Cervical chondrosis is today considered a very common disease and is second only to lumbar osteochondrosis in the number of patients. The disease is associated with the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs. As a rule, such a violation is much more common at an older age, but it is not excluded for younger people.
Cervical chondrosis develops slowly and is accompanied by a whole set of symptoms, which in some cases appear at a more severe stage of the development of destruction. It is worth noting that osteochondrosis is a rather dangerous disease that can very easily pass into a vertebral hernia.
Cervical chondrosis: the main symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the cervical can occur in different ways. It is customary to distinguish two forms of the course of the disease.
In the first case, signs appear after a sharp, unsuccessful turn of the head. Sharp severe pain covers not only the cervical spine, but also extends to the back of the head, chest and shoulders. Even the slightest movement of the neck, head, chest or arms causes severe muscle tension, and, as a result, sharp, shooting pain. A person is constrained in movements. This condition can last several days.
In the second form of development, chondrosis of the cervical spine begins slowly, almost imperceptibly. First, the neck muscles become numb, a dull constant pain appears, a violation of sensitivity is observed. The muscles of the neck, chest and shoulders become very tense and begin to grow numb as the disease develops. And although the pain is not so sharp, nevertheless, it is constant and brings discomfort to a person’s life, disrupts sleep, and causes headaches.
In the absence of timely treatment, cervical chondrosis can cause pinching of the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. Quite often, a vertebral hernia develops. That is why if you have any symptoms, you need to seek the help of a specialist.
Cervical Chondrosis: Treatment
Osteochondrosis is a destruction of the intervertebral discs and, unfortunately, even with timely treatment, it is no longer possible to restore damaged tissues. Nevertheless, the process can be slowed down or even stopped, which will improve the condition of the body and protect against serious consequences.
It should be understood that the treatment of osteochondrosis should be long and systematic. In order to relieve pain and inflammation, non-steroidal drugs are prescribed - in most cases these are ointments and creams. In some cases, antispasmodics are also effective, as well as drugs that stimulate tissue regeneration. But such drugs can only be selected by the attending physician. Unfortunately, they do not stop the destruction process - they simply relieve symptoms.
Many techniques are used in the treatment of chondrosis. For example, electrophoresis, manual therapy, acupuncture with subcutaneous administration of drugs are effective. Vacuum therapy, magnetotherapy, and physiotherapeutic procedures are also prescribed.
With osteochondrosis, regular massage sessions are also recommended, during which you can relieve tension from the muscles, improve blood flow and tissue condition. But the procedure should be carried out by an experienced specialist.
Very useful and special therapeutic exercises, which need to be carried out regularly. Moreover, exercises can be used as a prophylaxis of the disease, and as an aid during treatment.
Cervical chondrosis is much more often diagnosed among those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or spend most of their working time sitting. In this case, you need to take a short break for a walk or a short gymnastics at least every two hours - this way you can relax your muscles and prevent the progress of the disease.