Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The diagnosis of “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine” is made in more than 25% of cases of intervertebral disc degeneration;The characteristic symptoms and treatment should be considered as detailed as possible.It is known that the manifestations of the disease are most often detected in people aged 35-40 years.However, there is now a pronounced tendency to reduce the age of patients suffering from this disease.

To eliminate cervical osteochondrosis and its consequences, conservative methods allow you to: eliminate dysfunction of the spinal roots, neutralize accompanying pain and prevent 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 scope of intervention is determined by the degree of neglect and clinical manifestations of the disease.

With the help of conservative treatment methods, you can eliminate the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in 1-3 months.The postoperative recovery period will last approximately one year.With the help of physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises, the pain syndrome can be relieved as quickly as possible.To accelerate the result, the positive attitude of the patient himself, his focus on healing, patience and perseverance are extremely important.In this way, the help of specialists is required.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 that use 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.With this technique, active zones and acupuncture points are influenced using special methods.It allows you to improve basic treatment and activate the body's self-healing system.
• Therapeutic exercise.The method consists in creating decompression of the nerve roots through 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 given section and reduce the load on the spine.
• Traction treatment.The procedure stretches the cervical spine to increase the space between the vertebrae, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce pressure on blood vessels.
• Therapeutic massage.The procedure is carried out manually by a highly qualified specialist.A number of techniques are used that aim to relieve muscle tension and have a general strengthening effect.
• Drug treatment.If cervical osteochondrosis worsens, the use of medication is indicated.To improve the body's metabolic processes, prescribed medications are administered orally or by injection.

Although each of the methods described has proven itself in the fight against degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, a lasting effect can only be achieved through comprehensive application.It is very important to use special rehabilitation equipment to restore a full muscle corset.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women requires special attention.According to statistics, 2/3 of those suffering from this disease are the fairer sex.The predisposition is associated with frequent changes in hormone 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 for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is the insufficiently active lifestyle of office workers and the elderly.However, lack of physical activity is not the only reason for the occurrence of this disease.Nowadays, even young people are not immune to the symptoms of the disease and the number of older patients is constantly increasing.The development of the disease can be promoted by back injuries, frequent dynamic loads and other factors.Here is a list of them:

• genetic (hereditary) predisposition;
• poisoning of the body;
• infections;
• age-related changes;
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• obesity;
• 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;
• 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 physical activity;
• Smoke;
• nervous tension;
• hypothermia;
• Foot diseases.

People who often perform heavy physical work often suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;Symptoms can appear quickly and treatment must be started immediately.The causes of the disease are: heavy lifting, jerky movements, frequent bending, stretching and turning of the body.The pressure on the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae increases even with prolonged exposure to an unnatural position in any position - standing, lying down, sitting.An abrupt transition to active physical activity, especially when moving heavy objects, can also lead to cervical osteochondrosis.To prevent this, doctors recommend increasing the load gradually and under the supervision of an experienced trainer.

It is worth noting that the disease that develops in the cervical spine is considered the most dangerous form of intervertebral disc dystrophy.This leads to entrapment of the end of the nerve exiting the spinal cord and provokes a cerebrovascular accident.Therefore, people who are at risk for the reasons mentioned 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 determine the stage of the disease based on the totality of symptoms and prescribe effective treatment.An MRI diagnosis or a radiological examination of the area in different projections is mandatory.The disease goes through four stages in its development.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 still at the beginning of its development, but the patient can already feel its manifestations.At first he feels slight pain in his neck, which increases when he turns his head.At this point in time, in this part of the spine, the cartilage-like plates lose their elasticity and their compaction occurs.The patient may notice that the neck muscles tire quickly even with little strain.Treatment of the disease at this stage is usually medication and is 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 intervertebral discs become thinner and the vertebrae move closer together, pinching the roots of 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 with cervical osteochondrosis who has progressed to this stage may experience “falling head” syndrome.It is characterized by almost continuous pain, which can be eliminated only by supporting the head with the hands and redistributing the load from the vertebrae.The patient's treatment 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 persistent severe pain in the neck area, spreading to the shoulder or arm.On the patient's x-ray, pathological narrowing of the spinal canal and a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae can be clearly seen.At this stage, a hernia may develop, causing loss of feeling in the hands.Other symptoms include: curvature of the cervical spine, pain on palpation, inability to hold the head independently, loss of skin sensitivity.With this course of the disease, the patient is prescribed treatment as in the previous stage.If there is no improvement, an operation followed by rehabilitation is unavoidable.

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 time, there is a high risk of the artery becoming pinched and disrupting the brain's natural nutrition.In this case, in addition to constant pain and dizziness, there is periodic disorientation in space.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the rehabilitation period that occurs after surgery for a herniated disc.The patient should be under medical supervision 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 healing of the operated area.Conservative supportive treatment is prescribed.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Many people do not realize how important treatment is immediately after recognizing the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.When the disease first manifests itself, it is often confused with a common illness.However, the problem is getting worse day by day and endangering the entire human body.If the work of the nerves and arteries in the neck is impaired, the brain cannot receive sufficient nutrients.This can lead to constant pain, loss of coordination, and limited motor activity.Of course, such a life cannot be called complete.And if the disease is neglected, in addition to the inability to carry out ordinary 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 from that of 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 on the head, arms, shoulders and other parts of the body.This is explained by pinched nerve endings and muscle spasms.
• General weakness, dizziness, malaise.Occurs when an artery becomes pinched, leading to impaired blood flow in the cervical spine and disruption of brain nutrition.
• Weakness in the arms.Occurs due to pinching of the nerve responsible for motor activity.
• Crunching and difficulty turning the head.They arise when the structure of the intervertebral disc begins to change and dense connective tissue forms in its place.
• Decreased sensitivity of the hands.Explained by a pinched nerve.
• Deterioration of vision and hearing.These signs appear in the final stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellar area is disturbed.

Among the clinical signs of the disease, a number of syndromes are distinguished:

• Koreshkovy.It is manifested by severe pain in the neck that spreads to the scapula, shoulder or lumbar area.
• Vertebrate.Characterized by throbbing pain in the temples and back of the head.
• Reflex.It manifests itself as severe pain in the neck, which becomes worse when the head is moved.The pain can be localized in the chest and shoulder area.
• Cardinal.This syndrome is often confused with signs of angina;It is quite difficult to diagnose it independently.Often, a person who feels pain in the heart area mistakes it for an attack and starts taking appropriate medications, such as 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 who suffered from cervical osteochondrosis, and inquire about his professional activity 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.Since these are vague symptoms, it is quite difficult to correctly categorize the disease - this can only be entrusted to an experienced specialist.As a rule, the patient complains of dizziness, migraine in different 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 of this is similar to the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia or angina, so confusion can arise when making a diagnosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis in 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 relaxation on pearl beaches, walks in picturesque areas and exciting sightseeing excursions.And the healing sea air and ideal climatic conditions contribute to a quick 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 excluded.Treatment includes a number 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 ensures qualified care for patients at the center.A comprehensive range of physiotherapeutic procedures as well as robotic and computer-assisted devices are used to carry out professional rehabilitation until complete recovery.The most modern methods of treating and restoring cells damaged by cervical osteochondrosis, such as PRP therapy, are practiced.The complex includes spinal traction and hydromassage.In order to quickly neutralize pain in the affected area, a highly effective therapy is used - a method of physiotherapy based on the targeted action of radio waves that are harmless to humans.

The high quality of medical services in the clinic is combined with excellent living conditions in comfortable hotel rooms that have everything you need.Experienced staff offer patients support and assistance around the clock.

In order to eliminate 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 the body receives a sufficient amount of substances responsible for the synthesis of cartilage tissue during the recovery period.It is also necessary to limit salt intake, include fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu, and monitor the calorie content of dishes.In the rehabilitation center, specialists take care of your nutrition.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 old quality of life, but also recover well.Enjoy our library, playground and beautiful flower garden.Regardless of the duration of your treatment, you will feel at home.