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 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 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, of different nature:
- progressive - each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them are shortened;
- regressing – the frequency and intensity of attacks constantly decrease;
- stable – exacerbations occur regularly with the same symptoms.
It is also important to note 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 the discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Its development is preceded by a deterioration in blood circulation and nutrition of paravertebral (paravertebral) structures, caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in everyone with age and serves as one of the signs of aging in 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 greatly facilitated by overload on 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 characterized by its own manifestations:
- Stage 1. Headaches and discomfort in the back and neck of the neck occur periodically;
- Step 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy and performance decreases. It is in stage 2 that patients most often consult a doctor, but it is no longer possible to achieve complete restoration of damaged structures;
- Step 3, final. Characterized by large-scale damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligamentous system. It manifests as intense and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness of the cervical spine, as well as 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, as a result, elasticity disappears and shock-absorbing qualities decrease. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Neighboring vertebrae move closer together, which in turn causes displacement of the facet joints. All of this leads to compression of spinal nerves, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: therapy for osteochondrosis of stages 2 and 3 comes down to preventing relapses and maximizing the remission phase.
Causes of exacerbation
For cervical chondrosis to worsen, exposure to one or more factors is necessary, among which doctors call:
- high loads on the back and spine associated with lifting heavy weights or changing athletes' training program;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- massage or manual therapy procedures performed by an unqualified specialist;
- seasonality – in spring and autumn, exacerbations occur more frequently;
- 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 worsens, the person gets tired quickly and copes worse with professional and daily responsibilities.
Sometimes an exacerbation 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 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 and shoulder region. For some people, painful sensations occur only when turning or tilting the head or moving the arm.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" 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 sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering spots before the eyes, noise and ringing in the ears;
- nausea turning 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 varying location and intensity;
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; 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 acute cerebrovascular accidents is compression of the large arteries that supply the brain.
How long does an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis last?
The duration of the crisis depends on the factor that caused it, the season and the person's general health, as well as the treatment methods. 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 subsides, which takes another three 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 see a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out what leads to exacerbations and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Before seeing your doctor, avoid any stress on your back and get into the most comfortable position. It is recommended to lie down on a flat, elastic surface to relax your neck muscles as much as possible and reduce the intensity of pain. It is advisable to isolate the wound 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. To do this, doctors even advise using 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 more than four hours a day, otherwise it will cause more harm than good and recovery will be delayed.
The most famous of the neck collars is the Shants collar. This is an indispensable tool for temporary unloading and stretching of the spine in the cervical region. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a splint, when selected correctly, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved with analgesics. The most effective medications are from the group of NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is forbidden to heat 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 medicinal and non-medicinal methods. The latter include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a good effect, as long as it is agreed with the attending physician.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out only in extreme cases and consists in partial or complete removal of hernias, osteophytes (bone growths)
In the acute period, the main efforts are aimed at pain relief. Depending on the intensity, painkillers and NSAIDs are prescribed in injections or tablets. These can be medicines based on diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory ointments.
Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms. If there is swelling, diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid, thereby reducing 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 restoring and strengthening the cartilaginous tissue of intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed in the subacute phase and continued during the period of remission, helps to quickly alleviate 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 done in a specialized office or at home, on your own. It is better to practice both.
Exercise therapy
If chondrosis of the cervical spine worsens and is accompanied by severe pain, the person is prescribed complete rest. As the pain subsides, they transition first to bed rest and then to a gentle motor regimen.
It is useful for all patients with any stage of chondrosis to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. These accessories maintain the anatomically correct position of the body and relieve morning stiffness and pain due to gentle traction on the spine. In hospitals, a Glisson loop is used for this purpose.
The preferred positions for cervical chondrosis are on the side and on the 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 must be carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: the tempo and amplitude must be increased gradually, expanding the program over time and increasing the load.
Gymnastics according to Bonina
- While sitting or standing, raise your arms. As you inhale, connect your fingers at the top and lower your interlaced hands. The neck remains in place.
- Half shoulder rotation. Pull your shoulders back, drawing an arc in the air, and return it along the same arc.
- Stretch your head forward and remain in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head now to the right, now to the left, always looking over your shoulder.
- Simultaneously raise your right shoulder and lower your left shoulder.
Gymnastics according to Bubnovsky
- Sitting on a chair, turn your head to the right and lower your chin to your shoulder, stay in this position. Then repeat the exercise for the left side.
- Tilt your head toward your chest while slightly pulling your neck forward and upward.
- Turn your head with your chin up, first to the right and then to the left. Then repeat the exercise, raising your hands and interlacing 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 midpoint of the chest.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and warming procedures and 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 warm bath and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To reduce pain and inflammation, herbal lotions are made - 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 it has cooled to a comfortable temperature, wet a cotton pad or bandage and apply it to the area where it hurts for 10 to 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.
The onion compress is prepared with grated or chopped onion in a blender. The resulting mass is distributed over gauze and applied to the neck, covering the top with plastic wrap 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.
The application with kerosene is done like this: linen or cotton fabric (you can use gauze or a bandage) is moistened 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 to act for a maximum of 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 Analgin tablets turned into powder;
- ethyl alcohol – 15 ml;
- camphorated alcohol – 5 ml;
- iodine – 5 ml.
Mix everything together and rub it into the skin over the painful 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, harvested in early spring. Fresh buds must be pre-cut.
For medicinal purposes, it is preferable 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 enhance the effect, you need to hold 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 initial stages of osteochondrosis occur almost unnoticed and are not particularly disturbing. At this stage, when the symptoms are limited to just mild discomfort and slight stiffness in the morning, you can only be cured with the help of exercise therapy. No medication will be needed, but you will have to adjust your diet and lifestyle.
The best prevention of both the disease itself and its relapses is physical activity. Regular physical exercise will maintain good posture and help prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
In severe and advanced cases, much can also be done. The systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and a course of drug treatment will significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of new exacerbations.
Common questions
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, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms, as well as limited neck mobility.
What factors can provoke an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be caused by overload of 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 alleviate the symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used.
Useful Tips
Tip #1
Maintain correct posture and avoid staying in the incorrect position for long periods of time. Do neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip #2
Avoid sitting in front of a computer or monitor for long periods of time. Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back, do eye exercises, and relax your neck and shoulders.
Tip #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.