The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" is made in more than 25% of cases of degeneration of the intervertebral disc;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, but now there is a pronounced 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 interference with the spinal roots, neutralize accompanying pain and prevent 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 scope of the 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 lasts about a year.The pain syndrome can be alleviated as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To speed up the results, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his focus on treatment, patience and persistence are extremely important.On this path, the help of experts is needed.Therefore, the highest efficiency of treatment and rehabilitation can be achieved only in a modern medical clinic, equipped with the latest technology and using the latest methods in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Which methods conservative complex treatment includes:
- Physiotherapy.This method is a set of procedures that use physical factors: magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, ultrasound, etc.This effect makes it possible to shorten the duration of the treatment and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves acting on active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to improve the basic treatment 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 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 a certain area and reduce the load on the spine.
- Traction treatment.The procedure involves traction on the cervical vertebrae to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and reduce pressure on blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The procedure is performed manually by a highly qualified specialist.A set of techniques are used that are aimed at relieving muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
- Drug treatment.The use of drugs is indicated if there is an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.To improve metabolic processes in the body, prescribed drugs are given orally or by injection.
Despite the fact that each of the described methods has proven its advantages in the fight against degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can be achieved only by their comprehensive application.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore the full muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special attention.According to statistics, the fairer sex makes up 2/3 of those who suffer from this disease.The predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormonal levels and the 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 occurrence of this disease.Today, even young people are not immune to the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of elderly patients is constantly growing.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 intoxication;
- infections;
- age changes;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- excess body weight;
- lack of microelements due to poor nutrition;
- fractures, bruises of the spine;
- instability of the neck vertebrae (hypermobility);
- flat feet;
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- abnormal development of the cervical spine;
- improper posture;
- uneven development of the bone system and muscles;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, too high heels;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- sudden cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often engage in heavy physical work often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment must be started immediately.The cause of the disease is: lifting heavy loads, jerks, frequent flexion, 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.A sharp 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 gradually increasing the load 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.This leads to pinching of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and provokes cerebrovascular infarction.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 the disease.
The degree of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is confirmed in a patient, the doctor must determine the stage of the disease based on the totality of symptoms and prescribe an effective treatment.MRI diagnostics or radiographic examination of the area in different projections 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 moment, the disease is at the very beginning of its development, but the patient already feels its manifestations.First of all, he starts to feel a minor pain in his neck, which gets worse if he turns his head.In this part of the spine, at this moment, the cartilage-like plates lose their elasticity and compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly even with light loads.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medical, aimed at relieving swelling.
The second degree of cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed when the disease begins to cover new areas and progresses.During this period, destructive changes begin in the spinal column itself - the discs become thinner, and the vertebrae come closer to each other, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of quite severe neck pain.Weakness, general weakness and headache are also observed.
Due to frequent exacerbations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis who has progressed to this stage may develop a "head-falling" syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be solved by supporting the head with the 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 degree of osteochondrosis is a dangerous, complex form in which a person feels continuous severe pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.X-ray of the patient will clearly show the pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae.At this stage, a hernia may begin to develop, leading to loss of sensation in the hands.Other symptoms are: curvature of the cervical spine, pain during palpation, inability to hold the head independently, loss of skin sensitivity.In this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as in the previous phase.If there is no improvement, 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 is formed 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 disorientation in space.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the rehabilitation phase, which occurs after a herniated disc operation.The patient should be under the supervision of a doctor and undergo regular examinations to prevent the condition from worsening.During that period, he needs to be provided with the most comfortable conditions for the healing of the operated area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people are not aware of how important treatment is immediately after discovering the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease first begins to manifest, it is often mistaken for a common disease.However, the problem will worsen every day, bringing danger to the entire human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is disturbed, the brain will not be able to receive adequate nutrition.This threatens 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 impossibility of performing usual activities, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other problems 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 need to contact a specialist as soon as possible:
- Painful sensations.They can appear not only in the indicated area, but also in the head, arms, shoulders and other parts of the body.This is explained by pinching of nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.They occur when the artery is constricted, which leads to difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and brain nutrition disorders.
- Weakness in arms.It occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Crackling 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.
- Decreased sensitivity in the hands.Explained by a pinched nerve.
- Deterioration of vision and hearing.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum is disturbed.
A number of syndromes stand out among the clinical signs of the disease:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as severe pain in the neck, which spreads to the scapula, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.It is characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital region.
- Reflex.It manifests itself as an intense pain in the back of the head, which intensifies when moving the head.The pain can be localized in the chest and shoulders.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with the signs of angina pectoris;it is quite difficult to self-diagnose.Often, a person who feels pain in the area of the heart understands it as an attack and starts taking appropriate drugs, for example, nitroglycerin.Since these drugs do not solve the problem, the situation can quickly worsen.
In order to determine the degree of the disease, it is not enough to know only the symptoms.In order 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, inquire about his professional activities and lifestyle.This is followed by a visual examination, palpation, computer tomography, x-ray of the cervix, 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 qualify the disease - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, the patient complains of dizziness, migraines in different parts of the head, lumbago in the neck, chest pain when coughing, difficulty breathing, gray skin, rapid heartbeat, constant fatigue and mood swings.All of this resembles the symptoms of vegetovascular dystonia or angina, so there may be confusion when making a diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in a Greek center
The rehabilitation center provides treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men using the most modern physiotherapy methods.The clinic is located in Greece, on the picturesque Halkidiki peninsula, lapped by the waves of the Aegean Sea.A patient undergoing hospital or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in picturesque areas and exciting excursions.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 stages of cervical osteochondrosis in the rehabilitation center is as accurate as possible - errors are completely eliminated.The treatment includes a series of procedures aimed at restoring the connective tissue and elasticity of the intervertebral discs, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, normalizing metabolic processes and improving the patient's health in general.
A multidisciplinary team of experts provides qualified care to patients at the center.A wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures are used to perform professional rehabilitation until full recovery, and robotic and computerized equipment is used.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis are practiced, such as PRP therapy.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.For quick neutralization of pain in the affected area, highly effective therapy is used - a physiotherapy method based on the targeted impact of radio waves that are safe for humans.
The high quality of medical services in the clinic is combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-type rooms that have everything you need.Experienced staff provide support and assistance to patients 24/7.
In order to get rid of pain and stiffness in the cervical spine as soon as possible and other consequences of osteochondrosis, 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 meals.In the rehabilitation center, experts will take care of your nutrition.You will be able to taste delicious dishes prepared by our chef according to the recipe of local Greek cuisine, taking care of 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 our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the length of the treatment, you will feel at home.