80% of people over 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the true cause of their ailments. Meanwhile, 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 does cervical osteochondrosis develop, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis very often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged 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 the growing headache, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. With the progression of the disease, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability join. These symptoms are nothing more than manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
At the initial stage of the disease, special treatment is not required, but preventive measures must be taken to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis. Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role: it is necessary to regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by the rejection of bad habits, the observance of a low-calorie diet, the rejection of fatty, spicy and salty foods, the restriction in weight lifting.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases, it is only possible to slow down the progression of the disease, so it is necessary to resort to other complex methods of treating this disease. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults doctors of related specialties: a vertebrologist, an osteopath and prescribes treatment individually in each case.
As prescribed by the doctor, a course of drug therapy is used to relieve inflammation of the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore impaired blood flow. Analgesic drugs, vitamins of group B are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic procedures have a good therapeutic effect: magnetic fields, ultrasound, lasers, which relieve pain.
The use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment also relieves pain well and facilitates the healing process after an exacerbation of the disease. After the removal of an acute condition, physiotherapy, massage, reflexology, spinal traction exercises are used. These activities aim to improve blood circulation in the brain and normalize metabolism in the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained massage therapist. Nearby are vital brain centers that regulate the basic functions of the body, so special care should be taken when carrying out 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 fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and provide peace to the affected part of the spine. Wearing a collar should last at least 1 month, but no more than 2-3 hours per day. During a night of sleep it is possible to obtain the correct position of the neck and body 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 to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person to health and well-being.