Unfortunately, many people 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 is becoming the norm for most of us. Problem number two is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. Oddly enough, this is a food that has a direct effect on the condition of the spine.
The most common form of this disease is cervical osteochondrosis. The cervical spine is a particularly risky area because the size of the vertebrae here is smaller than in other areas of the spine. In addition, the neck does not have such a muscular corset as the rest of the back.
Development of cervical osteochondrosis
The danger is that in the beginning a person often does not even realize that he is sick. In the first stage of the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs experience mild destructive effects - the elasticity decreases, the first small cracks appear, the height of the disc decreases (as a result, the nerve roots begin to be compressed). There is neck discomfort or aching pain.
If the first degree of osteochondrosis passes into the second, then the pain progresses. This is due to the fact that the destruction of the intervertebral disc continues to progress, leading to subluxations 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 must support his head - in this position, the pain becomes a little weaker.
The third degree of cervical osteochondrosis has a number of even more unpleasant symptoms: nausea, "lumbago" in the neck, dizziness, weakening of the sensitivity of the hands and, of course, pain.
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the neck and its causes
The exacerbation of the disease can occur at any stage. The reason for this is usually:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, lifting weights. If a person suffering from osteochondrosis of the neck makes a sharp turn or tilt of the head, it is not known exactly how his intervertebral discs will react to this.
- Nervous conditions and stress. Often, stressful situations "ignite" deeply rooted diseases in us: cervical osteochondrosis is no exception.
- Massage performed by a non-professional. If you know that you suffer from 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 cannot entrust your back and neck to a massage therapist whose competence is in doubt.
- Weather changes and hypothermia. Especially often exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis occur in autumn.
- Go to the bathroom during an exacerbation. By itself, a visit to a bath or sauna can be helpful, as warming often benefits the patient. But the desire to plunge into cold water or jump out hot in the cold will have to be abandoned, because osteochondrosis will not be slow to "thank you" with even greater deterioration.
- Old age. Intervertebral discs tend to wear out over the years, so the exacerbation of the disease in the elderly is not surprising.
- A neglected disease state. If osteochondrosis is not treated, exacerbations cannot be avoided.
Symptoms of exacerbation
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be different - it all depends on the degree of progression of the disease. These can be pain in the parietal area, a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin in the same area, pain in one half 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 area of the heart or liver. If vertebral artery syndrome occurs, then a wave-like headache may occur, especially "pressing" on the eyes, temples and ears. It happens that an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis causes pain only in the left or only in the right half of the head, as happens with a migraine. Another indicator is a characteristic crunch at the back of the head when the head is tilted or turned.
As for vision and hearing, fog, flashing dots and spots may appear in front of the eyes. Tinnitus and vertigo are not excluded.
If the pain extends to the arm, then the muscle strength may be weakened. Pain can also be felt in the hand and fingers.
First aid for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation should be prescribed by a professional. Therefore, if the aggravation of the disease caught you when you were alone at home, it is better to call a doctor. Before his arrival, it is desirable to move minimally, the optimal solution is to lie down in bed. You have the right to take painkillers. These drugs are designed to reduce pain and inflammation that occurs in the spine.
Also, the doctor can prescribe chondroprotectors - they should help stop the destructive processes taking place in the disc. However, such drugs must be taken for a long time - about six months. But they will help prevent re-exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Muscle relaxants, drugs that reduce pathological muscle tension, will not be superfluous. Vascular drugs, B vitamins, diuretics (with constant monitoring) and nootropics are also commonly prescribed.
How long does an exacerbation last?
The exacerbation phase for each person proceeds in its own way. The same goes for the duration of the attack. If the treatment of an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis was started promptly and correctly, there is a chance that the peak of the disease will subside after a few days. In more complex and advanced cases, the exacerbation period may last several weeks. If the disease is not treated and the matter is left to chance, there is a great danger that a second exacerbation will not be late - in this case, the periods of "lull" will be shorter and shorter. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to prevent exacerbations.
How to reduce the likelihood of re-exacerbation?
A person who at least once suffered an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis and felt its "charms" on himself should do everything possible to prevent repeated attacks. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation should be intensive, but from thisit does not follow that if the danger is past you can relax.
It will be useful to visit an experienced massage therapist, who should be notified in advance of neck problems. If there is no possibility to make an appointment 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. Therefore, if you know this, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive procedures, may include such manual effects:
- A relaxing massage that is designed to relieve tension from tight muscles and warm them up well.
- Mobilization. The purpose of such an impact is to restore the functions of the joints with the help of traction.
- Manipulation. Its essence is that the manual therapist produces 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 helpful in preventing exacerbation of neck osteochondrosis. Naturally, only a specialist should perform such a procedure.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are advised to emphasize foods rich in magnesium and calcium (ie, legumes, nuts, seafood, fish, and dairy products). You will have to give up excessive drinking, as alcohol tends to negatively affect the circulatory system, which is already suffering from osteochondrosis of the neck.
Lifestyle of a person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis
Regarding everyday life and everyday life, the following is 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 an exacerbation).
- Swimming is very useful - it helps relieve spasms and strengthens muscles.
- If you work seated, you should periodically take warm-up breaks. It is also recommended that even while sitting, you try to change your position every fifteen minutes.
- Hiking is useful, but it is better to refrain from jumping and running.
- Physical exercises aimed at strengthening the muscular corset of the neck are the key to combating osteochondrosis.
Like any other disease, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated as early as possible. If the disease hid itself and "showed its claws" only when osteochondrosis had already begun to progress, do not despair. The tips above should definitely help you!