The modern sedentary lifestyle is the reason why a common disease such as cervical osteochondrosis is actively rejuvenating. It is increasingly being complained about by "IT professionals", drivers and other members of the "sedentary" professions. Doctors say even 17-year-olds are complaining of cervical osteochondrosis. Usually these are the ones who actively use a smartphone.
The situation is that depending on the tilt of the device, the human spine experiences a load of 12-27 kg. The more time a person spends in this situation, the faster the intervertebral discs wear out, pain occurs in the neck and back, and then osteochondrosis. Doctors strongly recommend that you start treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear, otherwise neglecting your health can have irreversible consequences.
What is this disease - cervical osteochondrosis?
The most mobile of all parts of the spine is the neck. It has seven vertebrae that are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. Each plate has an anulus fibrosus with a nucleus pulposus inside.
The metabolic disorder in it may indicate the appearance of osteochondrosis, in which the intervertebral disc loses its strength and elasticity. In the future, the fibrous ring will protrude under the load and cracks will appear on it.
There are many nerve channels and blood vessels in the neck region that feed the brain and the vertebrae are close together. Thus, 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 are the dangers?
The first signs of the disease are pain in the neck muscles and a tingling sensation, pain radiating to the back of the head, the shoulder blades and the arms. Cerebral circulatory disorders due to osteochondrosis include migraine, autonomic vascular disease, and hypertension. In addition, the disease has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system as well as the respiratory system, impairing overall coordination, hearing and vision.
If treatment is not started on time, cervical osteochondrosis can cause intervertebral protrusion, hernia, and vertebral artery syndrome.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Highly trained professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - orthopedic traumatologists and neurologists - specialize in the field of vertebrology. Above all, the doctor determines the severity of the symptoms of the disease. The possible causes of the appearance are also determined - harmful working conditions, the habits of patients, the presence of injuries.
If necessary, the patient is advised to have additional tests:
- An X-ray shows the degree of instability in the cervical vertebrae.
- MRI can detect protrusions, disc herniation, and soft tissue condition.
- Ultrasound examination of the blood vessels of the head and neck region (dopplerography) is recommended for cerebral vascular disasters, migraine. This test makes it possible to determine the condition of the vertebral arteries, veins, and the presence of abnormal curvature and vascular loops. Ultrasound also allows violation of vascular patency. Taken together, all of these tests allow you to get a comprehensive picture of the condition of your cervical spine so that you can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment and further rehabilitation for long-term results.
Characteristics of the treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis
The goal of treatment is to improve the blood supply to the tissues surrounding the brain and cervical spine, to increase the mobility of the blocked segments of the cervical spine, and to reduce pain and myotonic syndrome.
Various methods are used to achieve these goals:
- Massages combined with light orthopedic corrections to improve blood flow to the cervical spine.
- Short arm method for spine correction. This non-traumatic method allows the effective removal of functional blocks and the restoration of segment mobility.
- Shockwave therapy to improve metabolic processes, regenerate cells and affected tissue areas, and eliminate muscle cramps.
- Carboxytherapy (the therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide on the tissues of the spine and joints).
- Physiotherapy methods (electrotherapy and magnetotherapy).
- Medication (blockades, multizonal and other injections) in combination with the above methods. Medicines are used only in certain cases to relieve an acute condition with myotonic (soft tissue edema) and pain syndrome.
Practice therapy in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Physiotherapy practices in the treatment of diseases are becoming increasingly popular. It is used not only in remission but also to prevent cervical osteochondrosis. Physical exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens the ligament, removes restrictions on vertebral mobility, increases range of motion, and allows neuromuscular connections to be restored.
Therapy according to the Finnish-German David method, which is performed at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation, achieves effective results. A complex computer test is used to determine the vulnerability of the cervical spine, the muscle symmetry of the cervical region, or the predominance or absence of the muscular system. Based on these indicators, the potential workload is calculated and an individual training program is developed on innovative medical simulators. In order to consolidate the treatment and 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 times.
Self-healing is not an option
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are often overlooked or self-medicated. Meanwhile, it can lead to serious complications. People are particularly at risk from self-treatment or the use of traumatic manual techniques and physical manipulations that not only do not cure but can even aggravate the disease. It is better to entrust the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck to qualified professionals who will choose gentle, modern and effective methods that exclude the possibility of injury to the affected cervical spine.