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 by people aged 35-40, but there is already a marked tendency to decrease 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 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 intervention is determined by the degree of neglect and 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 recovery period after the operation will last about a year.The pain syndrome can be relieved as soon as possible with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To speed up the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his focus on healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.In this way, the help of specialists is needed.Therefore, it is possible to achieve the greatest effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation 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 include complex conservative treatment:
- Physiotherapy.This method is a set of procedures that use physical factors: magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, ultrasound, etc.This effect allows you to shorten the treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves the influence of active areas and acupuncture points using special methods.This allows you to improve the basic treatment and activate the body's self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercises.The method consists in creating decompression of the nerve roots using dosed loads during exercises on special equipment.This 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 back.
- Withdrawal treatment.The procedure involves pulling 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 qualified specialist.A set of techniques are used that aim to relieve 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 the metabolic processes of the body, the 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 in 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 complete muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, it is the fair sex that accounts for 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, even young people are not immune from the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of elderly patients is constantly increasing.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;
- intoxication of the body;
- infections;
- age-related changes;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- excess body weight;
- lack of micronutrients 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;
- wrong posture;
- uneven development of the skeletal system and muscles;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, very 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 should be started immediately.The cause of the disease is: lifting weights, jerky movements, frequent bending, stretching and turning 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 exercises, 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 that develops in the cervical spine is known as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.It leads to compression of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and provokes a cerebrovascular accident.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.
The rate 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.Diagnostics with 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 at them.
Osteochondrosis of the first degree 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 of all, he begins to experience small pains in the neck, which become stronger if he turns his head.In this part of the spine, at this time, there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilage-like plates and its compression occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly even with small 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 progress.During this period, destructive changes begin in the spine itself - the discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer to each other, squeezing the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of severe sharp pains in the neck.Weakness, general malaise and headache are also noted.
Due to frequent irritations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis who has progressed to this stage may develop "fallen head" syndrome.It is characterized by almost constant pain, which can be eliminated only by supporting the head with the 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, complex form in which a person experiences constant severe pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.The radiograph of the patient will clearly show the pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and the reduction of 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 hold the head up on its own, loss of skin sensation.With this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as for the previous stage.If it does not lead to improvement, 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 forms in its place.During this dangerous period, there is a high risk of constriction of the artery and disruption of 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 surgery for a 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.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 appear, 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 damaged, the brain will not be able to receive proper nutrition.This threatens to lead to 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 inability to perform usual activities, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other diseases 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 should 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 tight nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.They occur when an artery is compressed, leading to difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and interruption of brain nutrition.
- Weakness in arms.It occurs due to compression of the nerve that is responsible for motor activity.
- Twitching 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.It is 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 interrupted.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, a number of syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.Appears as severe pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder, shoulder or lower back.
- Vertebrate.It is characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital area.
- Reflex.Appears as intense pain in the back of the neck, increasing with head movements.The pain can be localized in the chest and shoulder.
- The 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 medications, 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 know only the symptoms.To prescribe an effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives in the family who suffered from cervical osteochondrosis, ask about his professional activities and lifestyle.Then follows the visual examination, palpation, computed tomography, X-ray of the cervix, MRI.
The situation becomes somewhat more complicated when it comes to a subtype of the disease such as osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.There are 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, migraine in different areas of the head, lumbago in the neck, chest pain during 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 establishing the diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the Greek center
The rehabilitation center offers treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern physiotherapy methods.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 scenic areas and exciting tourist 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, 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 professional rehabilitation until full 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 are practiced, such as PRP therapy.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.To quickly neutralize the 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 at 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 get rid of pain and stiffness in the cervical spine and other consequences of osteochondrosis as soon 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 caloric content of dishes.At the rehabilitation center, specialists will take care of your diet.You will be able to enjoy delicious dishes prepared by our chef according to home-made Greek recipes, 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.