Osteochondrosis - a degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs, characterized by thinning of the disk, MS surface and the increase in marginal osteophytes. The tissue of the intervertebral disc to harden from cartilage turns into bone. Under the influence of these changes, the disc presses on nerve endings, causing pain.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- nagging back pain that increases with sudden movements;
- aching in the limbs;
- atrophy of the limbs;
- cramps in muscles, difficulty in movement.
If the affected cervical spine, the disease manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- pain in the shoulders, arms, and head;
- syndrome vertebral arteries (dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots in the eyes, throbbing headache).
The disease can develop for the following reasons: heredity, metabolic disorder, intoxication, infection, obesity, eating disorders, aging, trauma of the spine, incorrect posture, sedentary work, bad environment, high load, stress, hypothermia.
Prevention and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
Treatment is aimed at removal of pain, restoration of function of spinal roots, mild degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. In the early stages of the disease conservative treatment methods. In the later stages surgery.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and can vary from 1 month to a year.
Complex conservative therapy includes such methods as:
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- chiropractic;
- traction of the spine;
- reflexology;
- medications.
As prophylaxis it is recommended to conduct a healthy way of life, to avoid excessive physical exertion, regularly to develop the back muscles.