80% of people over 40 suffer from cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their diseases. At the same time, degenerative changes in the spine lead to disruption 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 forced finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The beginning of the disease usually goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration increase gradually and many people do not pay attention to the growing headache, 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 more than manifestations of cervico-thoracic 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 giving up bad habits, following a moderate calorie diet, avoiding 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 related specialties: vertebrologist, osteopath and prescribes treatment individually in each case.
According to the doctor's prescription, a course of drug therapy is used to relieve inflammation in the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore impaired blood flow. Analgesic drugs, vitamins of group B 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 the acute condition, physiotherapeutic 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 main functions of the body, so special care should 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. This is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to 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 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 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 return a person's health and well-being.