80% of people over 40 suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom do not even think about the real cause of their disease. 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, prolonged forced finding of the back and neck in an uncomfortable position. The onset of the disease usually goes unnoticed, the symptoms of degeneration increase gradually, and many people do not pay attention to the growing headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, increased fatigue and irritability are added. These symptoms are nothing but manifestations of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
In the initial stage of the disease, no special treatment is required, but preventive measures should be taken to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis. Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role: you should regularly do exercises in the morning, try to maintain the right posture during work and rest. An important role is played by rejecting bad habits, following a moderate calorie diet, rejecting 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 turn to other complex methods for treating this disease. Therapy is carried out by a neurologist, if necessary, he consults with doctors of the relevant 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 back, 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 methods of treatment also relieves pain well and facilitates the recovery process after an aggravation of the disease. After removing 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 there are vital centers of the brain that regulate the basic functions of the body, so special care must be taken when performing such manipulations in order not to harm the patient's condition. In addition to these treatments, the patient is prescribed a cervical collar. It is necessary to achieve the fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and to ensure peace in 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 neurosurgeons, surgical treatment may be indicated - in case of destruction of the intervertebral disc and the development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.