80% of people over 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their condition. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to a violation of its structure and functions, and also turn out to be the cause of many diseases.
Why cervical osteochondrosis develops, its prevention
The development of cervical osteochondrosis most often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged forced fixation of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The onset of the disease mostly goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration are gradually increasing, and many people do not pay attention to the increasing headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, there is numbness and tingling in the hands, palpitations, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability. These symptoms are nothing more than manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
At the initial stage of the disease, no special treatment is required, but preventive measures must be taken to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis. Remedial gymnastics plays an important role: you need to regularly do morning exercises, try to maintain correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by the refusal of bad habits, adherence to a low-calorie diet, refusal of fatty, spicy and salty foods, restriction in lifting weights.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases it is only possible to slow 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 doctors of related specialties: a vertebrologist, an osteopath and prescribes treatment in each case individually.
As prescribed by the doctor, drug therapy is carried out to relieve inflammation in the spine, eliminate painful spasms and restore impaired blood circulation. 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 treatment methods also relieves pain well and facilitates the recovery process after an exacerbation of the disease. After eliminating an acute condition, physiotherapeutic exercises, massage, reflexology, spinal traction are used. These activities are aimed at improving blood flow to the brain and normalizing metabolism in the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained masseur. Nearby are vital brain centers that regulate the body's basic functions. Therefore, when performing such manipulations, special care should be taken so as not to adversely affect the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is prescribed wearing a neck brace. It is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to calm the affected part of the spine. Wearing a collar should last at least 1 month, but no more than 2-3 hours a day. Orthopedic mattresses and pillows can be used to achieve the correct position of the neck and body during sleep.
If necessary, after consultation with neurosurgeons, surgical treatment may be indicated - with destruction of the intervertebral disc and the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures for the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.