The modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason why such a common disease as osteochondrosis of the cervix is actively rejuvenated. IT people, drivers and other members of the "sitting" profession are increasingly complaining about it. Doctors say even 17-year-olds complain of cervical osteochondrosis. Typically, this is someone who is actively using a smartphone.
The fact is that due to the inclination of the gadget, the human spine experiences a load of 12 to 27 kg. The more time a person spends in this posture, the faster the intervertebral discs expire, causing pain in the neck and spine, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend starting treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of neglecting health can be irreversible.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervix. It has seven vertebrae connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has anulus fibrosus, inside of which is the nucleus pulposus.
Metabolic disorders in it may indicate the onset of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of the load, a fiber ring rises, cracks appear on it.
The cervical region has many neural channels and blood vessels to provide nourishment to the brain, while the vertebrae are closely adjacent to each other. Thus, even moderate deformity of one of the spines leads to the fact that the nerve structures and blood vessels are compressed.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and what is their danger?
The first signs of the disease are manifested in the form of tension and tingling in the neck muscles, in the form of pain that can spread to the back of the head, shoulder blades and hands. Osteochondrosis causes cerebral circulatory disorders due to migraine, vegetative-vascular diseases and hypertension. Also, the disease adversely affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, impairs general coordination, hearing and vision.
If treatment is not started in time, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to interstitial protrusion, hernia, and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists, who specialize in the field of vertebrology. First of all, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. Possible causes of appearance are also identified - harmful working conditions, patient habits, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, the patient is advised to undergo additional examination:
- X-ray shows the degree of instability of the cervical spine bodies.
- MRI can detect rash, hernia, and soft tissue condition.
- Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels of the head and cervix is recommended for cerebrovascular accidents, migraines. This examination allows you to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries, veins, as well as the presence of abnormal rotation and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows you to see impaired vascular permeability. All these examinations together allow you to see the overall picture of the condition of the cervical spine, to correctly diagnose and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to ensure a long-term result.
Peculiarities of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment aims to improve the blood supply to the tissues surrounding the brain and cervical spine, increase the mobility of blocked segments of the cervical spine, and reduce pain and myotonic syndrome.
Various methods are used to achieve these goals:
- Massages with light orthopedic correction to improve blood flow to the cervical spine.
- Short lever method of spine correction. This non-traumatic method allows you to effectively eliminate functional blocks and restore segment mobility.
- Shock wave therapy to improve metabolic processes, rejuvenate damaged areas of cells and tissue, and eliminate muscle spasms.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blockades, multislice and other injections) in combination with the above methods. Medications are used only in some cases to alleviate the acute condition of myotonic (soft tissue swelling) and pain syndrome.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Physiotherapeutic exercises are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of diseases. It is used not only in remission but also for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Physical exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens the muscular corset, eliminates restrictions on spinal mobility, increases range of motion and allows you to restore neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved with Finnish-German David method therapy conducted at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. Complex computer testing determines the vulnerability of the cervical spine, muscle asymmetry in the cervix, the strength or underdevelopment of the musculoskeletal system. Based on these indicators, the possible load is calculated and an individual training program on innovative medical simulators is formed. A course of 24 sessions should be conducted twice a year to establish treatment and outcome. The results of training on exercise machines are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not the solution
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-medicated. Meanwhile, this can lead to serious complications. People are especially at risk when using self-medication or traumatic manual techniques and physical manipulations, which not only do not cure, but can even aggravate the disease. It is best to entrust the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to qualified specialists, who will select gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of damage to the damaged cervical spine.