Osteochondrosis of the cervix, in contrast to diseases of other parts of the spine, occurs almost equally often in young people and the elderly. Difficultly it is hard to imagine a person who has never experienced neck pain: it is a "charge" for a sedentary lifestyle, constantly standing at a computer or a study desk in a sloping position.
Other risk factors include bad habits and eating disorders, overweight, poor posture and flat feet, inadequate physical activity. Even the habit of holding a bag on one shoulder can eventually lead to osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by improper load distribution and a forced change in the normal position of the spine.
The spread of the disease may be the reason for the frivolous attitude towards it. But it is important to remember that treating cervical osteochondrosis is a mandatory measure if you want to prevent unpleasant and dangerous complications.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a degenerative disease of the cartilage of the cervical spine, which is also characterized by a violation of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs. This disease tends to slow the progression, however, as the tissue condition worsens, other pathologies may appear:
- hernia and extension;
- inflammatory processes;
- cervical vertebrae instability and associated risks;
- muscle diseases;
- paralysis, etc.
One of the common complications is vertebral artery syndrome. This is a pain attack, accompanied by other signs: loss of balance, blurred vision and hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness and eveneven temporary speech disorders. Despite the fact that these are reversible consequences, such symptoms are dangerous and worsen the quality of life, which means that it is necessary to prevent the onset of the syndrome. This is possible with early treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Localization of the pathological process in the cervical spine leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms:
- chewing when turning the head;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- difficulty concentrating;
- faint, semi-faint;
- pain in the hands, numbness, tingling in the fingers;
- neck pain;
- restriction of neck movement;
- neck muscle spasms;
- deterioration of cognitive processes.
If there is a combination of osteochondrosis of several departments (for example, cervix and chest), the disease may appear in other signs: back muscle spasms, chest pain, etc.
To choose the right treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to assess the degree of development of the pathology, the stage, to clarify the presence or absence of concomitant disorders. First, you should consult a neurologist. Based on the complaints, medical history, a survey, as well as a visual examination in different positions of the torso, movement and rest, the doctor will send for a comprehensive examination to confirm / clarify the preliminary diagnosis.
The disease is diagnosed using a number of methods:
- radiography SHOP;
- CT;
- myelography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck, Doppler ultrasound of the cerebral arteries;
- laboratory tests (for inflammatory processes, etc. ).
In some cases, an accurate detailed diagnosis allows you to see the diseases that accompany osteochondrosis. This allows you to make the right decision in choosing treatment tactics.
The effectiveness of further measures depends on how timely and accurately the diagnosis is made. Despite the presence of specific symptoms, the picture of cervical osteochondrosis is similar to the course of other diseases. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the pathology and make the right choice.
How is the treatment performed?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed surgically or using conservative methods. Surgery is used only in the most extreme cases, strict indications for intervention are the complete ineffectiveness of conservative methods (for a long time), the impossibility of their use and the rapid progression of the disease.
The treatment regimen is chosen by a neurologist, taking into account the severity, general health, indications and contraindications for specific procedures. Conservative treatment and the postoperative period require a careful and comprehensive approach. Combine the following methods:
- drug therapy - restores cartilage tissue, relieves pain and inflammation, improves metabolic processes, saturates tissues with oxygen, etc. ;
- Exercise therapy - regular performance of prescribed exercises corrects behavior, strengthens muscle corsets, contributes to the normal tone of the neck muscles and reduces the compression of nerve tissue;
- massage - massage of the cervical area allows you to remove muscle contractions and spasms, restore the normal position of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae and normalize blood flow;
- water aerobics, swimming - a visit to the pool helps strengthen muscles, relieve spasms, naturally release the SHOP and stretch the spine;
- traction therapy - spinal traction allows you to increase the space between the discs, correct the structure of the spine, widely used when combining pathologies of different localization;
- physiotherapeutic methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis - increase the effect of taking medication, are created to stop pain and inflammation of tissues, contribute to their normal healing, speed up metabolic processes;
- Dietary nutrition - the optimal water regime allows you to prevent water loss from cartilage tissue, as well as ensure the supply of the required amount of vitamins and trace elements.
Active treatment of cervical osteochondrosis lasts up to 3 months, depending on the severity of the condition. However, even after that, it is impossible to forget the health of the spine: restorative, supportive measures last up to 1 year. Observation of optimal physical activity, diet, and also giving up bad habits is necessary for the whole period of life, this is the basis for effective prevention of the disease.