Osteochondrosis is a pathology in which the intervertebral discs separating the vertebrae are destroyed. Degenerative-dystrophic tissue changes can develop at different rates and present 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 region - cervical, thoracic or lumbar - or they can spread to the entire spine.
In most cases, osteochondrosis occurs in waves: periods of exacerbations alternate with periods of remission. In this case, 3 different flow options are possible:
- progressive - each further aggravation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them decrease;
- regression – the frequency and intensity of attacks is constantly decreasing;
- 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.
Platoon
Pathological changes in the discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development is preceded by the deterioration of the blood circulation and nutrition of the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of osteochondral tissue occurs in all people with advancing age and is one of the signs of aging of the body. However, this process can be dramatically accelerated after injury or as a result of general illness.
The early appearance of chondrosis is greatly facilitated by back overload - 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:
- Section 1. Sometimes there is a headache and discomfort in the neck and back of the head;
- Section 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes dizziness occurs, and performance decreases. Patients most often consult a doctor in stage 2, but complete restoration of the damaged structures is no longer possible;
- Stage 3, final. It is characterized by extensive damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligaments. It manifests itself in severe and almost constant headaches, loss of movement coordination, stiffness of the cervical spine, and decreased vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: the last one is accompanied by almost complete loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc loses moisture from section to section, and with it, its elasticity decreases and its shock-absorbing properties decrease. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Adjacent vertebrae move closer together, which in turn causes displacement of the facet joints. All this leads to pinching of spinal nerves, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: The therapy of stage 2 and 3 osteochondrosis is aimed at preventing relapses and maximizing the remission period.
Causes of exacerbation
Exacerbation of cervical chondrosis requires exposure to one or more factors, among which doctors call the following:
- high load on the back and spine associated with lifting heavy weights or changing the training program of athletes;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- massage or manual therapy procedures performed by an unqualified professional;
- seasonality – exacerbations occur most often in spring and autumn;
- hormonal imbalance 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 may begin with discomfort in the shoulder girdle and occipital region. At the same time, the general well-being deteriorates, the person gets tired quickly, and copes with professional and everyday obligations more poorly.
Sometimes there is a sudden aggravation with a severe headache. Often (in 72% of cases) certain signs indicate the approach of an attack - especially heaviness of the head, dull pain in the neck and shoulder girdle. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning.
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis show significant similarities with the general clinical picture of the disease. The main symptom is pain of different intensity and nature. The back of the neck and the head may hurt on one or both sides. The pain often spreads to the collarbone area and shoulders. Some people only experience pain when turning or tilting their head or moving their arm.
IMPORTANT: cervical chondrosis sometimes "masks" a heart attack and causes pain behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteochondrosis may include:
- dizziness;
- deteriorating sleep, reduced concentration, memory disorders;
- flashing of 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" versions of the course of osteochondrosis, which are manifested in pain of different localization and intensity
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored, it must be treated. Without treatment, it not only worsens more often, but can also cause a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of an acute cerebrovascular accident is the compression of the large arteries that supply the brain.
How long does the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis take?
The duration of the attack depends on the trigger, the season and the general health of the person, as well as the methods of treatment. Exacerbation is more difficult to tolerate and lasts longer in the cold season.
The acute period lasts on average from 4 days to a week, after which the pain gradually decreases, which lasts for about another three 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 orthopedic specialist. He prescribes the necessary tests, finds out what leads to the aggravation and prescribes the appropriate treatment.
Before seeing a doctor, avoid stress on your back and get into the most comfortable position. We recommend that you lie on a smooth and flexible surface so that the neck muscles relax as much as possible and the intensity of the pain decreases. It is advisable to insulate the painful area with a scarf, handkerchief, or wrap it in a blanket.
It is very important to fix the cervical spine and not turn or tilt the head too much. Doctors even recommend wearing a special orthopedic collar for this purpose. You can make them yourself from cotton wool and cardboard or buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar should be worn for no 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 braces is the Shants collar. It is an indispensable tool for temporarily relieving and stretching the spine in the neck region. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a splint, if properly selected, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. The most effective drugs come from the group of NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, it is forbidden to heat the painful area in any way - with warming ointment, mustard plasters or poultices, or steam bath in a sauna. Do not massage the affected area or self-medicate.
Treatment
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis is treated with medicinal and non-medicinal methods. The latter include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a good effect, depending on the agreement with the treating doctor.
Surgical treatment of 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, painkillers and NSAIDs are prescribed in injections or tablets. These can be drugs based on diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, the use of anti-inflammatory ointments is recommended.
Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms. If there is swelling, diuretics are prescribed to 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 disc of cartilage discs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed in the subacute phase and continues during the period of remission, helps to quickly relieve the aggravation of cervical osteochondrosis. They help to improve blood supply to the injured segment, relax the muscles, reduce pain and inflammation. Electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are traditionally considered the most effective methods.
At the beginning of the remission period, massage treatments are prescribed, which can be performed either in a special office or at home, independently. 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 first switch to semi-bed rest and then to a mild motor course.
All patients with any stage of chondrosis benefit from sleeping on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. Such accessories maintain the anatomically correct body position and relieve morning stiffness and pain due to the 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 orthopedic.
When the acute pain subsides, physical therapy exercises are started. In combination with other methods, its efficiency is very high. The first training sessions should be performed under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: the pace and amplitude should be increased gradually, the program should be expanded over time and the load should be increased.
According to Torna Bonina
- Raise your arms while sitting or standing. Inhale, join your fingers at the top and lower your clasped hands. The neck stays in place.
- Half rotation of the shoulders. Pull your shoulders back, arching into the air, and return in the same arch.
- Stretch your head forward and stay in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head now to the right, now to the left, looking over your shoulder each time.
- Raise your right shoulder and lower your left shoulder at the same time.
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 on the left side.
- Tilt your head toward your chest while gently pulling your neck forward and up.
- Turn your head with your chin, first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise, raising your hand 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 and place your right hand on your left shoulder.
- Place your hands on your hips and slowly straighten your back and pull your neck up.
- Starting position – standing, head down. Smoothly move your chin first to the right, then to the left shoulder, each time lowering the center to the chest.
Traditional methods
Home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes water and heating procedures, as well as the use of orthopedic devices. Body lotions and poultices made from vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In case of aggravation, you can take a warm shower and wrap your neck with a warm scarf. To reduce pain and inflammation, body lotions are made from herbs such as sage and mint. To make a healing solution, boil one or two tablespoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. After cooling to a comfortable temperature, soak a cotton pad or bandage in it and apply it to the painful area for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is carried out up to 4 times a day.
Onion compression is made from grated or finely chopped onions in a blender. Spread the resulting mass on the gauze and apply it to the neck, covering the top with adhesive film and cotton fabric. After 2-3 hours, the compress is removed and the skin is washed with warm water.
Therapeutic poultice is a simple, affordable and, if used correctly, very effective treatment method.
The application with kerosene is done as follows: a linen or cotton cloth (you can use gauze or a bandage) is dipped in petroleum and applied to the neck area. Cover the top of the poultice with cotton wool or polythene to prevent spreading. Leave on for up to three hours, if a strong burning sensation occurs, remove immediately and rinse with water.
As an ambulance for acute chondrosis of the cervical vertebra, the 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 on the sore spot.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside", for example with an infusion of pine buds. In this recipe, they are used ready from the pharmacy or fresh, collected in early spring. The fresh buds must be cut in advance.
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use medium-sized buds, as they contain more useful substances.
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, it should be kept in the mouth for some time and only then swallowed. The duration of treatment is a maximum of three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors insist that the early stages of osteochondrosis occur almost imperceptibly and are not particularly disturbing. At this stage, when the symptoms are limited to mild discomfort and mild morning stiffness, it can only be cured with exercise therapy. You don't need medication, but you do need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
The best prevention of both the disease itself and its relapse is physical activity. Regular exercise preserves good posture and helps prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
Much can be done even in severe, advanced cases. Systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and medication significantly improves well-being and reduces the risk of new exacerbations.
F. A. Q
What are the symptoms of worsening cervical osteochondrosis?
During the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may feel pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms, and the mobility of the neck is limited.
What factors can provoke the aggravation of cervical osteochondrosis?
Aggravation of cervical osteochondrosis can be caused by overloading the neck, prolonged incorrect posture, trauma, stress, and age-related changes in the spine.
What treatment methods can be effective for worsening cervical osteochondrosis?
Non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention can be used to alleviate the symptoms of worsening cervical osteochondrosis.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Maintain proper posture and avoid long periods of incorrect posture. Do regular neck and back exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip #2
Do not sit 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 neck and shoulder relaxation exercises.
Tip #3
When sleeping, use a pillow and mattress that supports the correct position of the neck and back. This helps to reduce the load on the spine and prevent the aggravation of osteochondrosis.