Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a complex of anatomical and functional pathological disorders associated with degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. This condition develops slowly and with timely intervention, good results can be achieved with simple conservative measures.

Causes and symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis

The vertebrae of the cervical spine experience stress associated with cervical and head mobility. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of vertebral displacement with sudden or atypical head movements, and a weak muscular corset does not protect the spine from injury. The causes of cervical spine osteochondrosis are not fully understood, and the course is asymptomatic in most cases. This leads to the fact that most patients seek medical help quite late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

  • impaired behavior, instability of spinal structures;
  • trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • sitting or being in a forced position for a long time, lack of sufficient physical activity;
  • unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.

Degenerative changes in ligaments and cartilage cause compression of arteries and nerve trunks, causing cerebral circulation disorders and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easily recognized.

  1. Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When tilting or turning your head, a characteristic cool sound can be heard. Pain retraction can radiate to the chest region, there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades.
  2. Feeling of exhaustion, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. With cervical osteochondrosis, the headache focuses on the occipital region and radiates to the lateral parts of the neck.
  3. When tilting your head, there may be a feeling of numbness in your hands and fingers.
  4. Chest pain, nausea, dizziness.

Methods of diagnosing and treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on examination, X-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI scan will be required, and reoencephalography and a fundus study will be required to assess functional circulatory disorders.

Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as restoration of natural cartilage tissue using chondroprotectors. Also effective are acupressure, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises.

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Regular physical activity and doing exercises to strengthen the muscular system of the back effectively maintain the normal state of the spinal structures. Daily gymnastics and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the working day help to normalize blood circulation, relieve excessive stress in certain segments of the back.

it is also necessary to monitor the diversity of the diet and avoid excess weight. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, a massage course helps, which should be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.

11 Myths in Neurology

These days it is difficult to meet a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.cervical osteochondrosis is associated with neurologyLiving in a city with stress, bad habits and physical inactivity leads to the fact that most people have at least one neurological health problem. Here are just deep-seated misconceptions and "traditional" medicines prevent patients from reaching a doctor and getting qualified help.

Smartphone hostages

Frequent use of a smartphone provokes osteochondrosis of the cervix

Breakfast does not start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people, first of all, barely open their eyes, look for a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read the news from the screen in the morning, lunch and dinner. In transport - while the road for correspondence is far away. In the office - work conversation, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much value in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But has not much smartphone been made in our lives?

In the hands of the master

massage is one of the methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Massage is one of the oldest treatments. Despite new ways to get rid of diseases invented by mankind, massage therapists still do not stay out of work. And sometimes it is precisely with the skilled hands of a specialist that you can achieve greater results than with ultra-modern medicines and equipment.

Hard time of year

unfavorable seasons negatively affect cervical osteochondrosis

Come to the clinic during the summer - half-empty corridors and silence. But autumn is coming, and again doctors have more work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who would not have raised patients in September-October.

Is the sun a friend or an enemy?

sunbathing should be taken in moderate doses to treat osteochondrosis

Petersburgers did it - they survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. More and more, she looks out the window and heats the streets. Isn't that a reason for joy? Or is it not so? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.

Self-healing. When it becomes dangerous

self-medication of the cervical spine can be dangerous to health

Probably there is no person who does not know what to take for a cold or headache. Everyone has their “proven tools” of their own. And advertising suggests solutions for every disease. You can also seek advice from friends, a pharmacist at a drugstore or just online. But is everything so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists regularly face requests from patients to advise on a medication, and then doctors deal with the results of self-treatment.

Back jokes are bad

No one is immune to back pain.neck pain with osteochondrosis of the cervical spineI suddenly lifted a weight, leaning tight or lying down - and now something in my back hurts and stabs me. At risk are also office workers who, apparently, do not unload carts, do not plow the ground and still suffer from back pain. What to do and who to contact when an illness has ruined plans?