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 spinal column 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 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 are possible, different in nature:
- progressive - each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them are reduced;
- regressing – the frequency and intensity of attacks steadily decreases;
- 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 in blood circulation and nutrition of 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, this process can accelerate dramatically after injury or as a result of a general illness.
The early appearance of chondrosis is greatly facilitated by back overload - 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:
- Stage 1. Headaches and discomfort in the back of the neck and back of the head occur periodically;
- Stage 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy, and performance decreases. It is at stage 2 that patients most often consult a doctor, but it is no longer possible to achieve complete restoration of damaged structures;
- Stage 3, final. Characterized by large-scale damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligamentous system. It manifests itself 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 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 elasticity goes away, and shock-absorbing qualities decrease. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Neighboring vertebrae move closer together, which, in turn, provokes displacement of the facet joints. All this leads to pinching of the spinal nerves, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: therapy for stages 2 and 3 osteochondrosis 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 the training program for athletes;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- massage or manual therapy procedures performed by an unqualified specialist;
- seasonality – in spring and autumn, exacerbations occur most 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 quickly gets tired, and copes worse with professional and everyday 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 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 scapula and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteochondrosis may also include:
- dizziness;
- worsening sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering of 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 localization and intensity
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; it must be treated. Without treatment, it will not only worsen more often, but can also cause a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of 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 factor that provoked it, the season and the state of the person’s general health, as well as on 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 subsides, which takes about three more weeks. The total duration of the exacerbation is a month and a half.
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 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 insulate 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 your head too much. For this purpose, doctors even advise wearing special orthopedic collars. You can make them yourself from cotton wool 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 rather than benefit, and recovery will be delayed.
The most famous of the neck braces 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 painkillers. The most effective drugs are from the group of NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteochondrosis worsens, it is prohibited to warm the sore spot in any way - with 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 their agreement with the attending physician.
Surgical treatment for 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 its intensity, analgesics and NSAIDs are prescribed in injections or tablets. These may be drugs based on the 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, then diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid, thereby reducing the pressure on the nerve endings.
After acute symptoms have been eliminated, vitamin complexes containing B vitamins are added to the treatment; nootropics that normalize the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers; chondroprotectors for restoration and strengthening of cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed in the subacute phase and continue during the period of remission, helps to quickly relieve 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 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 on your own. It's 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 regimen.
It is useful for all patients with any stage of chondrosis to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. Such accessories maintain anatomically correct body position and relieve stiffness and pain in the morning due to gentle traction of 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 an orthopedic one.
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 carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select 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 arms up. With an inhalation, connect your fingers at the top and lower your clasped hands down. The neck remains in place.
- Half rotation of the shoulders. Pull your shoulders back, drawing an arc in the air, and return it back 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, each time 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 to the left side.
- Tilt your head towards your chest, while slightly pulling your neck 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 clasping 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, moving your back back and pulling your neck up.
- Starting position – standing, head down. Smoothly move your chin first to the right and then to the left shoulder, lowering it each time at the midpoint to 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 shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To reduce 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 place where it hurts for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.
Onion compress is prepared from grated or chopped onion in a blender. The resulting mass is distributed 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, affordable and very effective method of treatment if used correctly.
An application with kerosene is done like this: 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 wool or polyethylene to prevent it from spreading. Leave for no more than three hours; if a strong burning sensation occurs, immediately remove 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 rub into the skin over the sore spot.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside, " by 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 pre-cut.
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use medium-sized buds, since they contain more useful substances.
The raw materials are covered with sugar in a ratio of 1: 2 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 early stages of osteochondrosis occur almost unnoticed and are not particularly disturbing. At this stage, when the symptoms are limited to only slight discomfort and slight stiffness in the morning, you can only be cured with the help of exercise therapy. No medications will be required, 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, advanced cases, a lot can also be done. 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 may 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 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.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Maintain correct posture and avoid staying in an incorrect position for long periods of time. Do neck and back exercises regularly to strengthen your 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 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.