80% of people over 40 suffer from cervical osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their disease. At the same time, degenerative changes in the spine lead to a violation of its structure and functions, and also 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 is usually unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration gradually increase, and many people do not pay attention to the growing headache, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, the feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitation, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability are added. These symptoms are nothing but manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis.
In the initial stage of the disease, special treatment is not required, but preventive measures should 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 moderate calorie diet, 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. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of the relevant specialty: vertebrologist, osteopath, and prescribes treatment in each case individually.
According to the doctor's prescription, a course of drug therapy is used to relieve inflammation of the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore disturbed blood flow. Painkillers, group B vitamins are prescribed. Physiotherapy procedures have a good therapeutic effect: magnetic fields, ultrasound, laser, which relieves 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 the acute condition, physiotherapeutic exercises, massage, reflexology, spinal traction are used. These activities are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain and normalizing the metabolism of the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained massage therapist. Vital centers of the brain are nearby, which regulate the main functions of the body, so special care should be taken when performing such manipulations so as not to affect the patient's condition. In addition to this treatment, the patient is prescribed to wear a cervical collar. This is necessary in order to achieve the fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to provide peace to the damaged 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 can be prescribed - in case of destruction of the intervertebral disc and development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures for the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.