80% of people over the age of 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their ailments. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to disruption of its structure and functions, and they turn out to be the root cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, long-term forced finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The onset of the disease usually goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration gradually increase, and many people do not pay attention to increased headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, numbness and tingling in the hands, heart palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability are added. These symptoms are nothing but manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
In the initial stage of the disease, no special treatment is required, but preventive measures must be taken to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis. Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role: you must regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain proper posture during work and rest. An important role is played by rejecting bad habits, observing a moderately caloric diet, refusing fatty, spicy and salty food, and limiting weight lifting.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases it is only possible to slow down the progression of the disease, so you have to resort to other complex methods of treating this disease. The therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of related specialties: vertebrologist, osteopath and prescribes treatment individually for each case.
As prescribed by the doctor, a course of drug therapy is used to relieve inflammation in the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore impaired blood flow. Analgesics, group B vitamins are prescribed. Physiotherapy procedures have a good therapeutic effect: magnetic fields, ultrasound, laser, which relieve pain.
The use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment also relieves pain well and facilitates the recovery process after an exacerbation of the disease. After eliminating the acute condition, physiotherapy exercises, massage, reflexology, traction of the spine are used. These activities are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain and normalizing metabolism in the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained massage therapist. There are vital brain centers nearby that regulate the basic functions of the body, so special care must be taken when performing such manipulations in order not to harm the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is prescribed to wear a cervical collar. It is necessary in order to achieve the fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and ensure peace to the affected part of the spine. Wearing the collar should last at least 1 month, but not more than 2-3 hours a day. During night sleep, the correct position of the neck and body can be achieved with the help of orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
If necessary, after consultation with neurosurgeons, surgical treatment may be indicated - in case of destruction of the intervertebral disc and development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures taken for the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can return a person to health and well-being.