Osteochondrosis is a pathology in which the intervertebral discs that separate the vertebrae are destroyed. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissue can develop at different speeds 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 spine – or spread to the entire spine.
In most cases, osteochondrosis proceeds 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;
- declining – the frequency and intensity of attacks steadily decreases;
- stable – exacerbations with the same symptoms occur regularly.
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 to the intervertebral discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development is preceded by a deterioration in blood circulation and nutrition of the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures, which is caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in all people with age and is one of the signs of aging of the body. However, this process can accelerate dramatically after an injury or as a result of a general illness.
The early onset of chondrosis is significantly promoted by dynamic and static back overload, when a person is forced to remain in the same position for a long time.
Cervical osteochondrosis proceeds in three stages, each of which is characterized by its own manifestations:
- Stage 1. Headaches and discomfort in the neck and back of the head occur regularly;
- Stage 2. Headaches occur more frequently, sometimes you feel dizzy and your performance decreases. In stage 2, patients most often consult a doctor, but complete recovery of damaged structures is no longer possible;
- Stage 3, final. Characterized by extensive damage to vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments. It is manifested by severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness of the cervical spine, and reduced vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: In the final stage it is accompanied by an almost complete loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
From stage to stage, the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc loses moisture, causing its elasticity to decrease and its shock-absorbing properties to diminish. The intervertebral disc dries out, becomes flat and cracks. Adjacent vertebrae move closer together, which in turn causes the facet joints to shift. All of this leads to spinal nerve entrapment, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: Therapy for osteochondrosis in stages 2 and 3 is about preventing relapses and maximizing the remission phase.
Causes of exacerbation
In order for cervical chondrosis to worsen, the action of one or more factors is necessary, among which doctors name the following:
- high loads on the back and spine due to 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 most 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, people quickly tire and are less able to cope with professional and everyday tasks.
Sometimes there is a sudden exacerbation with a severe headache. Often (in 72% of cases) certain signs indicate an impending attack - in particular, a feeling of heaviness in the head, dull pain in the neck and shoulder girdle. Symptoms usually worsen in the morning.
The 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 neck on one or both sides and the head may hurt. The pain often spreads to the collarbone area and shoulders. Some people experience pain only when turning or tilting their head or moving their arm.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" itself as a heart attack and causes pain behind the breastbone, under the shoulder blade and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteochondrosis can also include:
- Dizziness;
- poorer sleep, reduced concentration, memory problems;
- flickering of spots before the eyes, noise and ringing in the ears;
- nausea turning into vomiting;
- violation of diction;
- Sensitivity loss in the neck and arm.
There are no "painless" variants of the course of osteochondrosis; damage to one of the departments is manifested by pain of different localization and intensity
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; she needs to be treated. Without treatment, not only is it more likely to worsen, but it can also lead to a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of an acute cerebrovascular accident is compression of large arteries supplying the brain.
How long does an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis last?
The duration of the attack depends on the trigger, the time of year and the person's general health, as well as the treatment methods. In the cold season, an exacerbation is more difficult to tolerate and lasts longer.
On average, the acute phase lasts 4 days to a week, then the pain gradually subsides, lasting about three more weeks. The total duration of the exacerbation is one and a half months.
What to do
If cervical chondrosis is suspected, it is best to consult a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out what causes exacerbations and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Before you go to the doctor, you should avoid any strain on your back and assume 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 pain. It is advisable 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 not be worn for more than four hours a day, otherwise it will do more harm than good and delay recovery.
The most famous neck collar is the Shants collar. This is an indispensable tool for temporarily relieving and stretching the spine in the neck area. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a splint, if chosen correctly, provides comfort and significantly relieves pain.
Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. The most effective drugs belong to the group of NSAIDs, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is forbidden to warm the sore spot in any way - with warming ointment, applying mustard plasters or compresses, or taking a steam bath in the 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 medicines can have a good effect, provided they are agreed with the treating doctor.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out only in extreme cases and consists in partial or complete removal of hernias and osteophytes (bone growths).
In the acute phase, the main efforts are aimed at pain relief. Depending on the intensity, painkillers and NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. These can be medicines based on the substances diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory ointments is recommended.
Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms. In case of swelling, diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve endings.
After the 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 to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy, which is prescribed in the subacute period and can be 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 relieve pain and inflammation. Electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetotherapy and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are traditionally considered to be the most effective methods.
At the beginning of the remission phase, massage sessions are prescribed, which can be carried out either in a specialized practice or at home. It's best to practice both.
Movement 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 subsides, they first move to semi-bed rest and then to a gentle motor program.
It makes sense for all patients with chondrosis at any stage to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and an orthopedic pillow. Such accessories ensure anatomically correct posture and relieve stiffness and pain in the morning by gently pulling the spine. A Glisson loop is used for this in hospitals.
The preferred positions for cervical chondrosis are the side and back. An important requirement is a comfortable and "correct" pillow, preferably an orthopedic one.
When the acute pain subsides, they begin physical therapy exercises. In combination with other methods, the effectiveness is very high. The first training sessions should be carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: Pace and amplitude should be increased gradually, expanding the program and increasing the load over time.
Gymnastics according to Bonina
- While sitting or standing, raise your arms upwards. As you inhale, connect your fingers at the top and lower your clasped hands down. The neck stays in place.
- Half turn 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 sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left, each time looking over your shoulder.
- Simultaneously raise your right shoulder and lower your left shoulder.
Gymnastics according to Bubnovsky
- Sit 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.
- Tilt your head toward your chest while pulling your neck slightly forward and up.
- With your chin raised, turn your head first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise by raising your hands and interlacing your fingers.
- Place your left hand on your right shoulder and turn your head to the left. Hold the position for a few seconds, turn your head to the right and place your right hand on your left shoulder.
- Place your hands on your hips and slowly stretch by arching your back back and pulling your neck up.
- Starting position – standing, head bowed. Gently move your chin first to the right and then to the left shoulder, each time lowering it halfway towards your chest.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and heat treatments, as well as the use of orthopedic aids. Lotions and compresses made from vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In case of exacerbation, you can take a warm shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To relieve pain and inflammation, lotions are made from 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 pad or bandage in it and apply it to the area of pain for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.
Onion compress is prepared from grated or chopped onions 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.
When used correctly, therapeutic compresses are a simple, inexpensive and very effective treatment method.
An application with kerosene is done as follows: linen or cotton fabric (you can use gauze or a bandage) is dipped in kerosene and applied to the neck area. Cover the top of the compress with cotton or polyethylene to prevent spreading. Do not leave on for longer than three hours; If the burning sensation is severe, 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 together and rub into the skin over the sore spot.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside", for example, by taking an infusion of pine buds. In this recipe, they are used ready-made from the pharmacy or fresh, collected in early spring. Fresh buds 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 coated with sugar in a ratio of 1: 2 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. The treatment period is up to three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors insist that the early stages of osteochondrosis pass almost unnoticed and are not particularly disturbing. At this stage, where symptoms are limited to just mild discomfort and mild stiffness in the morning, healing is only possible with the help of exercise therapy. No medication is required, but you will need to adjust your diet and lifestyle.
The best prevention of the disease itself and its relapses is physical activity. Regular physical exercise ensures good posture and prevents the development of destructive processes in the spine.
Much can also be done in severe, advanced cases. With the systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and drug treatment, well-being is significantly improved and the risk of new exacerbations is reduced.
FAQ
What symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may occur?
During an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may experience pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms, and reduced mobility of the neck.
What factors can provoke an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be caused by overloading the neck, prolonged stay in an incorrect position, trauma, stress, as well as age-related changes in the spine.
What treatment methods for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be effective?
To relieve the symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used.
Helpful advice
Tip #1
Maintain correct posture and avoid remaining in an incorrect position for a long time. Do neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip #2
Avoid sitting at the 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 your neck and back while sleeping. This will help reduce the load on the spine and prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis.