The diagnosis of “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine” is made in more than 25% of cases of degeneration of the intervertebral discs;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 in people aged 35-40 years, but now there is a pronounced tendency to reduce the age of patients suffering from this disease.
To get rid of cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods allow: to eliminate disturbances in the functioning of the spinal roots, to neutralize the accompanying pain and to 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 surgical intervention.The volume of intervention is determined by the degree of negligence 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 postoperative recovery period will last approximately one year.Pain syndrome can be relieved as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To accelerate the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his attention to healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.On this path, the help of specialists 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 technologies 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 using physical factors: magnetic fields, low frequency currents, ultrasound, etc.This effect allows you to shorten the duration of treatment and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It enhances basic treatment and activates the body’s self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercise.The method involves creating decompression of the nerve roots using metered loads during exercises on special equipment.It 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 spine.
- Traction treatment.The procedure involves traction of the cervical vertebrae in order to increase the space between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and relieve pressure on the blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The procedure is carried out 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 in cases of 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 the fight against degenerative processes of 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 muscular corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special attention.According to statistics, the fair sex accounts for 2/3 of people suffering 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 cause 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 the appearance of this disease.Today, even young people are not immune from the manifestations of the signs of the disease, and the number of elderly patients is constantly growing.The development of the disease can be facilitated by back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors.Here is a list:
- genetic (hereditary) predisposition;
- intoxication of the body;
- infections;
- age-related changes;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- excess body weight;
- lack of microelements 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;
- poor posture;
- uneven development of the skeletal system and muscles;
- wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes, heels that are too high;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- abrupt cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often perform heavy physical labor often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment should be started immediately.The cause of the disease is: heavy lifting, jerky movements, frequent flexion, extension and rotation of the body.The 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 that 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 should be noted that the disease that develops in the cervical spine is recognized as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.It causes pinching of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and causes a stroke.Therefore, people at risk for the reasons described above should pay attention to even a slight deterioration in 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.MRI diagnosis or x-ray examination of the area in different projections is mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look at them.
First degree osteochondrosis is diagnosed at the preclinical stage of the disease.At this time, the disease is at the very beginning of its development, but the patient can already feel its manifestations.First, he begins to experience mild neck pain, which becomes stronger if he turns his head.In this part of the spine at this time there is a loss of elasticity of the cartilaginous plates and its compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to tire quickly, even with minor loads.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medication and 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 together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of fairly intense occasional pain in the neck.Weakness, general malaise and headache are also noted.
Due to frequent exacerbations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis that has progressed to this stage may develop “dropping head” syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be eliminated by supporting the head with the hands and redistributing the load on the vertebrae.In this case, the patient's treatment 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 experiences severe and continuous pain in the cervical region, spreading to the shoulder or arm.The patient's x-ray will clearly show pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and a reduction in the distances between the vertebrae.At this point, 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 for the previous stage.If this does not bring 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 is formed in its place.During this dangerous period, the risk of pinching the artery and disrupting the natural nutrition of the brain is high.If this happens, accompanied by 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 his condition from worsening.During this period, it is necessary to provide the most comfortable conditions for healing of the operated area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Many people are unaware of how important treatment is immediately after detecting the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease begins to manifest, it is often confused with a common illness.However, the problem will get worse every day, endangering the entire human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries located in the neck is impaired, the brain will not be able to receive adequate 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 strokes, 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, so 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 in the head, arms, shoulders and other parts of the body.This is caused by pinched nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.Occur when an artery is pinched, leading to difficulty with blood circulation in the cervical spine and disruption of nutrition to the brain.
- Weakness in the arms.Occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
- Cracking and difficulty turning the head.They appear when the structure of the intervertebral disc begins to change and dense connective tissue is formed in its place.
- Decreased sensitivity of 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 disrupted.
Among the clinical signs of the disease, several syndromes can be distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as intense pain in the neck, extending to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.Characterized by shooting pains in the temples and occipital region.
- Reflex.It manifests itself as intense pain in the neck, increasing with head movements.The pain can be localized in the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is quite often confused with the signs of angina;it is quite difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart region mistakes it for an attack and starts taking appropriate medications, for example, nitroglycerin.Since these medications do not solve the problem, the situation can quickly get worse.
To determine the extent of the disease, it is not enough to 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 suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, ask about his professional activities and lifestyle.This is followed by a visual examination, palpation, CT scan, cervical x-ray, and MRI.
The situation becomes a little more complicated when it comes to such a subtype of 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 various areas of the head, lumbago in the neck, chest pain when 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 during diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at the Greek center
The rehabilitation center offers treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern methods of physiotherapy.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 rest on pearl beaches, walks in picturesque areas and exciting tourist excursions.And the soothing sea air and ideal weather conditions contribute to a speedy recovery.
Thanks to the use of modern equipment, the diagnosis of 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 experts provides qualified care to patients at the center.To carry out professional rehabilitation until complete recovery, a wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures is used and robotic and computerized equipment is used.The latest methods of treatment and restoration of 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, very effective therapy is used - a method of physiotherapy based on the targeted influence of radio waves that are safe for humans.
The high quality of the clinic's medical services 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.
In order to get rid of pain and stiffness in the cervical spine and other consequences of osteochondrosis as quickly 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 consumption, 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 diet.You can taste delicious dishes prepared by our chef according to the recipes of homemade 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 have a good rest.Treat yourself to our library, our playground and our magnificent flower garden.Regardless of the length of your treatment, you will feel right at home.