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 manifest themselves 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 region - cervical, thoracic or lumbar - or spread to the entire spine.
In most cases, osteochondrosis occurs in waves: periods of exacerbations alternate with periods of remission. In this case, 3 flow options of different nature are possible:
- progressive: each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them are shortened;
- regress – the frequency and intensity of attacks steadily decrease;
- stable – flare-ups 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.
Phases
Pathological changes in the discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development is preceded by a deterioration in blood circulation and nutrition of the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures, caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in all elderly people and is one of the signs of aging of the body. However, this process can accelerate significantly after an injury or following 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 remain in the same position for a long time.
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs in 3 stages, each of which is characterized by its own manifestations:
- Phase 1. Periodically, headaches and discomfort in the back of the neck and back of the head occur;
- Phase 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy and performance decreases. It is in phase 2 that patients most often consult a doctor, but it is no longer possible to achieve complete restoration of the damaged structures;
- Phase 3, final. Characterized by large-scale damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligament system. It manifests itself with severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness of the cervical spine and decreased vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: the last is accompanied by 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 the elasticity disappears and the shock-absorbing qualities decrease. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Neighboring vertebrae move closer together, which, in turn, causes the facet joints to shift. All this leads to compression of the spinal nerves, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: Therapy for stage 2 and 3 osteochondrosis comes down to preventing relapses and maximizing the remission phase.
Causes of exacerbation
In order for cervical chondrosis to worsen, exposure to one or more factors is required, among which doctors call:
- 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 – exacerbations occur more often in spring and autumn;
- 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 quickly gets tired and copes with professional and everyday responsibilities worse.
Sometimes a flare-up happens suddenly with severe headaches. Often (in 72% of cases) some 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 usually worsen 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. The back of the neck on one or both sides and the head may hurt. Often the pain spreads to the collarbone area and shoulders. For some people, painful sensations occur only when turning or tilting the head or moving the arm.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" as a heart attack and causes pain behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteochondrosis may also include:
- dizziness;
- worsening of sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering spots before the eyes, noise and ringing in the ears;
- nausea that turns into vomiting;
- violation of diction;
- 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 various localization and intensity;
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; must be treated. Without treatment, it will not only get worse more often, but can also cause serious complications in the form of a stroke. The cause of acute cerebrovascular accident is compression of the large arteries that supply the brain.
How long does a flare-up of cervical osteochondrosis last?
The duration of the attack depends on the factor that provoked it, the season and the general state of health of the person, as well as the treatment methods. The 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 more weeks. The total duration of the exacerbation is one and a half months.
What to do
The best thing to do if you suspect cervical chondrosis is to visit a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out what leads to exacerbations and prescribe 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 down 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 sore spot with a scarf, handkerchief or wrap yourself in a blanket.
It is very important to immobilize the cervical spine and try not to turn or tilt the head too much. For this purpose, doctors even recommend wearing special orthopedic collars. You can make them yourself from cotton wool and cardboard or buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar should be worn no more than four hours a day, otherwise it will cause harm rather than benefit and healing will be delayed.
The most famous of the neck braces is the Shants collar. This is an indispensable tool for temporary unloading and lengthening of the spine in the cervical region. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a splint, if chosen correctly, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. The most effective drugs belong to the group of NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is forbidden to heat the sore spot in any way: with a warming ointment, applying mustard plasters or compresses, or taking 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 medicinal and non-medicinal methods. The latter include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a good effect, subject to agreement with the attending physician.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out 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 the intensity, analgesics and NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. These can be drugs based on substances 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, diuretics are prescribed that remove excess fluid, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve endings.
After the acute symptoms are eliminated, 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 the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed in the subacute phase and continued during the remission period, helps to quickly relieve the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis. They help improve blood supply to the damaged segment, relax muscles and reduce pain and inflammation. The most effective methods are traditionally considered electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic and cryotherapy (cold treatment).
At the beginning of the remission period, massage sessions are prescribed, which can be performed both in a specialized office and at home on your own. It's best to practice both.
Physical therapy
If the chondrosis of the cervical spine has worsened and is accompanied by severe pain, the person is prescribed strict bed rest. When the pain decreases, we move first to semi-bed rest and then to a gentle physical regime.
It is useful for all patients with chondrosis of any stage to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. These accessories maintain the anatomically correct body position and relieve stiffness and morning pain thanks to the gentle traction of the spine. In hospitals, a Glisson circuit is used for this purpose.
The preferred positions for cervical chondrosis are on the side and back. An important condition is a comfortable and "correct" pillow, preferably orthopedic.
When the acute pain passes, physiotherapy exercises begin. In combination with other methods, its effectiveness is very high. The first training sessions must be carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach how to correctly perform the exercises.
IMPORTANT: Time and amplitude should be increased gradually, expanding the program over time and increasing the load.
Gymnastics according to Bonina
- While you are sitting or standing, she raises her arms. With an inhale, she connects her fingers together at the top and lowers her clasped hands down. Her neck remains in place.
- Half rotation of the shoulders. He pulls his shoulders back, drawing an arc in the air, and brings them back along the same arc.
- He leans his head forward and stay in this position for a few seconds.
- He turns his head now to the right, now to the left, each time looking over your shoulder.
- At the same time he raises his right shoulder and lowers his left.
Gymnastics according to Bubnovsky
- Sitting on a chair, he turns his head to the right and lowers his chin to his shoulder, stay in this position. Then repeat the exercise on the left side.
- He tilts his head towards his chest, pulling his neck forward and upward slightly.
- He turns his head with his chin pointing upwards, first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise by raising your hands and clasping your fingers.
- Place your left hand on your right shoulder and turn your head to the left. Hold the position 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 lifting your neck.
- Starting position: standing, head down. Gently move your chin first to the right and then towards your left shoulder, each time lowering it to the midpoint of your chest.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and heating procedures and the use of orthopedic devices. Lotions and compresses based on vegetables and herbs are always in demand and appreciated.
In case of an exacerbation, you can take a warm shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To reduce pain and inflammation, lotions are based on herbs, for example sage and mint. 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 cooling to a comfortable temperature, soak a cotton ball or bandage and apply it to the place where it hurts for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is performed up to 4 times a day.
Onion compress is prepared from onion grated or chopped in a blender. The resulting mass is spread on gauze and applied to the neck, covering the top 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, economical and very effective treatment method when used correctly.
An application with kerosene is done like this: a linen or cotton fabric (you can use gauze or bandage) is dipped 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 to act for no more than three hours; if you feel a strong burning sensation, 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 Analgin tablets crushed into powder;
- ethyl alcohol – 15 ml;
- camphor alcohol – 5 ml;
- iodine – 5 ml.
Mix everything and massage into the skin over the sore spot.
Osteochondrosis can also be cured "from the inside", taking, for example, an infusion of pine buds. In this recipe they are used ready in the pharmacy or fresh, harvested in early spring. Fresh sprouts must be pre-cut.
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 left to infuse for two weeks. Use the finished product one teaspoon three times a day. To enhance the effect, you need to keep it in your mouth for a while and only then swallow it. The course of treatment lasts up to three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors insist that the first stages of osteochondrosis occur almost unnoticed and are not particularly annoying. At this stage, when the symptoms in the morning are limited to slight discomfort and slight stiffness, it is possible to heal only with the help of physical therapy. No medications will be necessary, 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 exercise will maintain good posture and help prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
Even in serious and advanced cases, a lot can be done. The systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastic complexes and a course of drug treatment will significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of new exacerbations.
FAQ
What symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can occur?
During an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may experience pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, dizziness, sensation 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 overstrain of the neck, prolonged stay in an incorrect position, trauma, stress and age-related changes in the spine.
What methods of treatment for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be effective?
To alleviate the symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, non-pharmacological methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used.
Useful tips
Tip number 1
Maintain correct posture and avoid remaining in an incorrect position for long periods of time. Perform neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip no. 2
Avoid sitting in front of your computer or monitor for long periods of time. Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back, do eye exercises, and neck and shoulder relaxation exercises.
Tip no. 3
Use a pillow and mattress that supports the correct position of your neck and back while you sleep. This will help reduce the load on the spine and prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis.