Osteochondrosis is a pathology in which the intervertebral discs that separate the vertebrae are destroyed. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in tissues can develop at different rates and appear with different symptoms. The clinical picture depends on which part is affected and what caused the disease.
general characteristics
Destructive processes in the spine can lead to irreversible consequences that significantly complicate a person's life. They can affect any of the regions - cervical, thoracic or lumbar - or spread throughout the spine.
In most cases, osteochondrosis occurs in waves: periods of exacerbations alternate with periods of remission. In this case, 3 flow options are possible, different in nature:
- progressive - each subsequent deterioration is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them decrease;
- regression - the frequency and intensity of attacks decreases steadily;
- stable - exacerbations occur regularly with the same symptoms.
It is also worth noting that damage to different parts of the spine not only manifests itself differently. The therapeutic approach and treatment methods also have their own characteristics.
stages
Pathological changes in discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development is preceded by a deterioration of blood circulation and nutrition of paravertebral (paravertebral) structures, caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in all aged people and serves as one of the signs of aging of the body. However, this process can be dramatically accelerated after injury or as a result of a general illness.
The early appearance of chondrosis is greatly facilitated by overloading the back - 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. Headaches and discomfort in the back of the neck and in the back of the head occur periodically;
- Stage 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy and performance decreases. It is in stage 2 that patients consult a doctor more often, but it is no longer possible to achieve complete restoration of the damaged structures;
- Stage 3, final. It is characterized by extensive damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligamentous system. It appears as severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness in the cervical spine, as well as decreased vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: the last, it is associated with an almost complete loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
From stage to stage, the nucleus pulposus of the disc loses moisture, and with it, elasticity and shock-absorbing properties decrease. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Neighboring vertebrae move closer to each other, which, in turn, provokes the displacement of the facet joints. All this leads to spinal nerve compression, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: therapy for stages 2 and 3 of osteochondrosis boils down to preventing relapses and maximizing the remission phase.
Causes of deterioration
For cervical chondrosis to worsen, it is necessary to be exposed to one or more factors, among which doctors say:
- 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 an unqualified specialist;
- seasonality - in spring and autumn, irritations occur more often;
- hormonal imbalances 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 and copes worse with professional and everyday responsibilities.
Sometimes an aggravation occurs suddenly with severe headaches. Often (in 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 worsening cervical osteochondrosis have significant similarities with the general clinical picture of this disease. The main symptom is pain of varying intensity and nature. The back of the neck on one or both sides and the head may hurt. Often the pain spreads to the collarbone and shoulder area. For some people, painful sensations occur only when they turn or tilt their head or move their arm.
IMPORTANT: sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" as a heart attack and causes pain behind the sternum, under the scapula and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteochondrosis may also include:
- dizziness;
- deterioration of sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering of the spots before the eyes, noise and noise in the ears;
- nausea that turns into vomiting;
- diction violation;
- sensitivity disorder in the neck and arm.
There are no "painless" variants of the course of osteochondrosis, damage to any of the departments is manifested by pain of different localization and intensity
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored, it must be treated. Without treatment, it will not only get worse more often, but it can also cause a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of the acute cerebrovascular accident is the compression of the large arteries that supply the brain.
How long does an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis last?
The duration of the attack depends on the factor that provoked it, on the season and the state of general health of the person, as well as on the treatment methods. The deterioration 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 lasts for another three weeks. The total duration of the irritation is one and a half months.
What should be done
The best thing to do if you suspect cervical chondrosis is to visit a neurologist or orthopedist. He will describe the necessary studies, find out what leads to exacerbations and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Before visiting 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 elastic surface to relax the neck muscles as much as possible and reduce the intensity of the pain. It is recommended to isolate the injured area with a scarf, scarf or wrap with a blanket.
It is very important to immobilize the cervical spine and try not to turn or tilt the head too much. Doctors even advise wearing special orthopedic collars for this purpose. You can make them yourself from cotton and cardboard or buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar is worn no more than four hours a day, otherwise it will cause harm and not benefit, and recovery will be delayed.
The most famous of the neck braces is the Shants collar. This is an indispensable tool for unloading and temporarily stretching the spine in the cervical region. Despite its rather harsh appearance, such a splint, when chosen correctly, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved with pain relievers. The most effective drugs are from the group of NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is forbidden to heat the injured place in any way - with heating ointments, applying plasters or mustard compresses or taking a steam bath in the sauna. Do not massage the affected area and do not self-medicate.
Treatment
Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using medicinal and non-medicinal methods. The latter include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a good effect, depending on their agreement with the attending physician.
Surgical treatment for osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases and consists of partial or complete removal of hernias, osteophytes (bone growths)
In the acute period, the main efforts are aimed at relieving pain. Depending on its intensity, analgesics and NSAIDs are prescribed in injections or tablets. These can be drugs based on the substances diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, the use of anti-inflammatory ointments is recommended.
Muscle relaxants will help relieve muscle spasms. If there is swelling, then diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid, thus reducing the pressure on the nerve endings.
After the elimination of acute symptoms, vitamin complexes containing 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 phase and continue during the remission period, helps to quickly relieve the deterioration 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, magnetic and cryotherapy (cold treatment).
At the beginning of the remission period, massage sessions are prescribed, which can be done either in a specialized office or at home. It is best to practice both.
Exercise therapy
If chondrosis of the cervical spine has worsened and is accompanied by severe pain, the person is prescribed strict bed rest. As the pain subsides, they move first to semi-bed rest and then to a gentle motor regime.
It is useful for all patients with any stage of chondrosis to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. Such accessories maintain the anatomically correct position of the body and relieve stiffness and pain in the morning due to the gentle pull of the spine. In hospitals, a Glisson loop is used for this purpose.
Preferred positions for cervical chondrosis are side and back. An important condition is a comfortable and "correct" pillow, preferably orthopedic.
When the acute pain passes, they begin physical therapy exercises. In combination with other methods, its effectiveness is very high. The first training sessions should be performed under the supervision of an instructor who will select you and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: the tempo and amplitude should be increased gradually, over time expanding the program and increasing the load.
Gymnastics according to Bonina
- While sitting or standing, raise your hands up. With an inhale, interlace your fingers at the top and lower your clenched hands down. The neck remains in place.
- Half rotation of the shoulders. Pull your shoulders back, drawing an arc in the air, and bring it back along the same arc.
- Lean your head forward and stay in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head now to the right, now to the left, each time looking over your shoulder.
- Simultaneously raise the right shoulder and lower the left shoulder.
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.
- Bend your head toward your chest, pulling 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, 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 up, moving your back back and pulling your neck up.
- Starting position - standing, head down. Gently move your chin first to the right and then to the left shoulder, each time lowering it to the middle of the chest.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and heating procedures, as well as the use of orthopedic equipment. Lotions and compresses made from vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In case of worsening, you can take a warm shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To reduce pain and inflammation, creams are made from herbs - for example, sage and mint. To prepare a healing solution, mix a tablespoon or two of the herb in a glass of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. After you have cooled down to a comfortable temperature, wet a piece of cotton or bandage in it and place it on the place where it hurts for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is performed up to 4 times a day.
Onion compress is prepared from minced or chopped onion in a blender. The resulting mass is spread on gauze and applied to the neck, covering the top with adhesive 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, affordable and very effective treatment method if used correctly.
An application with kerosene is done like this: linen or cotton cloth (you can use gauze or a bandage) is soaked in kerosene and applied to the neck area. Cover the top of the compress with cotton wool or polyethylene to prevent it from spreading. Leave it for no more than three hours, if a strong burning sensation occurs, remove immediately and rinse with water.
As an ambulance for acute chondrosis of the cervical vertebra, a product with the following composition is used:
- 5 tablets of analgin crushed into powder;
- ethyl alcohol - 15 ml;
- camphor alcohol - 5 ml;
- iodine - 5 ml.
Mix everything and rub it on the skin over the injured area.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside", taking, for example, an infusion of pine buds. In this recipe, they are used ready from the pharmacy or fresh, collected in early spring. Fresh buds must be cut in advance.
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use medium-sized buds, as they contain more useful substances.
The raw materials are covered with sugar in a 1: 2 ratio and infused for two weeks. Use the finished product one teaspoon three times a day. To increase the effect, you should 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 unnoticed and are not particularly worrying. At this stage, when the symptoms are limited to mild discomfort and mild morning stiffness, you can be cured only with the help of exercise therapy. 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 recurrence is physical activity. Regular physical exercise will maintain good posture and help prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
In severe, advanced cases, too 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 irritations.
FAQ
What symptoms of worsening cervical osteochondrosis can appear?
During an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may experience pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, dizziness, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms, as well as limited mobility of the neck.
What factors can provoke an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be caused by neck overload, prolonged sitting in a wrong position, trauma, stress, as well as age-related changes in the spine.
What treatment methods for worsening cervical osteochondrosis can be effective?
To relieve the symptoms of worsening cervical osteochondrosis, non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Maintain proper posture and avoid sitting in the wrong position for long periods of time. Do neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip #2
Avoid sitting at a computer or monitor for long periods of time. Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back, do eye exercises, and do neck and shoulder relaxation exercises.
Tip #3
Use a pillow and mattress that support the correct position of the neck and back during sleep. This will help reduce the load on the back and prevent the deterioration of osteochondrosis.