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 to 40 years, but now there is a pronounced tendency towards a reduction in the age of patients suffering from this disease.
To get rid of cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods allow: eliminating disturbances in the functioning of the spinal roots, neutralizing the accompanying pain and preventing the 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 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 post-operative recovery period will take about a year.Pain syndrome can be relieved as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To speed up the result, the patient's own positive attitude, focus on healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.Along this path, the help of experts is necessary.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 of combating 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 shorten the treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to improve 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 on special equipment.It allows you to improve the nutrition of 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 on 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 to relieve muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
- Drug treatment.The use of medications is indicated if there is an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.To improve the body's metabolic processes, prescribed medications are administered orally or by injection.
Despite the fact that each of the described methods has proven its benefits in combating degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be obtained by using them comprehensively.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscular corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, it is the fair sex who make up 2/3 of those suffering from this disease.The predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormonal levels and a more fragile structure of the spinal bones.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 of office workers and the elderly.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the onset 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 continually 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 on 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;
- wear tight and uncomfortable shoes, very high heels;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- abrupt cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who frequently perform 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 weights, sudden movements, frequent flexion, 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 exercise, 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 important to note that the disease that develops in the cervical spine is recognized as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.This leads to compression of the end of the nerve leaving 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 symptoms, determine the stage of the disease and prescribe effective treatment.Magnetic resonance imaging or radiographic examination of the area in different projections is mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four phases.Let's take a look at them.
First-degree osteochondrosis is diagnosed in the preclinical phase of the disease.At this time, the disease is at the beginning of its development, but the patient can already feel its manifestations.Firstly, he begins to feel small pains in his neck, which become more severe if he turns his head.In this part of the spine, at this moment, there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilaginous plates and their compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to get tired quickly, even with small loads.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medication, aiming to relieve 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 spinal column itself - the discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, compressing the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of severe neck pain.Weakness, general malaise and headaches are also observed.
Due to frequent exacerbations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis that has progressed to this stage may develop “head falling off” syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be eliminated by supporting the head with your hands and redistributing the load on the vertebrae.Patient treatment in this case should include not only taking prescribed medications, but also special procedures.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is a dangerous and complex form in which a person feels intense and continuous pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.The patient's x-ray will clearly show the 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 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 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 forms in its place.During this dangerous period, there is a high risk of artery clamping 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 stage, 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 the most comfortable conditions for the operated area to heal.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Osteochondrosis symptoms
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 get worse every day, bringing danger to the entire human body.If the functioning of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is impaired, 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 cause stroke, ischemia and many other diseases that pose a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is somewhat different from other parts of the spine, therefore 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 on the head, arms, shoulders and other parts of the body.This is explained by compressed nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.They occur when an artery is pinched, causing difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and interruption of brain nutrition.
- Weakness in the arms.It occurs due to compression of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Crunching 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 at the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellar region is disturbed.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, several syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests as severe pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lower back.
- Vertebrate.Characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital region.
- Reflection.It manifests as 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 signs of angina pectoris;it is very difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart region takes this to an attack and starts taking appropriate medications, for example, nitroglycerin.As these medications 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 effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives in the family with cervical osteochondrosis, ask about their professional activities and lifestyle.This is followed by a visual examination, palpation, CT scan, cervical x-ray, MRI.
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 qualify the disease - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, the patient complains of dizziness, migraines in different areas of the head, low back pain in the neck, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, gray skin, increased heart rate, constant fatigue and mood changes.All this resembles the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion may arise in the diagnosis.
Osteochondrosis treatment in the Greek center
The rehabilitation center offers treatment for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men using the most modern physiotherapy methods.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 pearly beaches, walks in picturesque areas and exciting tourist excursions.And the healing sea breeze and ideal weather 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.Treatment involves a set of procedures aimed at restoring connective tissue and elasticity of intervertebral discs, relieving inflammation, relieving pain, normalizing metabolic processes and generally improving the patient's health.
A multidisciplinary team of specialists offers qualified care to the center's patients.To carry out professional rehabilitation until complete recovery, a wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures and robotic and computerized equipment are 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 physiotherapy method based on the targeted influence of radio waves that are safe for humans.
The high quality of the clinic's medical services are combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-style 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 nutrition.You can taste delicious dishes prepared by our chef according to homemade 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.Delight in our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the length of your treatment, you will feel at home.