Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine without surgery

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs.

Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in the world. Statistically, about 60% of the world's population has faced it, as modern people suffer from physical inactivity and also spend an enormous amount of time in sedentary work. Osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of damage to the intervertebral cartilage, as well as reactive processes in adjacent tissues.

The vertebrae of the cervical spine are much smaller than the vertebrae of the other spine, but the load on them is not less. We constantly turn our heads, which is why the neck is in a systematic movement. In the early stages, the disease is difficult to recognize, and the basic manifestations of the disease are often ignored by patients. The result is the launch of osteochondrosis of the cervical collar, which significantly complicates the further treatment process.

A modern clinic successfully treats osteochondrosis of the neck with non-surgical methods using correction and kinesitherapy.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Physical inactivity is the main reason preceding the development of a dangerous disease. The complete absence of moderate physical activity leads to the degradation of the muscle and bone skeleton. Insufficient daily activity is not just a problem for employees and drivers. People who prefer to spend their free time on the computer or watch TV suffer from hypodynamia.
• Excessive physical activity. Most often, professional athletes who are exposed to axial loads on the back suffer from this. Work to the limit threatens even novice athletes who train without the supervision of a professional trainer and perform exercises with an incorrectly set technique.
• Negative factors for posture are walking in high heels and uncomfortable shoes, scoliosis, flat feet and poor body position during sleep.
• Excess weight puts an excessive load on the spine, leading to displacement of the vertebrae and wear of the cartilage structures.
• rheumatism.
• Disorders of the endocrine system.
• Fatigue.
• Hypothermia of the neck.
• A sedentary lifestyle (such as drivers and employees) or excessive physical activity (such as athletes).

As a rule, under the influence of these factors, a load on the cervical vertebrae occurs, which provokes the formation of muscle spasms. As a result, the blood circulation process is disrupted and the metabolism worsens, which leads to degenerative changes.

An interesting fact: the risk of developing a disorder such as osteochondrosis is largely associated with evolutionary changes in the human body. It is about walking upright. During the entire life cycle, the spine acts as the "core" of our body. The vertebrae, pressing on the cartilaginous discs, gradually wear them out, so the connective tissue degrades. For this reason, osteochondrosis often makes itself felt in old age.

Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will largely depend on the reasons that provoked the onset of the disease. In order to develop an individual treatment plan, doctors conduct a whole range of examinations. Self-medication for neck pain is strongly discouraged. Wrong massages, medicines or traditional medicine methods can aggravate the situation and lead to a number of irreparable consequences!

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

Manifestations of a dangerous disease depend on 2 main factors:

1. Type of load on the cervical spine.
2. The site of damage to the cartilage structure of the intervertebral disc.

Nerve roots perform a large number of functions, so the symptoms of damage to their individual parts can vary greatly. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the stage of development of the disease. There are 4 of them, each of which next is heavier than the previous one.

Cervical osteochondrosis 1 degree

This degree is called preclinical and is poorly expressed, which is why patients attribute the symptoms to stress, lack of sleep, and other seemingly frivolous problems. The spine begins to defend itself against "destructive" movements and excessive stress, so people begin to feel discomfort.

The main symptoms are:

• headache
• discomfort in the neck, shoulders and arms
• mild visual impairment
• a slight decrease in the motor activity of the neck

One of the most obvious symptoms of the preclinical phase of cervical osteochondrosis is the constant tension of the neck muscles. The muscles become overloaded quickly, which leads to a bearable pain sensation, as well as a crunch when turning / tilting the head.

Since the above problems do not cause much discomfort, most patients prefer to let the situation take its course. Indeed, it is already necessary to begin treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, because the earlier the therapy begins, the more effective it will be.

2nd degree cervical osteochondrosis

In this case, patients begin to feel perceptible pain when tilting / turning their head. Often the feelings of discomfort spread to the arms, shoulder joints and hands. Problems with the state of the nervous system begin to appear: a person becomes irritable, distracted, his daily work capacity is noticeably reduced. The basic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are almost identical to the symptoms of problems with the reproductive system (weakness, fatigue, apathetic mood and much more).

Despite the obvious signs of the development of the disease, it is still possible to eliminate osteochondrosis of the neck. First of all, doctors work to eliminate the risk of hernias, which lead to a deterioration in the mobility of the limbs and blood supply to the brain.

The main symptoms are:

• severe pain in the neck
• noise in the ears
• visual impairment
• decreased sensitivity of the skin of the shoulders and arms
• deterioration of tendon reflexes

Cervical osteochondrosis 3 degrees

At this stage of development, the disease is already considered neglected. Treatment of stage 3 cervical osteochondrosis is more difficult, as the destruction / deformation of cartilage structures is often irreversible. The pain syndrome is becoming stronger, which is associated with the active development of hernias and the friction of the bone tissues of the vertebrae against each other.

In addition to pain, the patient feels weakness and complains of dizziness. The reason for this is the violation of large vessels and nerves that pass through the spine. The brain receives inadequate amounts of nutrition and oxygen, which can lead to a clouding of consciousness. The pain radiates to the upper limbs, there is a feeling of weakness in the arms. Another clear sign of grade 3 osteochondrosis is finger numbness and tingling.

The main symptoms are:

• increased pain
• hernia of the cervical spine
• very weak tendon reflexes
• paralysis of the upper limbs

Grade 4 cervical osteochondrosis

The cartilage tissues of the intervertebral discs have already undergone major changes due to destruction. At stage 4 of the disease, in 99% of cases there are protrusions and hernias, which have a significant negative effect on the patient's condition. The body initiates independent recovery and "builds" tissue in the areas of disc damage. As a result, the pillar itself loses its mobility.

When the nerves and blood vessels are compressed, the person loses movement coordination. The sleepiness, apathy and pain intensify. Patients often complain of nagging tinnitus. In addition, stage 4 of cervical osteochondrosis threatens a number of the following consequences:

1. Cerebral ischemia, the risk of developing spinal stroke. This is due to the strong compression of the vertebral arteries.
2. Altered perception of the surrounding world and systematic loss of consciousness. The reason is pinching of blood vessels and insufficient blood supply to the cerebral cortex.
3. Fatal outcome. A disastrous consequence can arise due to the clamping of the spinal cord.

The main symptoms are:

• depression of brain activity
• lack of coordination
• increased dizziness
• paralysis
• loss of hearing and vision
• angina pectoris, shortness of breath

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis: the diagnostic phase

Before starting to eliminate the disease, doctors conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient's cervical spine. This is necessary to establish the fact of the presence and abandonment of the disease. Diagnostics consists of several stages:

1. X-rays. This is a visual way to determine the position of the vertebrae, as well as changes in their mobility.
2. Laboratory research. With the help of tests, doctors establish spinal disorders and also make a final diagnosis.
3. CT. This is a modern technique for evaluating tears and changes in the height of the intervertebral discs. In addition, computed tomography helps monitor the instability of individual vertebrae.
4. magnetic resonance. The presented stage of the examination is carried out in order to determine the state of the nerve roots, the quality of blood circulation, as well as pathological changes in cartilage / bone structures.
5. Differential diagnostics. This includes an ultrasound, cardiogram, and many other procedures. They are necessary in order not to confuse osteochondrosis with other diseases that have identical symptoms. These include urinary system diseases, all types of spinal deformities, hip injuries, and central nervous system disorders.

The determination of symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is impossible without a complete diagnosis. The earlier it is performed, the more effective the therapy will be. If you experience symptoms of the disease, consult your GP as soon as possible. He will give references for appointments with specialists of narrower profiles: a neurologist and an orthopedist. In some cases, it may be necessary to see a cardiologist if signs of the disease overlap with suspected angina pectoris or ischemia of the heart muscle.

In modern clinics, successful diagnostics and treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck are carried out on the basis of the use of kinesitherapy. With the help of this healing technique, patients, by performing a series of physical exercises on special recovery exercise machines, significantly improve their health.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men basic methods

A high-quality and stable result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be achieved only with an integrated approach to the problem. The effectiveness of the recovery largely depends on the patient's mood, who will have to completely review the lifestyle, diet, sleep and wakefulness.

It is absolutely not possible to independently treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men, since the basic symptoms of the disease can signal the development of a completely different disease. Medicines chosen without the doctor's knowledge can seriously aggravate the situation. Even an elementary intake of painkillers does not always have the expected effect, which once again proves the need for prior consultation with a specialist.

Elimination of pain exacerbations

The disease often manifests itself in the form of stabbing, aching and pulling pain syndrome. The main task of the doctor is to alleviate your suffering, therefore, first of all, specialists prescribe:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• vitamins;
• Pain relievers;
• Chondroprotector.

The last category of drugs is aimed at restoring cartilage structures, which is especially important in the advanced stages of the disease. Also, patients are prescribed drugs to relieve muscle spasms and improve blood flow in the body.

Exercises in therapeutic gymnastics

Physical therapy specialists know how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis in the most convenient ways. Physical therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating osteochondrosis, which can also be used at home. The intensity of the exercise in this case plays no role. Regularity of moderate physical activity will help to achieve the result. Here is the effect of the exercise:

1. Strengthen the neck muscles, responsible for supporting weakened vertebrae.
2. Stimulation and normalization of the blood supply in the body, which is especially important for the cerebral cortex.
3. Increase in general tone, charge with energy, restore a person's productivity and working capacity.

Physical therapy classes are allowed on a daily basis. The set of exercises includes all types of rotations and tilts of the head. With the right level of fitness, the level of difficulty increases and hand movements are connected to work. The advantage of the elements of therapeutic gymnastics is that they can also be used in the workplace. But remember that they can only be done after the acute pain syndrome has been eliminated.

As an additional load, doctors recommend patients to visit the pool, as swimming relieves stress on the spine and relieves stress from the intervertebral discs. Shown and working with light dumbbells to strengthen the shoulder girdle.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy methods are numerous:

1. Electrophoresis.
2. Magneto, laser and shock wave therapy.
3. Mud therapy.
4. Medicinal baths and showers.

The above are only the main therapeutic methods that are aimed at restoring the blood supply to the affected spine, eliminating inflammation, pain and slowing the process of ossification of the neck.

Massage

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine with massage is widespread all over the world. But this method must be used with great care, as a rough and inept impact on the damaged parts of the neck can lead to a worsening of the condition. Before making an appointment with a massage therapist, you should consult with your doctor.

Thanks to the influence of the hands on the painful area, muscle tone decreases, which leads to getting rid of painful spasms. It also improves blood circulation, restores clarity of thought and the general well-being of the patient.

Surgery

The last stage of the development of the disease leads to the formation of severe intervertebral hernias, as well as a narrowing of the lumen of the spine. Treatment of the patient in this case may require surgery. The surgeon decides whether an operation is needed. It also determines the complex of preparatory measures, the period of recovery and postoperative rehabilitation.

Most surgeries involve removing the resulting hernias, as well as replacing the damaged vertebrae.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the clinic

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in a professional clinic involves the use of exclusively non-surgical methods. Specialists work according to a unique technique developed on the basis of the principles of kinesitherapy. Patients who come to us for help are treated with a series of physical exercises in a specially equipped room.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis occurs according to an individually developed program. The therapeutic effect is not only on a specific part of the spine, but also on the internal organs. The drug-free and non-surgical treatment process is difficult, but we provide comprehensive support to patients, help them become more determined and reconsider their attitude towards their disease.

Here's what the healing process is built from:

1. Workouts in the rehabilitation room at least 2-3 times a week.
2. Therapeutic gymnastics of the parterre.
3. Thermotherapy according to individual indications.
4. Pain relief with ice massage.
5. Therapeutic / restorative massage.
6. Adaptive exercises for home work.
7. Microanatomical studies of ultrasound to track recovery over time.
8. Personal consultations with the specialists of the kinesitherapy clinic.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the context of modern medicine includes many effective methods. But it is much better not to allow this problem to manifest itself than to take care of its elimination. There is a number of preventive measures that will minimize the risk of the appearance and development of a dangerous ailment:

1. Take a 10-minute hot shower every day. A systematic visit to the baths / saunas is also recommended. Please note that these recommendations are only suitable for people with no cardiovascular health problems.
2. Go swimming and take regular walks in the fresh air at a relaxed pace. Physical inactivity is one of the main causes of musculoskeletal diseases.
3. Refuse excessive physical exertion at the limit of human capabilities. This is especially true when working out in gyms. Critical axial loads on the spine lead to protrusion.
4. Try to avoid stab wounds in the back, especially if you are over 30.
5. Review your diet. Try to exclude confectionery, flour, moderate salt and sugar intake. Reducing the calorie content of foods helps you avoid putting on excess weight, which puts additional stress on the spine.
6. If you work in the office and spend a lot of time on the computer, take care to buy a special chair with lumbar and neck support. Try doing basic warm-up exercises every 60 minutes.
7. In case the pain appears after waking up, consider purchasing an orthopedic mattress and pillow. If possible, get a bed with a flat, hard surface.
8. To avoid degenerative and dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, visit a professional massage therapist at least 2-3 times a year. Neck and collar massage is one of the most effective preventive measures.
9. Women should minimize walking in high-heeled shoes, as this interferes with the natural position of the spine. With diagnosed flat feet, it is recommended to purchase special shoes or insoles, as orthopedic products correct the position of the foot and relieve unnecessary stress from the spine.

As well as:

• you should visit the bathroom regularly
• you have to give up bodybuilding, which can contribute to cervical disc protrusion
• gentle exercise can be good disease prevention

Result

Treatment of osteochondrosis in a professional clinic takes place under the strict supervision of highly qualified specialists. Doctors adhere to an integrated approach in working with patients and even tackle the advanced stages of the disease. If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, it is not necessary to endure, self-medicate and delay a visit to the doctor. Begin your journey to a happy and healthy life!