80% of people over 40 suffer from cervical osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their ailments. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to a violation of its structure and functions and also prove 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, prolonged forced finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The appearance of the disease usually goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration increase gradually, and many people do not pay attention to the increasing headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability are added. These symptoms are nothing but manifestations of cervical 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 should regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain the correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by rejecting bad habits, following a diet of moderate caloric value, rejecting fatty, spicy and salty foods, 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 treatment is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of related specialties: spondylologist, osteopath and prescribes treatment separately in 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 reduced blood flow. Analgesic drugs, 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 removing an acute condition, physiotherapy exercises, massage, reflexology, spinal traction 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. Nearby are vital centers of the brain that regulate the basic functions of the body, so special care must be taken when performing such manipulations so as not to harm the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is prescribed to wear a cervical collar. It is necessary to achieve the fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to provide rest to the affected part of the spine. Wearing a collar should last at least 1 month, but no 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. Early measures taken to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.