Osteochondrosis is a pathology in which the intervertebral discs that separate the vertebrae are destroyed. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in tissues can develop at different speeds and manifest with different symptoms. The clinical picture depends on which part is affected and what caused the disease.
general features
Destructive processes in the spine can lead to irreversible consequences that significantly complicate a person's life. They can affect any region - cervical, thoracic or lumbar - or they can spread to the entire spine.
In most cases, osteochondrosis occurs in waves: periods of exacerbation are replaced by periods of remission. In this case, 3 flow options are possible, which are different in nature:
- progressive - each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them decrease;
- regression - the frequency and intensity of attacks steadily decreases;
- stable - exacerbations occur regularly with the same symptoms.
It should also be noted that damage to different parts of the spine is not only manifested in different ways. Therapeutic approach and treatment methods also have their own characteristics.
Stages
Pathological changes in discs and vertebrae are not immediately visible. Their development is related to the deterioration of blood circulation and nutrition of the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in all people with age and serves as one of the signs of aging of the body. However, after an injury or as a result of a general illness, this process can be dramatically accelerated.
The early appearance of chondrosis is greatly facilitated by the back load - both dynamic and static, when a person is forced to stay in the same position for a long time.
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs in 3 stages, each of which is characterized by its own manifestations:
- Stage 1. Headache and discomfort in the back of the neck and back of the head occur periodically;
- Stage 2. Headaches are frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy, performance decreases. It is at the 2nd stage that patients most often consult a doctor, but it is no longer possible to achieve complete recovery of the damaged structures;
- Stage 3, final. It is characterized by extensive damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligaments. It manifests itself as severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness in the cervical spine, as well as reduced vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: the last one is accompanied by almost complete loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
From stage to stage, the pulpous core of the disc loses moisture, and with it, elasticity disappears and shock-absorbing qualities decrease. The intervertebral disc dries, flattens and cracks. Adjacent vertebrae move closer to each other, which in turn causes displacement of the facet joints. All this causes compression of the spinal nerves, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: therapy for the 2nd and 3rd stages of osteochondrosis is to prevent relapses and maximize the remission phase.
Causes of exacerbation
For the deterioration of cervical chondrosis, it is necessary to be exposed to one or more factors called by doctors:
- high loads on the back and spine associated with lifting heavy weights or changing the training program for athletes;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- massage or manual therapy procedures performed by a qualified specialist;
- seasonality - exacerbations occur most often in spring and autumn;
- hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menopause;
- the presence of chronic diseases that weaken the body, including frequent colds;
- sudden weight gain.
Symptoms
An attack of cervical osteochondrosis can begin with the appearance of discomfort in the shoulder girdle and occipital region. At the same time, general well-being deteriorates, a person gets tired quickly, copes with professional and daily tasks worse.
Sometimes, exacerbation with severe headaches occurs suddenly. Often (72% of cases) certain signs indicate the approach of an attack - in particular, a feeling of heaviness in the head, dull pain in the neck and shoulder girdle. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning.
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis have significant similarities with the general clinical picture of this disease. The main symptom is pain of varying intensity and nature. Back of the neck and headache may occur on one or both sides. Often, the pain spreads to the collarbone area and shoulders. For some people, painful sensations occur only when turning or bending or moving an arm.
IMPORTANT: sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" as a heart attack and causes pain behind the sternum, under the scapula and in the left arm.
Symptoms of acute osteochondrosis may include the following:
- dizziness;
- poor sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering of the spots before the eyes, noise and ringing in the ears;
- nausea turns into vomiting;
- violation of diction;
- numbness in the neck and arm.
There are no "painless" options for the course of osteochondrosis, damage to any department is manifested by pain of different localization and intensity
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; Without treatment, it will not only worsen more often, but can also lead to a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of an acute cerebrovascular accident is compression of the large arteries that feed the brain.
How long does the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis last?
The duration of the attack depends on the factor that provoked it, the season and the state of general health of the person, as well as the methods of treatment. Exacerbation is more difficult to tolerate and lasts longer in the cold season.
On average, the acute period lasts from 4 days to a week, then the pain gradually decreases, which takes about three weeks. The total period of sharpening is one and a half months.
What to do
If you suspect cervical chondrosis, the best thing to do is to visit a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out what caused the exacerbations and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Before consulting a doctor, you should avoid any stress on your back and take the most comfortable position. It is recommended to lie on a flat and flexible surface to relax the neck muscles as much as possible and reduce the intensity of the pain. It is recommended to insulate the painful area with a scarf, towel or wrap yourself in a blanket.
Immobilizing the cervical spine and trying not to turn or tilt your head too much is very important. For this purpose, doctors even recommend wearing special orthopedic collars. You can make them yourself from cotton wool and cardboard, or you can buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar should be worn no more than four hours a day, otherwise it will do more harm than good and delay recovery.
The most popular of the neck braces is the Shantz collar. It is an invaluable tool for temporary loosening and stretching of the spine in the cervical region. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a splint, when chosen correctly, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. The most effective drugs are NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is forbidden to heat the painful area in any way - apply heating ointment, mustard plasters or compresses, or take a steam bath in a sauna. Do not massage the affected area or self-medicate.
Treatment
Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using drug and non-drug methods. The latter include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a good effect in agreement with the attending physician.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases and consists of partial or complete removal of tears, osteophytes (bone growth).
In the acute period, the main efforts are aimed at relieving pain. Depending on its intensity, analgesics and NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. These can be drugs based on diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory ointments.
Muscle relaxants will help relieve muscle spasms. If there is swelling, then diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid and thereby reduce pressure on nerve endings.
After acute symptoms are eliminated, vitamin complexes with B vitamins are added to the treatment; nootropics that normalize the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers; chondroprotectors for the restoration and strengthening of cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed in the subacute stage and continues during the remission period, helps to quickly eliminate the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis. They help improve blood supply to the injured segment, relax muscles, and reduce pain and inflammation. The most effective methods are traditionally considered to be electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnet and cryotherapy (cold treatment).
Massage sessions are scheduled at the beginning of the remission period, which can be done either in a specialized office or independently at home. It is better to practice both.
Exercise therapy
If chondrosis of the cervical spine has worsened and is accompanied by severe pain, a person is prescribed strict bed rest. As the pain subsides, they first go to semi-bed rest, and then to soft motor mode.
It is useful for all patients at any stage of chondrosis to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. Such accessories maintain the anatomically correct body position and eliminate stiffness and pain in the morning due to gentle stretching of the spine. Glisson loop is used for this purpose in hospitals.
The preferred positions for cervical chondrosis are side and back. An important condition is a comfortable and "correct" pillow, preferably orthopedic.
When acute pain passes, they start physical therapy exercises. In combination with other methods, its effectiveness is very high. The first training sessions should be done under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: tempo and amplitude should be increased gradually, over time it is necessary to expand the program and increase the load.
Gymnastics according to Bonin
- Raise your arms while sitting or standing. With an inhalation, join your fingers from above and lower your clenched hands. The neck stays in place.
- Half rotation of the shoulders. Pull your shoulders back, draw an arc in the air and return along the same arc.
- Stretch your head forward and stay in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head now to the right, now to the left, looking over your shoulder each time.
- Raise your right shoulder and lower your left shoulder at the same time.
Gymnastics according to Bubnovsky
- Sitting in a chair, turn your head to the right and lower your chin to your shoulder, stay in this position. Then repeat the exercise on the left side.
- Bending your head towards your chest, pull your neck slightly forward and up.
- Turn your head with your chin up, first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise by raising your hands up and squeezing your fingers.
- Place your left hand on your right shoulder and turn your head to the left. Hold for a few seconds and turn your head to the right, placing your right hand on your left shoulder.
- Place your hands on your hips and slowly straighten, arching your back and pulling your neck up.
- Starting position - standing, head down. Move your chin smoothly first to the right and then to the left shoulder, each time lowering it to the chest at the midpoint.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and heating procedures, the use of orthopedic devices. Lotions and compresses made from vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In case of exacerbation, you can take a hot shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. Lotions are made from herbs to reduce pain and inflammation - for example, sage and peppermint. To prepare a healing solution, brew one or two tablespoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. After it cools down to a comfortable temperature, soak a cotton pad or bandage in it and apply it to the painful area for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.
Onion compress is prepared from fried or chopped onions in a blender. The resulting mass is distributed on gauze and applied to the neck, covered with cling film and cotton cloth. After 2-3 hours, the compress is removed and the skin is washed with warm water.
Therapeutic compresses are a simple, cost-effective and very effective treatment method when used correctly.
An application with kerosene is done as follows: a linen or cotton cloth (you can use gauze or a bandage) is dipped in kerosene and applied to the neck area. To prevent spreading, cover the top of the compress with cotton wool or polyethylene. If a strong burning sensation occurs, remove immediately and wash with water.
As an emergency aid for acute chondrosis of the cervical vertebra, a product with the following composition is used:
- 5 Analgin tablets powdered;
- ethyl alcohol - 15 ml;
- camphor alcohol - 5 ml;
- iodine - 5 ml.
Mix everything and rub it on the skin of the painful area.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside", for example, with an infusion of pine buds. In this recipe, they are used ready from the pharmacy or fresh, collected in early spring. Fresh buds should be cut in advance.
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use medium-sized buds, because they contain more useful substances.
Raw materials are covered with sugar in the ratio of 1: 2 and brewed for two weeks. Use a teaspoon of the finished product three times a day. To increase the effect, you need to keep it in your mouth for a while and only then swallow it. The course of treatment is up to three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors insist that the early stages of osteochondrosis occur almost imperceptibly and are not particularly worrying. At this stage, when symptoms are limited to mild discomfort and mild stiffness in the mornings, they can be treated with exercise therapy alone. No medication will be required, but you will need to adjust your diet and lifestyle.
The best prevention of both the disease itself and its relapses is physical activity. Regular physical exercise will help maintain good posture and prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
Even in severe, advanced cases, much can be done. Systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and a course of drug treatment will significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of new exacerbations.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis exacerbation?
During an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may experience pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms, as well as limitation of neck mobility.
What factors can cause the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be excessive loading of the neck, prolonged stay in the wrong position, trauma, stress, as well as age-related changes in the spine.
What treatment methods can be effective for the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, sports), drug treatment and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used to relieve the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis exacerbation.
Helpful tips
Tip #1
Maintain proper posture and avoid staying in the wrong position for a long time. Do neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility.
Tip #2
Avoid sitting in front of a computer or monitor for a long time. Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back, do eye exercises, and do exercises that relax your neck and shoulders.
Tip #3
Use a pillow and mattress that supports the correct position of your neck and back while sleeping. This will help reduce the load on the spine and prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis.