The diagnosis of “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine” is established in more than 25% of cases of intervertebral disc degeneration;its characteristic symptoms and treatment should be considered in as much detail as possible.It is known that manifestations of the disease are most often detected by people 35-40 years old, 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 you to: eliminate disturbances in the functioning of the spinal roots, neutralize accompanying pain, and 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 surgery.The volume of intervention is determined by the degree of neglect 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 take about a year.Pain syndrome can be relieved as quickly as possible with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.To speed up the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his focus on healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.On this path, the help of specialists is needed.Therefore, it is possible to achieve the greatest effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation only in a modern medical clinic, equipped with the latest technology and using the latest methods in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
What methods does conservative complex 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 treatment time and increase its effectiveness, neutralize pain, and stop inflammatory processes.
- Reflexology.The technique involves influencing active zones and acupuncture points using special methods.It allows you to enhance the basic treatment and activate the body’s self-healing system.
- Therapeutic exercise.The method consists in creating decompression of the nerve roots using dosed 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 blood vessels.
- Therapeutic massage.The procedure is performed manually by a highly qualified specialist.A set of techniques is used that is aimed at relieving muscle tension and has a general strengthening effect.
- Drug treatment.The use of medications is indicated if there is an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.To enhance the body's metabolic processes, prescribed drugs 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 in intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be obtained by using them comprehensively.It is very important to use specialized rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscle corset.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special consideration.According to statistics, it is the fair sex who make up 2/3 of those who suffer 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 reason leading to cervical osteochondrosis is the insufficiently active lifestyle led by office workers and older people.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the occurrence of this disease.Today, even young people are not immune from the manifestation of signs of the disease, and the number of older patients is growing steadily.The development of the disease can be facilitated by back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors.Here is a list of them:
- 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 spinal column (scoliosis);
- abnormal development of the cervical spine;
- incorrect posture;
- uneven development of the skeletal system and muscles;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, too high heels;
- prolonged exposure to a stressful situation;
- abrupt cessation of regular exercise;
- smoking;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- foot diseases.
People who often engage in heavy physical labor often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment must be started immediately.The cause of the disease is: heavy lifting, jerking 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 down, sitting.A sharp transition to active physical exercise, especially those 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 is worth noting that the disease developing in the cervical spine is recognized as the most dangerous type of intervertebral disc dystrophy.It leads to pinching of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and provokes cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people who are at risk for the reasons described above should pay attention to even a slight deterioration in their health and contact an experienced specialist if they suspect an illness.
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 diagnostics or radiographic examination of the area in different projections are mandatory.In its development, the disease goes through four stages.Let's take a closer look at them.
Osteochondrosis of the first degree 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 of all, he begins to experience minor pain in the neck, 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 cartilage-like plates, and its compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles begin to quickly tire even with minor loads.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medicinal, 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 in the spinal column itself begin - the discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, pinching the roots of the nerve fibers.The patient complains of quite severe pinpoint pain in the neck.Weakness, general malaise, and headaches are also noted.
Due to frequent exacerbations, a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis that has progressed to this stage may develop “falling head” syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can only be gotten rid of by supporting the head with your hands and redistributing the load from the vertebrae.Treatment of the patient in this case should include not only taking prescribed medications, but also special procedures.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is a dangerous, complex form in which a person experiences continuous severe 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 stage, 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 on one’s own, loss of skin sensitivity.With this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment, as for the previous stage.If it does not lead to improvement, then 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 forms in its place.During this dangerous period, there is a high risk of pinching the artery and disrupting the natural nutrition of the brain.If this happens, along with constant pain and dizziness, the patient will experience periodic disorientation in space.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the rehabilitation stage, which occurs after surgery for a herniated disc.The patient should be under the supervision of a doctor and undergo regular examinations to prevent the condition from worsening.During this period, it is necessary to provide him with the most comfortable conditions for the 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 first begins to manifest itself, it is often mistaken for a common illness.However, the problem will worsen every day, bringing danger to 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 do usual activities, it can lead to stroke, ischemia and many other ailments that pose a serious threat to life.
The structure of the cervical vertebrae is somewhat different than in 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 explained by pinched nerve endings and muscle spasms.
- General weakness, dizziness, malaise.Occur when an artery is pinched, leading to difficulty in blood circulation in the cervical spine and disruption of brain nutrition.
- Weakness in the arms.Occurs due to pinching of the nerve that is responsible for motor activity.
- Crunching 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.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, a number of syndromes are distinguished:
- Koreshkovy.It manifests itself as severe pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blade, shoulder or lumbar region.
- Vertebrate.Characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and occipital area.
- Reflex.It manifests itself as intense pain in the back of the neck, increasing with head movements.Pain may be localized in the chest and shoulder.
- Cardinal.This syndrome is quite often confused with signs of angina pectoris; it is quite difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart area takes it for an attack and begins to take appropriate medications, for example, nitroglycerin.Since these medications do not solve the problem, the situation can quickly worsen.
To determine the extent of the disease, it is not enough to know the symptoms alone.To prescribe effective treatment, the doctor must collect detailed information about the patient: find out whether there were relatives in the family suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, inquire about his professional activities 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 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, pain in the chest 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 when making a diagnosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the Greek center
The rehabilitation center provides treatment for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, using the most modern methods of physiotherapy.The clinic is located in Greece, on the picturesque peninsula of Halkidiki, washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea.A patient undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment can easily combine it with relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in picturesque areas, and exciting sightseeing excursions.And the healing sea air and ideal climatic conditions contribute to a speedy 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 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, an extensive 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, highly 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 medical services in the clinic is combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel-type rooms that have everything you need.Experienced staff provides 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 must 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 intake, 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 will be able to 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.Indulge in our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the length of time your treatment lasts, you will feel right at home.