A modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason why a disease as common as cervical osteochondrosis is being actively rejuvenated. "IT people", drivers and other representatives of "sitting" professions are increasingly complaining about it. According to doctors, even 17-year-old teenagers complain of cervical osteochondrosis. As a rule, these are the ones who actively use a smartphone.
The fact is that depending on the inclination of the tool, the human back experiences a load of 12 to 27 kg. The more time a person spends in this position, the faster the intervertebral discs are consumed, neck and back pain appear and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend starting treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of neglecting health may be irreversible.
What is this disease - osteochondrosis of the cervix?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervix. There are seven vertebrae which are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has an annulus fibrosus with a pulposus nucleus inside.
A metabolic disorder in it may indicate the onset of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses its strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of loads, the fibrous ring elongates, cracks appear on it.
The cervical region has many nerve channels and blood vessels to provide nourishment to the brain, and the vertebrae are close together. Thus, even a moderate deformation of one of the vertebrae leads to the fact that the nerve structures and blood vessels are compressed.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and what is their risk?
The first signs of the disease appear in the form of tension and tingling sensation in the neck muscles, pain that can radiate to the back of the head, shoulder blades and arms. When cerebral circulation is disturbed due to osteochondrosis, migraines, vegetative-vascular diseases and hypertension appear. Also, the disease adversely affects the cardiovascular and respiratory system, impairs overall coordination, hearing and vision.
If treatment is not started on time, cervical osteochondrosis can cause intervertebral elongation, herniation, and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is performed by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists specializing in the field of vertebrology. First of all, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. The possible causes of the appearance are also determined - the harmful working conditions, the patient's habits, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, an additional examination is recommended for the patient:
- X-rays show the degree of instability of the vertebral bodies of the cervix.
- MRI can detect the formation of extensions, disc herniations, and soft tissue condition.
- Ultrasound of blood vessels of the head and cervical region (Dopplerography) is recommended for cerebrovascular accidents, migraine. This examination allows you to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries, veins, as well as the presence of pathological tortoiseshell and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows you to see violations of the permeability of blood vessels. Together, all of these examinations allow you to see the general picture of the condition of the cervical spine in order to accurately establish the diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to ensure a long-term outcome.
Characteristics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The treatment aims to improve the blood supply to the brain and tissues surrounding the cervical spine, increase the mobility of blocked segments of the cervical spine, and reduce pain and myotonic syndrome.
To achieve these goals, different methods are used:
- Massages in combination with light orthopedic corrections to improve blood circulation in the cervical spine.
- Short lever method for spine correction. This non-traumatic method allows you to effectively eliminate functional blocks and restore segment mobility.
- Shock wave therapy to improve metabolic processes, rejuvenate affected cells and tissue areas, and eliminate muscle spasms.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on spinal tissues and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blockade, multisonal injections and others) in combination with the above methods. Medications are used only in a few cases, to alleviate an acute condition with myotonic syndrome (soft tissue edema) and pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In treating diseases, physiotherapy exercises are becoming more and more popular. It is used not only in a state of remission, but also as a prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens muscle corsets, eliminates restrictions on vertebral mobility, increases range of motion, and allows you to restore neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved with therapy according to the David Finland-German method, which is performed at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. During complex computer testing, cervical spine vulnerability, muscle asymmetry in the cervical region, predominance or lack of development of the muscular system are determined. Based on these indicators, the potential load is calculated and an individual training program is formed in innovative medical simulators. For treatment and consolidation of the result, a course of 24 sessions twice a year should be taken. The results of training in simulators are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not an option
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-medicated. Meanwhile, it can lead to serious complications. A person is particularly at risk in the case of self-treatment or the use of manual traumatic techniques and physical manipulations, which not only do not cure, but can also exacerbate the disease. It is better to entrust the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix to qualified specialists, who will choose for you gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of damage to the affected spine.