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 in people aged 35-40 years, 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 disturbances in the functioning of the roots of the spine, neutralize the 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, surgery is prescribed to the patient.The volume of intervention is determined by the degree of negligence and the clinical manifestations of the disease.
With the help of conservative treatment methods, you can get rid of the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis within 1-3 months.The postoperative recovery period will last approximately one year.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 orientation towards healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.On this path, the help of specialists is needed.Therefore, achieving the greatest effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation is possible 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.
What methods does conservative complex treatment include?
- Physiotherapy.This method is a set of procedures that use physical factors: magnetic fields, low frequency currents, ultrasounds, etc.This effect makes it possible to shorten the treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique consists of influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to enhance the basic treatment and activate the body's self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercise.The method consists of creating decompression of the nerve roots using dosed loads during exercises with 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 treatment.The procedure involves traction of the cervical vertebrae to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain, and relieve pressure on blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The procedure is performed manually by a highly qualified specialist.A set of techniques is used that aim to relieve muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
- Pharmacological treatment.The use of medications is indicated in case of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.To improve the body's metabolic processes, prescription medications are administered orally or by injection.
Although each of the described methods has proven its benefits in the fight against degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be obtained if they are used comprehensively.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a complete muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, women represent 2/3 of those who suffer from this disease.The predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormonal 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 leading to cervical osteochondrosis is the insufficiently active lifestyle led by office workers and elderly people.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the appearance of this disease.Today, not even young people are immune from the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of older 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 predisposition (hereditary);
- intoxication of the body;
- infections;
- age-related changes;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- excess body weight;
- lack of microelements due to poor nutrition;
- fractures, hematomas of the 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, uncomfortable shoes, too high heels;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- abrupt cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often perform 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: heavy lifting, sudden movements, 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, sitting.A sharp transition to active physical exercise, especially those associated with the movement of 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 end of the nerve that exits the spinal cord and causes a stroke.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 totality of the symptoms, determine the stage of the disease and prescribe effective treatment.Diagnostic MRI or radiographic examination of the area in different projections are mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look.
Osteochondrosis of the first degree is diagnosed at 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, you begin to feel a slight pain in your neck, which becomes more intense if you turn your head.In this part of the spine, at this time, there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilage-like plates and their compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly even with minor loads.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medicinal and is aimed at relieving swelling.
The second degree of cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed when the disease begins to cover new areas and progress.During this period, destructive changes begin in the spine itself: the discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of quite intense specific 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 "dropping head" syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be relieved by supporting the head with the hands and redistributing the load on the vertebrae.The patient's treatment in this case should include not only the reception of prescribed medications, but also special procedures.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is a complex and dangerous form in which a person experiences severe and continuous pain in the cervical region, extending to the shoulder or arm.The patient's x-ray will clearly show a pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.At this stage, a hernia may begin to develop, causing a 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 in the previous stage.If this does not improve, 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 is formed in its place.During this dangerous period, there is a high risk of pinching the artery and disrupting the natural nutrition of the brain.If this happens, along with constant pain and dizziness, the patient will experience periodic disorientation in space.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning the rehabilitation stage, which occurs after herniated disc surgery.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 the most comfortable conditions for the healing of the operated area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people are unaware of the importance of treatment immediately after detecting the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease begins to manifest itself, it is often confused with a common illness.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 disturbed, the brain will not be able to receive adequate nutrition.This threatens to cause constant pain, loss of coordination and impaired motor activity.Of course, such a life cannot be considered complete.And if the disease is neglected, in addition to the inability to carry out usual activities, it can lead to strokes, ischemia and many other ailments that pose a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is somewhat different from other parts of the spine, so the signs of osteochondrosis in this area are quite specific.The following signs indicate that it is necessary to 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 pinching of nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, general malaise.It occurs when an artery is pinched, causing difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and impaired nutrition of the brain.
- Weakness in the arms.It occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Creaking 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.
- Impaired vision and hearing.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum region is disturbed.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, several syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as intense pain in the neck, which extends to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.It is characterized by shooting pains in the temples and occipital area.
- Reflection.It manifests itself as intense pain in the neck, which increases with head movements.The pain may be localized to the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with signs of angina;it is quite difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart area mistakes it for an attack and starts taking appropriate medications, for example, nitroglycerin.Since these medications do not solve the problem, the situation can quickly worsen.
To determine the extent of the disease, it is not enough to know the symptoms.To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives in the family suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, ask about his professional activities and lifestyle.This is followed by visual examination, palpation, computed tomography, cervical x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.
The situation becomes a little more complicated when it comes to such a subtype of the disease as osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.It has vague symptoms, so it is quite difficult to correctly characterize the disease;This can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, the patient complains of dizziness, migraines in various areas of the head, lumbago in the neck, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, gray skin, increased heart rate, constant fatigue and mood swings.All of this resembles the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion may arise when making the diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the Greek center.
The rehabilitation center offers treatment for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern methods of physiotherapy.The clinic is located in Greece, on the picturesque Halkidiki peninsula, washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea.A patient undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in picturesque areas and exciting sightseeing excursions.And the healing sea air and ideal weather conditions contribute to a speedy 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.Treatment involves a series 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 experts provides qualified care to patients at the center.To carry out vocational rehabilitation until complete recovery, a wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures and robotic and computerized equipment are used.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis, such as PRP therapy, are practiced.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.To quickly neutralize pain in the affected area, a highly effective therapy is used - a physiotherapy method safe for humans based on the specific influence of radio waves.
The high quality of the clinic's medical services 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 quickly 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 dishes prepared by our chef according to the recipes of homemade Greek cuisine, 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.Enjoy our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the length of your treatment, you will feel at home.