The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" is established in more than 25% of cases due to degeneration of the intervertebral disc;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 seen in people aged 35-40, but recently there is a pronounced tendency to reduce the age of patients suffering from this disease.
In order to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods make it possible to eliminate dysfunctions of the roots of the spine, neutralize accompanying pain and prevent the further development of degenerative changes in a specific part of the spine.If the non-surgical method is deemed ineffective and there are special indications, the patient is prescribed surgery.The degree 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 recovery period after surgery lasts about a year.The pain syndrome can be alleviated as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapy procedures and special exercises.To speed up the result, the patient's positive attitude, focus on recovery, patience and perseverance are extremely important.On this path, the help of professionals is needed.Therefore, the greatest efficiency of treatment and rehabilitation can be achieved only in a modern medical clinic, which is equipped with the latest technology and uses the latest methods in the fight against musculoskeletal diseases.
What methods does conservative complex treatment include:
- Physiotherapy.This method is a series of procedures using physical factors: magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, ultrasound, etc.This effect makes it possible 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 with special methods.It enables the enhancement of basic treatment and the activation of the body's self-healing system.
- Therapeutic practice.The method consists in creating decompression of the nerve roots with dosed loads during exercises on special equipment.It makes it possible 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 stretching 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 trained specialist.A series of techniques are used to relieve muscle tension and have an overall strengthening effect.
- Drug treatment.The use of drugs is recommended when cervical osteochondrosis worsens.In order to enhance the body's metabolic processes, prescribed drugs are administered orally or by injection.
Despite the fact that all of the described methods have proven their benefits in the fight against the degenerative processes of the intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be achieved with their comprehensive use.It is very important to use special rehabilitation equipment to restore the entire ligament.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special attention.According to statistics, 2/3 of people suffering from this disease are the fair sex.The tendency 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 for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is the insufficiently active lifestyle of office workers and the elderly.However, lack of physical activity is not the only cause of this disease.Today, even young people are not protected from the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of older patients is constantly increasing.Back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors can also contribute to the development of the disease.Here is a list of them:
- genetic (hereditary) predisposition;
- poisoning of the body;
- infections;
- age-related changes;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- excessive body weight;
- lack of microelements due to poor nutrition;
- fractures, spine bruises;
- 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 and uncomfortable shoes, shoes with too high heels;
- exposure to a prolonged stressful situation;
- sudden cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often do 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: heavy lifting, jerking movements, frequent bending, stretching and twisting.The pressure on the discs between the vertebrae also increases with prolonged exposure in an unnatural position in any position - standing, lying, sitting.A sharp transition to active exercise, especially associated with moving heavy objects, can also lead to cervical osteochondrosis.To avoid this, doctors recommend that you start increasing 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 the most dangerous type of dystrophy of the intervertebral disc.It leads to pinching of the nerve ending leaving the spinal cord and causes cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people who are at risk due to the reasons described above should pay attention to even a slight deterioration in their health status and contact an experienced specialist if they suspect illness.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is confirmed in a patient, the doctor must determine the stage of the disease based on the totality of symptoms and prescribe effective treatment.MRI diagnostics or radiographic examination of the area in different projections is mandatory.During 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 very beginning of its development, but the patient already feels its manifestations.At first, you start to feel minor pain in your neck, which gets worse when you turn your head.In this part of the spine, at this time, the flexibility of the cartilage-like plates decreases and compacts.The patient may notice that the muscles of the neck tire quickly, even with a small load.The treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medication, aimed at reducing the 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 spinal column itself - the discs become thinner and the vertebrae become closer to each other, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains that it is very strong and causes pain in the neck.Weakness, general malaise and headache are also observed.
Due to frequent exacerbations, people with cervical osteochondrosis who have progressed to this stage may develop "falling 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 from the vertebrae.In this case, the treatment of the patient 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 neck region, which spreads to the shoulder or arm.The X-ray of the patient clearly shows the pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae.At this stage, a hernia can develop, which can lead to loss of sensation in the hands.Additional symptoms: curvature of the cervical spine, palpable pain, inability to hold the head independently, decreased skin sensitivity.With this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as in the previous stage.If this does not lead to improvement, then surgery and then rehabilitation are inevitable.
The fourth stage 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 the artery becoming pinched and interfering with the brain's natural nutrition.If this happens, in addition to constant pain and dizziness, the patient experiences periodic disorientation in space.
Special mention should be made of the rehabilitation phase that occurs after surgery for a herniated disc.The patient should be under the supervision of a doctor and undergo regular check-ups to avoid worsening of the condition.During this period, he must be provided 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 the importance of treatment immediately after noticing the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease first appears, it is often mistaken for a common disease.However, the problem will get worse every day and poses a threat to the entire human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is damaged, the brain cannot receive adequate nutrition.This threatens with constant pain, loss of coordination and impairment of motor activity.Of course, such a life cannot be called complete.And if the disease is neglected, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other diseases that pose a serious threat to life, in addition to the inability to perform normal activities.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is somewhat different from that of other parts of the spine, so the signs of osteochondrosis in this area are quite specific.The following signs indicate that you should see a professional as soon as possible:
- Painful feelings.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, malaise.It occurs when an artery is pinched, leading to difficulty in blood circulation to the cervical spine and disruption of nutrition to the brain.
- Weakness in arms.It occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Crackling 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.A pinched nerve explains.
- Deterioration of vision and hearing.These signs appear in the last stage of the disease, when the blood circulation in the cerebellar region is interrupted.
Several syndromes can be distinguished among the clinical symptoms of the disease:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests as severe neck pain that spreads to the shoulder blade, shoulder, or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.It is characterized by throbbing pain in the temple and occipital region.
- Reflex.It appears as an intense pain in the back of the neck that increases with head movement.The pain can be localized in the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with the signs of angina pectoris;it is quite difficult to diagnose on your own.It often happens that a person who feels pain in the area of the heart has an attack and takes appropriate drugs such as nitroglycerin.Since these drugs do not solve the problem, the situation can quickly deteriorate.
To determine the extent of the disease, it is not enough to know only the symptoms.To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out if there were relatives with cervical osteochondrosis in the family, inquire about his professional activity and lifestyle.This is followed by a visual examination, palpation, computed tomography, cervical X-ray, 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.It has vague symptoms, so it is quite difficult to classify the disease correctly - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.Usually, the patient complains of dizziness, migraine in different areas of the head, lumbago in the neck, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, gray skin, rapid heartbeat, constant fatigue and mood swings.All of this is reminiscent of 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 provides 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, which is washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea.A patient undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxing on the Pearl Coast, scenic walks, and exciting sightseeing trips.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 can be completely eliminated.The treatment includes a series of procedures aimed at restoring the elasticity of the connective tissue and intervertebral discs, relieving inflammation, relieving pain, normalizing metabolic processes, and improving the general health of the patient.
In the center, a multidisciplinary team of experts provides qualified care to patients.A wide range of physiotherapy procedures, robotic and computer equipment are used to carry out professional rehabilitation until complete recovery.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis are used, for example, PRP therapy.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.In order to quickly neutralize the pain in the affected area, an extremely effective therapy is used - a physiotherapy method based on the targeted effect of radio waves that are safe for humans.
The clinic's high-quality medical services are combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-style rooms with everything you need.Experienced staff provide 24-hour support and assistance to patients.
In order to get rid of the pain and stiffness of the cervical spine as quickly as possible, as well as other consequences of osteochondrosis, the patient must carefully monitor the quality of the diet.It is important that during the healing 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 foods.In the rehabilitation center, specialists take care of your diet.You will be able to taste delicious dishes prepared by our chef based on the recipes of home 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 rest well.Pamper yourself in our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of how long the treatment lasts, you can feel at home.