Spine diseases invariably remain in the lead in the list of the most common diseases of the 21st century. The first line, in most cases, belongs to the diagnosis: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - a dangerous ailment that requires mandatory intervention from experienced doctors.
The disease does not spare anyone, neither women nor men (clinical cases of cervical osteochondrosis in men are recorded less often than in women, but they do occur). In addition, the disease "gets younger" every year, today signs of cervical osteochondrosis can be observed not only in those who have crossed the age threshold at 40, but also in those who just yesterday celebrated their 25th birthday.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, what serves as a catalyst for the onset of the development of this disease, why an epidemic called osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is gaining momentum, what symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis should be a reason for a visit to a medical institution, how not to be at risk and eata chance to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis forever? For those looking for answers to these questions, this article is intended. So, first things first.
General information about the disease
This ailment can be characterized in one word - dystrophy. It arises against the background of changes in the chemical composition of bone and cartilaginous tissue and entails a loss of elasticity and strength by elements of the spinal column (discs). Their structure changes, initially the outer layer (annulus fibrosus) is destroyed, then the inner layer (nucleus pulposus). A disc (fibrous cartilage) that has completely lost its properties can be deformed, overgrown with growths (osteophytes), and displaced.
Disks, changing their shape, size and location, pinch either nerve roots (they can injure one of the 8 pairs of spinal nerves located in this area), or blood channels (arteries that are responsible for feeding the brain pass through this area). . . In both the first and second cases, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine clearly make themselves felt.
Cervical osteochondrosis is the most common diagnosis that a neurologist or vertebrologist has to voice to his patients. Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, as the most common reason for visiting a doctor, is a consequence of two reasons:
- Anatomical features. The vulnerability of the upper part of the ridge is associated with the miniature and fragility of its connecting elements (vertebrae, discs).
- Serious loads. The neck is responsible for both mobility and stability at the same time. This cannot but provoke a quick "wear" of the weak links.
That is why the question: is cervical osteochondrosis treated? worries many.
Causes of the disease
Before moving on to the point: how to cure cervical osteochondrosis, it is worth understanding the causes of its occurrence, and try to exclude factors that can trigger the onset of its development.
It is not possible to give a complete list of catalysts, but it is quite possible to outline the moments that can lead to the fact that the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will not keep you waiting.
The main causes of osteochondrosis:
- unhealthy diet (snacks on the run, fast foods, lack of a regimen and complete balanced food in the diet - this is a direct path to the depletion of cartilage and bone tissue, which does not receive enough trace elements and vitamins that support its health);
- sedentary lifestyle (another possible option is a lack of physical activity, it provokes stagnation of the ridge elements and the lack of adequate oxygen supply of tissues);
- genetic predisposition (in this case, you can ask your parents what to do with cervical osteochondrosis, they will tell you how to get rid of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and how this ailment manifests itself);
- postponed injuries (the need to obtain information about what cervical osteochondrosis is can also occur when the development of this disease was the result of displacement or rupture of intervertebral discs as a result of injury);
- diseases of the vascular system, of an infectious or inflammatory nature (in the first case, information on the topic: how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs due to a deficiency of nutrients that support cartilage tissue, in the second, due to the fault of autoimmune and necrotic processes that destroy joints, vertebrae anddisks).
The instability of the hormonal background caused by overweight or stressful situations, as well as improper posture (scoliosis) are two more reasons to familiarize yourself with the materials on the case: is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Signs of illness
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are established. Work on the bugs is done. Now the most important thing is not to miss the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck (in the event that the risk factors were eliminated too late and the disease has already begun to manifest itself). The sooner they are diagnosed, the easier and faster the road to recovery will be.
For convenience, it is convenient to divide all signs of the disease into two groups. This can be done based on the main criterion: origin.
The first group is the phenomenon, the appearance of which is provoked by the clamping of the blood arteries (caused by vascular changes). Compressed channels for transporting blood, saturated with oxygen and nutrients, cannot fully cope with their task, the parts of the brain receive less nutrition and lose part of their functional capabilities.
The second group is the symptoms, the manifestation of which is associated with pinched nerve endings (caused by neurological changes). In most cases, the vagus nerve (coordinating the state of the esophagus, pharynx and larynx), the phrenic nerve (responsible for the heart rate and regulation of the breathing process), as well as the nerve endings that innervate other organs of the internal structure, suffer from deformation, destruction and mixing of discs and vertebrae.
More detailed information on how to not miss the first "bells" of the disease in case of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and timely use the help that the attending physician can offer are presented in the table below.
Disease Symptoms
| Origin | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Changes in the state of the vascular system | dizziness, fainting lack of coordination memory impairment decreased concentration of attention loss of visual acuity and hearing black dots before eyes ringing, tinnitus apathy, depression panic attacks nausea, vomiting |
| Neurological changes | pain in the neck, temples, occiput (constant, paroxysmal) pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, interscapular region, chest shortness of breath, shortness of breath, choking pressure, chest tightness, angina lump in throat, difficulty swallowing, dryness, itching in the throat |
Important! When at least one symptom from the above table appears, it is necessary to urgently undergo an examination and begin treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Any other behavior can lead to more serious consequences, which cannot be cured without surgical intervention!
Complex therapy
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis, this is how the sore question sounds. The answer to it is unambiguous: with the help of complex therapy prescribed by a competent qualified doctor.
Fighting this ailment requires discipline from the patient and strict adherence to the recommendations of a specialist. In most cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be cured with the help of several methods of traditional and alternative medicine at once (only the doctor coordinating the patient can determine a specific program aimed at effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis).
Typically, he chooses techniques from the following list:
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy is an excellent tool for health therapy, which allows both to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and improve overall health. It solves several problems at once:
- normalizes blood circulation;
- speeds up metabolic processes;
- relieves pain syndrome;
- strengthens the muscle corset;
- unloads the spine;
- charges with cheerfulness and optimism.
There are a number of rules that explain how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis by charging correctly without worsening the situation. They read:
- the set of exercises should be selected by a specialist who has an idea of the general clinical picture (age, chronic diseases and characteristics of the patient);
- any discomfort during classes should become a reason for refusing gymnastics (at least before consulting a doctor), as well as a period of exacerbation of the disease;
- too active sudden movements are completely excluded, you need to do it carefully without haste;
- exercises should be done regularly (exercise from time to time will not solve the problem).
Massage (manual therapy)
Is it possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis in another way? Quite. All that is needed in order to activate the regenerative properties of the body, relieve spasms, release nerve roots, pinched arteries and reduce symptoms are the skillful hands of an excellent masseur or manual.
General guidelines are:
- the procedure must be carried out by a specialist with appropriate education and experience;
- exposure time to the problem area - no more than 35 minutes;
- duration of one course (without interruption) - no more than 12 sessions;
- any changes in the patient's condition must be known to his attending physician.
Important! Doing a massage for osteochondrosis or visiting a therapist's office - a manual with contraindications is strictly prohibited!
Physiotherapy
This area of clinical medicine has found its own answer to the question: how to get rid of osteochondrosis? She suggests using the healing properties of various phenomena, including:
- high frequency sound waves (ultrasound);
- mechanical vibrations (vibration);
- electric currents of various intensities (electrophoresis, UHF);
- ultraviolet radiation (quartz);
- other physiotherapy techniques.
These procedures contribute to the onset of positive dynamics. They normalize blood flow, relieve inflammation, relieve pain, facilitate the process of administering drugs and shorten the time required for their absorption by tissues.
Medication
How to deal with cervical osteochondrosis, which continues to progress, despite all attempts to stop this process? Only with the help of drugs designed to eliminate the causes of this phenomenon.
All medicines used in an integrated approach are divided into several groups, depending on the action taken. The table below will help clarify the situation.
Medicines
| Group | Action | |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesics, NSAIDs | pain relief, elimination of the inflammatory process |
|
| Muscle relaxants |
muscle spasm relief | |
| Chondroprotectors | activation of tissue regeneration function, restoration of the structure of discs, vertebrae, joints |
|
| Vitamins and Minerals |
stimulation of metabolic processes, activation of the protective properties of the body, improved microcirculation, strengthening the immune system, |
The specialist decides for himself how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck. It can supplement therapy with drugs belonging to the group of vasodilators (to relieve vasodilators), antidepressants (to relieve nervous tension) and others, depending on the overall clinical picture of the disease.
Summing up, we can give an unambiguous answer to the main question: is osteochondrosis treated? Yes, but only under the strict supervision of a competent doctor and with the great desire of the patient himself!