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 the affected part and the cause of the disease.
Main 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 extend 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, of different nature:
- progressive - each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the intervals between them are reduced;
- regress – the frequency and intensity of attacks steadily decreases;
- stable – exacerbations occur regularly with the same symptoms.
It should also be noted that damage to different parts of the spine not only manifests itself differently. The therapeutic approach and treatment methods also have their own characteristics.
Steps
Pathological changes in the discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development is preceded by deterioration of blood circulation and nutrition of paravertebral (paravertebral) structures, provoked 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 considerably after an injury or following a general illness.
The early onset of chondrosis is greatly facilitated by back overload - both dynamic and static, when a person is forced to stay in one 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 of the neck and back of the head occur periodically;
- Stage 2. Headaches become more frequent, you sometimes 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;
- Step 3, final. Characterized by large-scale damage to the vertebrae, discs and ligament system. It is manifested by severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness of the cervical spine, as well as a decrease in vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis: the last, it is accompanied by an almost total loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
From stage to stage, the nucleus pulposus of the disc loses moisture, which leads to a loss of elasticity and a reduction in shock absorption qualities. The intervertebral disc dries out, flattens and cracks. Neighboring vertebrae move closer together, which in turn causes the facet joints to move. All of this leads to pinched spinal nerves, pain, and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: treatment of osteochondrosis 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 the training program of 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 the occipital region. At the same time, general well-being deteriorates, a person quickly gets tired and copes with work and everyday responsibilities worse.
Sometimes an exacerbation occurs suddenly with severe headache. 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 neck on one or both sides and the head may hurt. Often the pain spreads to the collarbone area and shoulders. In some people, painful sensations occur only when turning or tilting the head, or moving the arm.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes cervical chondrosis "masks" like 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;
- deterioration of sleep, decreased concentration, memory problems;
- flickering of the 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; lesions of one of the departments are manifested by pain of varying location and intensity.
Cervical chondrosis cannot be ignored; it must be treated. Without treatment, the situation will not only worsen more often, but can also lead to a serious complication in the form of a stroke. The cause of acute strokes is compression of the large arteries supplying blood to 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 general health of the person, as well as the methods of treatment. 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 subsides, which takes about 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 consult a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out what leads to exacerbations and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Before consulting a doctor, you should avoid any pressure on your back and adopt the most comfortable position. It is recommended to lie on a flat, elastic surface to maximally relax the neck muscles 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 advise wearing special orthopedic collars. You can make them yourself from cotton and cardboard or buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar is worn for no more than four hours a day, otherwise it will cause more harm than benefit and recovery will be delayed.
The most famous neck brace is the Shants collar. It 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 correctly selected, provides comfort and significantly reduces pain.
Severe pain is relieved by painkillers. The most effective drugs belong to the group of NSAIDs, nonsteroidal 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 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. These include physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have a beneficial effect, subject to its 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 their intensity, painkillers and NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. These may be drugs based on substances diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory ointments.
Muscle relaxers will help relieve muscle spasms. In case of swelling, diuretics are prescribed, which remove excess fluid, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve endings.
After 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, allows you 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 to be electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic and cryotherapy (cold treatment).
At the beginning of the remission period, massage sessions are prescribed, which can be carried out either in a specialized office or at home on your own. It is best to practice both.
Exercise therapy
If the 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 regime.
It is useful for all patients, regardless of the stage of chondrosis, to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. Such accessories maintain an anatomically correct position of the body and relieve stiffness and pain in the morning through gentle traction of the spine. In hospitals, a Glisson loop is used for this purpose.
The preferred positions in cases of 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 physiotherapy exercises. In combination with other methods, its effectiveness is very high. The first workouts should be carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach you how to correctly perform the exercises.
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. While inhaling, connect your fingers at the top and lower your clasped hands. The neck stays in place.
- Half shoulder rotation. Pull your shoulders back in an arc in the air and bring them back along the same arc.
- Stretch your head forward and stay in this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head sometimes to the right, sometimes 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 on the left side.
- Tilt your head toward your chest, while slightly pulling your neck forward and up.
- Turn your head with your chin raised, first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise by raising your hands and joining 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, lowering your back and raising your neck.
- Starting position – standing, head down. Gently move your chin first to the right, then to the left shoulder, lowering it to the middle of the chest each time.
Traditional methods
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes water and warming procedures as well as the use of orthopedic appliances. Lotions and compresses based on vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In case of exacerbation, you can take a hot 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 to 20 minutes. After cooling to a comfortable temperature, soak a cotton ball or bandage in it and apply it to the place where you hurt 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 distributed on gauze and applied to the neck, covering the top with cling film and a 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.
An application with kerosene is done like this: a linen or cotton cloth (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 it from spreading. Do not leave on for more than three hours; if a strong burning sensation appears, remove immediately and rinse with water.
In an ambulance for acute chondrosis of the cervical vertebra, a product with the following composition is used:
- 5 Analgin tablets reduced to powder;
- ethyl alcohol – 15 ml;
- camphor alcohol – 5 ml;
- iodine – 5 ml.
Mix everything and rub 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 at the pharmacy or fresh, harvested in early spring. Fresh buds should be pre-cut.
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, you need to keep it in your mouth for a while and only then swallow it. The duration of treatment can be up to three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors insist that the early stages of osteochondrosis go almost unnoticed and are not particularly worrying. At this stage, where the symptoms are limited to mild discomfort and slight stiffness in the morning, you can only be cured with the help of exercise therapy. No medication will be 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 will maintain good posture and help prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
In severe and advanced cases, a lot can also be done. The systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and drug treatment will significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of further exacerbations.
FAQs
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 mobility of theneck.
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 methods of treatment for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be effective?
To relieve the symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, non-drug methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug treatment, 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 your flexibility.
Tip #2
Avoid sitting in front of a computer or screen 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
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.