80% of people over the age of 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not think about the real cause of their disease. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to violations of its structure and function, and are also the cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to an inactive lifestyle, prolonged forced searching of the back and neck in uncomfortable positions. The onset of the disease is usually not noticed, the symptoms of degeneration increase gradually, and many people do not pay attention to the increase in headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. With the development of the disease, numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability join. These symptoms are nothing more than manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
In the early stages 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: you need to do morning exercises regularly, try to maintain the correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by rejection of bad habits, adherence to a low-calorie diet, rejection of fatty, spicy and salty foods, restrictions on 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 use other complex methods to treat the disease. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of relevant specialties: vertebrologists, osteopaths, and prescribes treatment individually 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 impaired 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 treatment methods also relieves pain well and facilitates the recovery process after the exacerbation of the disease. After the removal of the acute condition, physiotherapy exercises, massage, reflexology, traction of the spine are used. This activity aims to increase blood circulation in the brain and normalize metabolism in the cervical spine.
This procedure is performed by a specially trained massage therapist. Nearby is an important brain center that controls the basic functions of the body, so special care must be taken when performing such manipulations so as not to endanger the patient's condition. In addition to this treatment, the patient is prescribed to wear a cervical collar. It is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebra in a certain position and provide relief to the affected part of the spine. Wearing the 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 a neurosurgeon, surgical treatment may be indicated - in case of intervertebral disc destruction and the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures taken to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person to health and well-being.