The defeat of the intervertebral disc of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that occurs in the cervical spine as a result of metabolic disorders is called cervical osteochondrosis. The processes of these changes are irreversible and, over time, can cause very serious health problems.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine quickly rejuvenates, and nowadays the disease often manifests itself even in very young patients. And there is nothing to say about middle age - almost everyone has a neck problem. Surely many are familiar with the concept of "pinching the nerve" when it is impossible to turn your head? And this is one of the most unpleasant manifestations of this insidious disease, which without qualified treatment will be remembered more and more
Each type of osteochondrosis has serious complications, so don't delay treatment.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the spine are distinguished, which, sooner or later, accumulating, lead to the appearance of certain changes in the bone and cartilage tissue of the upper vertebrae:
- The scourge of our time is a sedentary lifestyle and especially the fact of being in a static position during the day, including in front of a computer. The vertebrae do not receive sufficient nutrition and blood supply, which is why unwanted changes in their structure occur.
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue. It is inevitable for almost everyone over the age of fifty, and sometimes even earlier.
- Lifelong spinal injuries. This is why professional athletes often have a history of neck pain.
- Excess weight - extra pounds increase the load on the spine as a whole, which also causes pain in the neck.
- Incorrect metabolism in the body, caused by bad habits and poor diet, also contributes to the development of pathology of the spine.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The following symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis indicate the existing problems in the functioning of the body:
- You worry about frequent headaches, which are accompanied by dizziness, flies, and darkening of the eyes, as well as general weakness.
- Turning your head to the sides is limited and painful.
- There is pain in the neck, shoulder blades and chest, as well as in the arms.
- You are characterized by unexplained and frequent pressure drops.
- There is numbness in the fingers or hands, and there is limitation in the movement of the tongue.
- Tinnitus and other hearing problems are present.
- You feel uncertain while walking, tottering.
Methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Of course, such an important task as the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has been trying to solve doctors around the world for a long time, and not without success. Currently, the disease is well studied, and with the right approach, it can be kept well within the framework, allowing the patient to live a full life without restrictions and without pain. Doctors use the following methods to reduce and eliminate manifestations of osteochondrosis:
- Acupressure. The oldest techniques in Chinese and Tibetan medicine will make you feel much better.
- Moxotherapy, tszyu therapy, hirudotherapy. After such unconventional procedures, osteochondrosis will regress for a long time.
- Acupuncture (reflexology). One of the most effective techniques, the essence of which is that the thinnest needles are inserted in certain places of the patient's body at different depths. They create a strong reflex reaction which has a beneficial effect on the cervical spine.
- Traction techniques. They are based on the effect on the human body of two forces acting in opposite directions and, therefore, reducing the pressure in the intervertebral discs.
- Herbal medicine and physiotherapy exercises. Correct physical exercises, selected by an experienced specialist, are the key to your success.
- PRP therapy is the newest way to stimulate regenerative processes. It is used to restore the functions of various organs after illnesses and injuries, including restoring the function of the musculoskeletal system.