures, bruises of the spine;
- instability of the cervical vertebrae (hypermobility).
- flatfeet?
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis).
- abnormal development of the cervical spine;
- wrong attitude.
- uneven development of the skeletal system and muscles.
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, very high heels.
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation.
- sudden cessation of regular exercise.
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot ailments.
People who often engage in heavy physical work often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment should be started immediately.The cause of the disease is: lifting weights, jerky movements, frequent bending, extension and rotation of the body.The pressure on the discs between the vertebrae also increases with prolonged exposure to an unnatural position in any position - standing, lying down, sitting.An abrupt transition to active physical exercise, especially those associated with moving heavy objects, can also lead to cervical osteochondrosis.To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend starting to increase the load gradually and under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
It is worth noting 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 the nerve ending exiting the spinal cord and causes a cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people who are at risk for the reasons described above should pay attention to even a slight deterioration in their health and contact an experienced specialist if they suspect a disease.
Degree 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 set of symptoms, determine the stage of the disease and prescribe effective treatment.Diagnosis by MRI or X-ray of the area in different views is mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look at them.
Osteochondrosis of the first degree is diagnosed in the preclinical stage of the disease.At this time, the disease is at the beginning of its development, but the patient can already feel its manifestations.First of all, he begins to feel a slight pain in the neck, which becomes stronger if he turns his head.In this part of the spine, at this time, there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilage plates and its compression occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly even with light loads.The treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medicinal, aimed at relieving the swelling.
The second degree of cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed when the disease begins to cover new areas and progress.During this period, destructive changes in the spine itself begin - the discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of quite intense pain in the neck.Weakness, general malaise and headaches are also noted.
Due to frequent exacerbations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis that has progressed to this stage may develop "head drop" syndrome.It is characterized by almost constant pain, which you can get rid of only by supporting the head with your hands and redistributing the load from the vertebrae.The treatment of the patient in this case should include not only taking prescribed drugs, but also special procedures.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is a dangerous, complex form in which a person experiences constant severe pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.The X-ray of the patient will clearly show pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and narrowing of the distances between the vertebrae.At this stage, a hernia may begin to develop, leading to loss of sensation in the hands.Other symptoms include: curvature of the cervical spine, pain on palpation, inability to hold the head alone, loss of skin sensitivity.With this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as for the previous stage.If it does not lead to improvement, then surgery followed by rehabilitation is inevitable.
The fourth degree 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 great risk of pinching the artery and disrupting the brain's natural nutrition.If this happens, along with constant pain and dizziness, the patient will experience periodic spatial disorientation.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the recovery stage, 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 provide him with the most comfortable conditions for the healing of the surgical area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people do not know how important treatment is immediately after detecting the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease first begins to manifest itself, it is often mistaken for a common disease.However, the problem will worsen every day, endangering the entire human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is impaired, the brain will not be able to receive adequate nutrition.This threatens to lead to constant pain, loss of coordination and reduced motor activity.Of course, such a life cannot be called complete.And if the disease is neglected, in addition to the inability to do usual activities, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other conditions that pose a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is somewhat different than in other parts of the spine, so the signs of osteochondrosis in this area are quite specific.The following signs indicate that you should contact a specialist as soon as possible:
- Painful sensations.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.They occur when an artery is compressed, leading to difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and disruption of brain nutrition.
- Weakness in arms.It occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Crackling and difficulty in turning the head.They appear when the structure of the intervertebral disc begins to change and dense connective tissue forms in its place.
- Decreased sensitivity in the hands.It is explained by a pinched nerve.
- Deterioration of vision and hearing.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when the blood circulation in the cerebellar region is disturbed.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, certain syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests as severe pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.It is characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital region.
- Reflection.It manifests as severe pain in the back of the neck, which increases with head movements.The pain can be located in the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with signs of angina pectoris.it is quite difficult to diagnose independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart area takes it for an attack and begins to take appropriate drugs, 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 only the symptoms.To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives in the family who suffered from cervical osteochondrosis, ask about his professional activities and lifestyle.Followed by visual examination, palpation, computed tomography, cervical x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging.
The situation becomes somewhat more complicated when it comes to a subtype of the disease such as osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.It has vague symptoms, so it is quite difficult to correctly determine the disease - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, the patient complains of dizziness, migraines in different areas of the head, lumbar in the neck, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, gray skin, increased heart rate, constant fatigue and mood swings.All these are similar to the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion may arise during diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the Greek center
The rehabilitation center provides treatment for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern physical therapy methods.The clinic is located in Greece, on the picturesque peninsula of Halkidiki, which is washed by the waves of the Aegean.A patient undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in scenic areas and exciting sightseeing tours.And the healing sea air and ideal climatic conditions contribute to rapid recovery.
Thanks to the use of modern equipment, the diagnosis of the stages of cervical osteochondrosis in the rehabilitation center is as accurate as possible - errors are completely eliminated.The treatment includes a set of procedures aimed at restoring the connective tissue and elasticity of the intervertebral discs, relieving inflammation, relieving pain, normalizing metabolic processes and generally improving the patient's health.
A multidisciplinary team of specialists provides specialized care to patients at the center.To carry out professional rehabilitation until full recovery, an extensive range of physiotherapy procedures and robotic and electronic equipment are used.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis are applied, such as PRP therapy.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.For the rapid neutralization of pain in the affected area, highly effective treatment is used - a physiotherapy method based on the targeted effect of radio waves that are safe for humans.
The high quality of medical services at the clinic is combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-style rooms equipped with 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 quickly as possible, the patient must carefully monitor the quality of his diet.It is important during the recovery period that 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 dishes prepared by our chef according to the recipes of home Greek cuisine, taking into account your diet.
The clinic has created all the conditions for you not only to return to your previous quality of life, but also to rest well.Indulge in the library, playground and beautiful flower garden.No matter how long your treatment lasts, you will feel right at home.