The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is made on the basis of a simple study - X -rays.
In order for the disease to subside, an integrated approach to the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is needed.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis appear?
Pain has several localization focuses: neck, head, shoulders. Weak neck muscles provoke the development of osteochondrosis. Because of incorrect posture, inactivity and improper use of posture, some neck muscles are constantly tense, others spend too much time to relax. The spine adapts to an irrational load at the cost of its health. In cervical osteochondrosis, the following changes are noted:
- violation of blood and lymph flow;
- malnutrition of intervertebral disc connective tissue;
- instability of the position of the vertebral bodies with each other.
Gradually, the vertebral and disc structures are destroyed. This process is irreversible, so you need to take care of your health in a timely manner and undergo treatment for symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis immediately, without delaying until later. Reasons also include:
- neck injuries;
- overweight;
- connective tissue dysplasia;
- poor nutrition, inadequate water intake.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms
Main signs (vertebral):
- It hurts. It can pull or appear continuously during the period after a static neck position, sleeping in an uncomfortable state. There is a sharp pain that paralyzes the patient in a short time (lumbago);
- Torticollis or difficult movements. Sometimes it is very painful to turn or tilt the head until one gets a comfortable position where the pain is minimal, and strives to stay in it;
- Muscle tension, feeling of stiffness, heaviness;
- Fractures of the vertebrae when turning the head. Symptoms of extrvertebral cervical osteochondrosis (with involvement of nerves and surrounding tissues);
- Muscle inflammation;
- Headache, migraine, dizziness, sometimes with nausea and vomiting;
- Pain in the back of the head, increased intracranial pressure, a feeling of heaviness of the head; such symptoms sometimes occur so clearly that the term "head osteochondrosis" has taken root among patients. Clearly, headache is only a secondary manifestation of pathological changes in the skeletal system, and it is correct to talk about the cervix, not osteochondrosis of the head;
- Sensory organ disorders: hearing and vision disorders, speech, ringing in the ears due to lack of nutrients in the brain;
- Pain in collarbone, arms to palms;
- Tingling and chills in neck and arms, sometimes numbness in fingers;
- Limit arm movement distance (possibly on one side).
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis: treatment is mandatory!
If the degenerative changes are not stopped, the following can be added to osteochondrosis:
- radicular pain due to pinched nerves originating in the spine;
- protrusions and hernias, which compress the spinal cord and cause complete paralysis;
- cervicocranialgia (cervical migraine, dystonic stage of vertebral artery syndrome);
- osteophyte formation on the vertebrae.
Methods for the treatment of spinal cervical osteochondrosis
It is impossible to cure this disease with drugs. You can only get rid of pain syndrome with analgesics. But they always have side effects, so it is recommended to use them only in severe cases. The symptoms and treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis vary from patient to patient and require an individualized approach.
Doctors have a sophisticated arsenal of technology available; they can choose the most effective and efficient. Effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and its manifestations:
- traction on the DRX robot - it restores the correct position of the vertebrae without the risk of injury;
- shock wave therapy - increases blood and lymph flow to the affected area, restores metabolic processes, relaxes muscles;
- interstitial electrical stimulation - fights the complications of osteochondrosis, relieves pain caused by inflammation of the pinched nerve;
- HILT - laser therapy that relieves pain instantly.
The next stage in the symptomatic treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is the restoration of blood supply, the consolidation of the correct position of the vertebrae. Rehabilitation can take several sessions and includes physiotherapy, manual therapy and the use of modern tools. The more accurately the patient follows the recommendations of the specialist, the higher the effectiveness of the technique. The last stage is under the responsibility of the patient:
- lifestyle and dietary corrections;
- regular exercise therapy;
- active living position and optimism.