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 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 eliminate cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods allow you to: eliminate disorders in the functioning of the spinal roots, neutralize the associated 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 the intervention is determined by the degree of negligence and clinical manifestations of the disease.
With the help of conservative treatment methods, you can eliminate the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in 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 physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To accelerate the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his attention to healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.The help of specialists is necessary in this process.Therefore, it is possible to achieve the maximum effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation only in a modern medical clinic, equipped with the latest technologies and using the latest methods in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
What methods does complex conservative 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 reduce treatment times and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves the influence of 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 in creating a 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 section and reduce the load on the spine.
- Tensile treatment.The procedure involves traction of the cervical vertebrae to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain, and relieve pressure on the blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The procedure is performed manually by a highly qualified specialist.A number of techniques are used to relieve muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
- Pharmacological treatment.The use of medications is indicated if an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis occurs.To improve the body's metabolic processes, prescribed 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 of the intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be achieved by using them comprehensively.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, the fair sex 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 leading to cervical osteochondrosis is 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, even young people are not immune from the manifestation of the 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, bruises of the spine;
- instability of the cervical vertebrae (hypermobility);
- flat feet;
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- abnormal development of the cervical spine;
- incorrect posture;
- irregular development of the skeletal system and muscles;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, heels that are too high;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- abrupt interruption of regular physical activity;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often perform heavy physical labor 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, jerky movements, frequent bending, extension and rotation of the body.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 exertion, 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 developing in the cervical spine is recognized as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.It leads to crushing of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and causes a cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people 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 symptoms, determine the stage of the disease and prescribe effective treatment.MRI diagnostics or radiographic examination of the area in several projections are mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look at them.
First-degree osteochondrosis 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 you start to feel a slight pain in your neck, which becomes stronger if you turn your head.In this part of the spine, at this time, a loss of elasticity of the cartilaginous plates occurs and its 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, 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 spine itself: the discs become thinner and the vertebrae become closer together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of rather severe localized neck pain.Weakness, general malaise and headache are also noted.
Because of frequent flare-ups, a person with cervical osteochondrosis who has progressed to this stage may develop "droopy head" syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be eliminated 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 the prescribed drugs, but also special procedures.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is a dangerous and complex form in which a person feels continuous severe pain in the cervical region, which spreads 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 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 support the head on one's own, 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, 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, the risk of pinching the artery and disrupting the brain's natural nutrition is high.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 surgery for herniated disc.The patient must 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 operated area.Supportive conservative treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people are not aware of how important treatment is immediately after detecting the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease begins to manifest itself, it is often mistaken for a common disease.However, the problem will get worse 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 is likely to lead to constant pain, loss of coordination and reduced motor activity.Naturally, such a life cannot be called complete.And if the disease is neglected, in addition to the inability to carry out usual activities, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other disorders that represent a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is slightly different than 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 specified area, but also in 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 pinched, causing poor blood circulation in the cervical spine and disruption of brain nutrition.
- Weakness in the arms.It occurs due to compression 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.
- Deterioration of vision and hearing.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellar region is disrupted.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, numerous syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as severe pain in the neck, extending to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.Characterized by excruciating pain in the temples and occipital area.
- Reflex.It manifests itself as an intense pain in the back of the neck, which increases with head movements.The pain may be localized to the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with the signs of angina pectoris;it is quite difficult to diagnose it 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 situation can quickly worsen.
To determine the extent of the disease it is not enough to just know the symptoms.To prescribe an effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives suffering from cervical osteochondrosis in the family, find out about his professional activity and lifestyle.This is followed by a visual examination, palpation, computed tomography, cervical radiography, magnetic resonance imaging.
The situation becomes a little more complicated when it comes to a subtype of the disease such as osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.It presents 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 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 this resembles the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion may arise when making a diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the Greek center
The rehabilitation center provides treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern methods of physiotherapy.The clinic is located in Greece, on the picturesque peninsula of Halkidiki, 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 tourist excursions.And the healthy sea air and ideal climatic 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.The 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 assistance to the center's patients.To carry out professional rehabilitation until full recovery, a wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures are used, and robotic and computerized equipment is used.The latest methods of treating and restoring 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, highly effective therapy is used - a method of physiotherapy based on the targeted influence of radio waves 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 24/7 support and assistance to patients.
To eliminate pain and stiffness of the cervical spine and other consequences of osteochondrosis as quickly as possible, the patient should 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.In the rehabilitation center, specialists will take care of your diet.You will be able to enjoy delicious dishes prepared by our chef according to homemade Greek cuisine recipes, taking into account your diet.
The clinic has created all the conditions so that you can not only return to the quality of your previous life, but also have a good rest.Indulge in our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the length of your treatment, you will feel right at home.