Unfortunately, many are familiar with osteochondrosis. This disease has become a real disease of the century. First of all, a sedentary lifestyle is to blame for osteochondrosis, which has become the norm for most of us. The second problem is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. It is strange, but it is food that directly affects the condition of the spine.
The most common type of this disease is cervical osteochondrosis. The cervical spine is a special risk area because the size of the spine is smaller here than in other areas of the spine. In addition, the neck does not have a muscular corset like the rest of the back.
Development of cervical osteochondrosis
The danger is that at first a person often does not even realize that he is sick. In the first stage of the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs have a somewhat destructive effect - the elasticity decreases, the first small cracks appear, the height of the disc becomes smaller (as a result, the nerve roots begin to be compressed). There is discomfort or aching pain in the neck.
If the first degree of osteochondrosis goes to the second, the pain progresses. This is due to the fact that the destruction of the intervertebral disc continues to progress, causing subluxation of the cervical vertebrae. The development of the disease can follow - the so-called falling head syndrome, characterized by severe pain. As a result, the patient has to support his head - in this case, the pain is a little weaker.
The third degree of cervical osteochondrosis has a number of more unpleasant symptoms: nausea, "lumbago" in the neck, dizziness, loss of sensation in the hands and, of course, pain.
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the neck and its causes
Aggravation of the disease can occur at any stage. This is usually because:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, weight lifting. If a person suffering from osteochondrosis in the neck turns or bends his head sharply, it is not known exactly how his intervertebral discs will react to this.
- Nervous states and stress. Often, stressful situations "ignite" deep-rooted diseases in us: cervical osteochondrosis is no exception.
- Massage performed by a non-professional. If you know that you suffer from osteochondrosis and you are going to a session, it is your responsibility to warn the massage therapist about the disease. Otherwise, the results can be the most unexpected. And of course, you can't trust your back and neck to a massage therapist whose competence is in doubt.
- Climate change and hypothermia. Especially often, exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in the fall.
- Going to the bathroom during an exacerbation. A visit to a bath or sauna in itself can be helpful, as warming often benefits the patient. But the desire to plunge into cold water or jump hot in the cold will have to be abandoned, because osteochondrosis will not be slow to "thank" you by worsening.
- Old age. Intervertebral discs tend to wear out over the years, so it is not surprising that the disease worsens in the elderly.
- An indifferent state of the disease. If osteochondrosis is not treated, exacerbations cannot be prevented.
Symptoms of exacerbation
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be different - it all depends on the degree of development of the disease. These can be pains in the parietal area, decreased sensitivity of the skin in the same area, pain in the middle of the neck, a feeling of heaviness in the tongue, pain in the collarbone and shoulder girdle.
In a particularly acute phase of exacerbation, there may be respiratory failure and pain in the heart or liver region. If the vertebral artery syndrome occurs, wave-like headaches may appear, especially "pressing" on the eyes, temples and ears. It happens that the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis causes pain only in the left or only in the right half of the head, as in migraine. Another indicator is a characteristic crunch at the back of the head when bending or turning the head.
When it comes to vision and hearing, fog, flashing dots and spots may appear in front of the eyes. Ringing in the ears and dizziness are not excluded.
If the pain extends to the arm, muscle strength may be weakened. Pain can also be felt in the hands and fingers.
First aid for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation should be prescribed by a specialist. Therefore, it is better to call a doctor if the worsening of the disease has caught you when you are alone at home. Before his arrival, it is desirable to move minimally, the optimal solution is to lie in bed. It is allowed to take painkillers. These drugs are designed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation present in the spine.
Also, the doctor can prescribe chondroprotectors - they should help stop the destructive processes occurring in the disc. However, such drugs should be taken for a fairly long time - about six months. But they will help to prevent the flare-up of osteochondrosis.
There will be no more muscle relaxants, drugs that reduce pathological muscle tension. Vascular drugs, B vitamins, diuretics (with constant monitoring) and nootropic drugs are also usually prescribed.
How long does the exacerbation last?
For each person, the exacerbation phase continues in its own way. The same applies to the duration of the attack. If the treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis is started on time and correctly, the peak of the disease will decrease in a few days. In more complex and advanced cases, the exacerbation period can last several weeks. If the disease is not treated and the matter is left to chance, there is a great danger that the second exacerbation will not take long - in this case, the periods of "quietness" will be shorter and shorter. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to prevent flare-ups.
How to reduce the likelihood of a relapse?
A person who has suffered from an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis at least once and feels its "charm" should do everything possible to prevent repeated attacks. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation should be intensive, but this does not mean that you can relax if the danger has passed.
It will be useful to visit an experienced massage therapist, who should be warned in advance about neck problems. If there is no possibility to register for massage, you can limit yourself to massage. For this, it is recommended to perform stroking, kneading and vibration movements in the neck area.
Finding a good chiropractor is a big deal. So if you know it, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive procedures, may include such manual effects:
- Relaxation massage designed to relieve tension from tense muscles and warm them up well.
- Mobilization. The purpose of such an effect is to restore the functions of the joints with the help of traction.
- Manipulation. Its essence is that the chiropractor creates a sharp impulse in the area of the problem area, as a result of which the joint returns to its natural state.
Acupuncture can also be very useful in preventing exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the neck. Of course, such a procedure should be performed only by a specialist.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are advised to focus on foods rich in magnesium and calcium (such as legumes, nuts, seafood, fish and dairy products). You will have to give up excessive drinking, because alcohol has a negative effect on the circulatory system, which already suffers from neck osteochondrosis.
Lifestyle of a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis
When it comes to daily life and routine, the following are recommended:
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress with a small pillow under your head.
- A hot shower, sauna and bath are useful (except for the period of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation).
- Swimming is very useful - it helps relieve spasms and strengthens muscles.
- If you work sitting down, you should take periodic breaks to warm up. In addition, even when sitting, it is advisable to try to change the position every fifteen minutes.
- Walking is useful, but it is better to avoid jumping and running.
- Physical exercises, the purpose of which is to strengthen the neck muscle corset, are the key to combating osteochondrosis.
Like any other disease, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated as early as possible. If the disease hid and "showed its claws" only when osteochondrosis had already begun to progress, do not despair. The above tips should definitely help you!