80% of people over 40 years old suffer from cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, most of whom don't even think about the real cause of their ailments. Meanwhile, degenerative changes in the spine lead to a violation of its structure and functions and also end up being the root 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 gradually increase and many people do not pay attention to the increase in headaches, discomfort in the neck, neck and back. As the disease progresses, there is a feeling of 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 development of osteochondrosis. Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role: you need to do regular morning exercises, try to maintain the correct posture during work and rest. An important role is played by the rejection of bad habits, the observance of a moderate-calorie diet, the rejection of fatty, spicy and salty foods, the restriction of lifting weights.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, in most cases, it is only possible to slow down the progression of the disease, so it is necessary 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 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 removal of an acute condition, physiotherapy, massage, reflexology, spinal traction exercises are used. These activities aim to improve blood circulation in the brain and normalize metabolism in the cervical spine.
These procedures are performed by a specially trained masseuse. Nearby are the vital centers of the brain 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 to wear a cervical collar. It is necessary to achieve fixation of the vertebrae in a certain position and provide peace 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 development of life-threatening complications. Timely measures taken to prevent and treat cervical osteochondrosis can restore a person's health and well-being.