80% of people over the age of 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 main cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, a prolonged forced position 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 increasing headaches, 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 should be taken to prevent further development of osteochondrosis. An important role is played by therapeutic gymnastics: you need to regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain the correct posture during work and rest. The rejection of bad habits, the observance of a moderate-calorie diet, the rejection of fatty, spicy and salty foods, the restriction in lifting weights play an important role.
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 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 in the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore impaired blood flow. Analgesics, vitamins of group B are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic 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 the elimination of 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 brain centers 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 the use of a cervical collar. It is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and provide peace of mind 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 a night's 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 the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures taken to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.