A modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason that such a common disease as cervical osteochondrosis is actively rejuvenating. "IT people", drivers and other representatives of "sedentary" professions are increasingly complaining about him. According to doctors, even 17-year-old teenagers complain of cervical osteochondrosis. As a rule, these are those who actively use a smartphone.
The fact is that the human spine experiences a load from 12 to 27 kg above the device, depending on the inclination. The more time a person spends in this position, the faster the intervertebral discs wear out, neck and back pain appear, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend starting treatment immediately when the first symptoms appear, otherwise the consequences of neglecting one's health can be irreversible.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the cervical spine. It has seven vertebrae connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each disc has an anulus fibrosus with a nucleus pulposus inside.
A metabolic disorder contained in it may indicate the occurrence of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses its strength and elasticity. In the future, under the influence of loads, the fiber ring protrudes, cracks appear.
The cervical region has many nerve canals and blood vessels to supply nutrients to the brain, and the vertebrae are close together. Even a moderate deformation of one of the vertebrae leads to the fact that the nerve structures and blood vessels are compressed.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and what is its danger?
The first signs of the disease are expressed in the form of tension and tingling in the neck muscles, pain that can radiate to the back of the head, shoulder blades and arms. When cerebral blood flow is disturbed due to osteochondrosis, migraines, vegetative diseases and hypertension appear. The disease also negatively affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, general coordination, hearing and vision deteriorate.
If treatment is not started on time, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to bulging of the vertebrae, hernia and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are carried out by highly specialized specialists - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists specializing in the field of vertebrology. First, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. Possible causes of occurrence are also identified - harmful working conditions, patient habits, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, the patient is recommended an additional examination:
- X-ray shows the degree of instability of the cervical vertebrae.
- MRI can detect the formation of protrusions, herniated discs, and the condition of soft tissues.
- Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck region (dopplerography) is recommended for cerebrovascular accidents, migraines. This examination allows you to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries and veins, the presence of pathological convolutions and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows you to detect violations of the patency of blood vessels. All of these examinations together allow you to see the overall picture of the condition of the cervical spine in order to correctly diagnose and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation to ensure a long-term result.
Features of the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment aims to improve blood supply to the brain and tissues surrounding the cervical spine, increase mobility of blocked segments of the cervical spine, and relieve pain and myotonic syndrome.
Various methods are used to achieve these goals:
- Massages in combination with light orthopedic corrections to improve blood circulation in the cervical spine.
- Short lever method for spinal correction. This non-traumatic method allows you to effectively remove functional blockages and restore segment mobility.
- Shock wave therapy to improve metabolic processes, regenerate cells and affected tissue areas and eliminate muscle spasms.
- Carboxytherapy (therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapeutic treatment methods (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Drug treatment (blockades, multizonal and other injections) in combination with the above methods. Drugs are used only in some cases to relieve an acute condition with myotonia (soft tissue edema) and pain syndrome.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In the treatment of diseases, physiotherapeutic exercises are becoming increasingly popular. It is used not only in the state of remission, but also for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Physical exercises improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscular corset, eliminate restrictions on the mobility of the vertebrae, increase the range of motion and allow the restoration of neuromuscular connections.
Effective results are achieved by therapy according to the Finnish-German David method, which is carried out at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation. The susceptibility of the cervical spine, muscle asymmetries in the neck area, the predominance or lack of muscle development are determined within the framework of complex computer tests. Based on these indicators, the possible load is calculated and an individual training program is created on innovative medical simulators. To treat and consolidate the result, a course of 24 sessions should be performed twice a year. The results of training on simulators are usually visible after 5-6 sessions.
Self-medication is not an option
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often ignored or self-treated. Meanwhile, serious complications can arise. A person is particularly at risk of self-treatment or the use of traumatic manual techniques and physical manipulations, which not only may not cure, but may actually worsen the disease. It is better to entrust the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to qualified specialists who will select for you gentle, modern and effective methods that will exclude injury to the affected cervical spine.