Unfortunately, many are familiar with osteochondrosis. This disease has become a real disease of the century. First of all, an inactive lifestyle is to blame for osteochondrosis, which for many of us has become the norm. Problem number two is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. Oddly enough, but it is food that has a direct effect on the condition of the spine.
The most common type of this disease is cervical osteochondrosis. The cervical spine is a particular risk area, as the size of the vertebrae 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 realize that he is sick. In the first stage of disease development, the intervertebral disc experiences a slight 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 compress). There is discomfort in the neck or painful pain.
If the first stage of osteochondrosis surpasses the second, then the pain develops. This is due to the fact that the destruction of the intervertebral disc continues to develop, which leads to subluxation of the neck vertebrae. The development of the disease may follow - the so-called falling head syndrome, which is characterized by severe pain. As a result, the patient needs to support his head - in this position, the pain becomes a little weaker.
The third stage of cervical osteochondrosis has some more unpleasant symptoms: nausea, "lumbago" in the neck, dizziness, weakness of hand sensitivity and, of course, pain.
The severity of osteochondrosis in the neck and its causes
The severity of the disease can occur at any stage. The reasons for this are usually:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, heavy lifting. If a person suffering from osteochondrosis in the neck makes a sharp turn or head tilt, it is not known exactly how his intervertebral disc will react to this.
- Nervous and stressful situations. Often, stressful situations "ignite" deep diseases in us: cervical osteochondrosis is no exception.
- Massage performed by non-professionals. If you know that you have osteochondrosis and go to a session, it is your responsibility to warn the massage therapist about the disease. Otherwise, the consequences can be the most unpredictable. And, of course, you can't trust your back and neck to a massage therapist whose competence is in doubt.
- Weather changes and hypothermia. Especially often exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in the fall.
- Go to the bathroom during an exacerbation. By itself, a visit to the bath or sauna can be useful, as heating often benefits the patient. But the desire to plunge into cold water or jump out of the heat in the cold should be abandoned, because osteochondrosis will not be slow to "thank you" even worse.
- Elderly age. Intervertebral discs tend to wear out over the years, so the worsening of the disease in the elderly is not surprising.
- Neglected disease states. If osteochondrosis is not treated, worsening is inevitable.
Aggravating symptoms
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be different - it all depends on the stage of development of the disease. This can be pain in the parietal area, decreased skin sensitivity in the same area, pain in half of the neck, heaviness in the tongue, pain in the collarbone and shoulder girdle.
In a severe exacerbation phase, there may be respiratory failure and pain in the heart or liver area. If the vertebral artery syndrome occurs, then a wavy headache may appear, especially "pressing" on the eyes, temples and ears. It happens that the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis causes pain only on the left side or only on the right side of the head, as happens with migraine. Another indicator is the characteristic crunch at the back of the head when the head is tilted or rotated.
As for vision and hearing, fog may appear in front of the eyes, flashing dots and spots. Ringing in the ears and dizziness are not ruled out.
If the pain extends to the arm, then 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 professional. Therefore, if the disease worsens when you are alone at home, it is better to contact the doctor. Before his arrival, it is desirable to move to a minimum, the optimal solution is to lie in bed. You are allowed to take painkillers. These medications are designed to reduce pain and reduce inflammation found in the spine.
Also, the doctor may prescribe chondroprotectors - they should help stop the destructive process occurring in the disc. However, the drugs need to be taken for a long time - about six months. But they will help prevent the exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Muscle relaxants, drugs that reduce pathological tension in muscles, will not be superfluous. Vascular drugs, B vitamins, diuretics (with constant monitoring) and nootropic drugs are also usually prescribed.
How long does the exacerbation last?
The exacerbation phase for each person goes in his own way. The same goes for the duration of the attack. If the treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis is started on time and correctly, it is possible that the peak of the disease will subside in a few days. In more complex and advanced cases, the aggravation 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 be long - in this case, the "quiet" period will become shorter and shorter. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to avoid aggravation.
How to reduce the possibility of relapse?
A person who at least once experienced an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis and felt a "talisman" in himself should do everything possible to prevent repeated attacks. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation should be intensive, but it does not follow from this that if the danger has passed, you can rest.
It will be useful to visit an experienced massage therapist, who must be informed in advance about problems with the neck. If there is no opportunity to register for a massage, you can limit yourself to self-massage. To do this, it is recommended to make stroking, kneading and vibration movements in the neck area.
Finding a good chiropractor is a big deal. So, if you know this, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive procedures, may include manual effects such as:
- A relaxation massage, designed to relieve tension from tense muscles and warm them up well.
- Mobilization. The purpose of such an effect is to restore joint function with the help of traction.
- Manipulation. Its essence lies in the fact that the chiropractor creates a sharp push in the area of the problem area, as a result of which the joint returns to its natural position.
Acupuncture can also be very useful in preventing the worsening of osteochondrosis in the neck. Naturally, only specialists should perform such procedures.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are advised to focus on foods rich in magnesium and calcium (ie beans, nuts, seafood, fish and dairy products). You need to stop drinking excessively, because alcohol tends to affect the circulatory system, which is already suffering from neck osteochondrosis.
The lifestyle of a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis
With regard to daily life and daily routine, the following is recommended:
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress with a small pillow under your head.
- Hot baths, saunas and baths are useful (except for the period of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbations).
- Swimming is very useful - it helps to relieve cramps and strengthen muscles.
- If you work while sitting, you need to take breaks periodically to warm up. In addition, it is advisable even when sitting to try to change position every fifteen minutes.
- Hiking is useful, but it is better to refrain from jumping and running.
- Physical exercise, the purpose of which is to strengthen the corset of the neck muscles, is the key to combating osteochondrosis.
Like any other disease, cervical osteochondrosis needs to be treated as early as possible. If the disease hides and "shows its claws" only when osteochondrosis has begun to develop, do not despair. The above tips will surely help you!