Unfortunately, many are familiar with osteochondrosis. This disease has become a true disease of the century. First and foremost, a sedentary lifestyle is to blame for osteochondrosis, which for most of us is becoming the norm. Problem number two is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. Interestingly, but it is the 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 an area of particular risk as the size of the vertebrae is smaller here than in other areas of the spine. Also, the neck doesn't have as muscular a corset as the rest of the back.
Development of cervical osteochondrosis
The danger is that, at first, a person is often not even aware that he is sick. At the first stage of the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs experience mild destructive effects - their 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 neck discomfort or aching pain.
If the first degree of osteochondrosis passes to the second, 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, characterized by intense pain. As a result, the patient has to support the head - in this position, the pain becomes a little weaker.
The third degree of cervical osteochondrosis has several even more unpleasant symptoms: nausea, "lumbago" in the neck, dizziness, weakened sensation in the hands and, of course, pain.
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the neck and its causes
Exacerbation of the disease can occur at any stage. The reason for this is usually:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, weight lifting. If a person suffering from osteochondrosis of the neck makes a sharp turn or tilt of the head, it is not known exactly how their intervertebral discs will react to this.
- Nervous situations and stress. Often, stressful situations "ignited" diseases that are deeply rooted in us: cervical osteochondrosis is no exception.
- A massage performed by a non-professional. If you know you have osteochondrosis and you go to a session, it is your responsibility to let the massage therapist know about the condition. Otherwise, the consequences can be the most unpredictable. And, of course, you can't trust your back and neck to a masseuse whose competence is in doubt.
- Climate change and hypothermia. Especially exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis occur in autumn.
- Going to the bath during an exacerbation. On its own, a visit to the bath or sauna can be helpful, as warming up often benefits the patient. But the desire to dip in cold water or jump hot in the cold will have to be abandoned, as osteochondrosis will not be long in "thanks" with even more aggravation.
- Elderly age. Intervertebral discs tend to wear out over the years, so the exacerbation of the disease in the elderly is not surprising.
- A neglected state of disease. 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. It can be pain in the parietal region, decreased skin sensitivity in the same area, pain in the middle of the neck, 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 vertebral artery syndrome occurs, rippling headaches may appear, especially "pressing" on the eyes, temples, and ears. It turns out that the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis causes pain only in the left half or only the right half of the head, as with 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 may appear before the eyes, flashing dots and spots. Ringing in the ears and dizziness are not ruled out.
If the pain extends to the arm, 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 exacerbation should be prescribed by a professional. Therefore, if the worsening of the disease caught you when you were alone at home, it is better to call a doctor. Before your arrival, it is desirable to move minimally, the ideal solution is to lie down in bed. You are allowed to take painkillers. These medications are designed to reduce pain and reduce inflammation that is present in the spine.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe chondroprotectors - they should help to stop the destructive processes that occur in the disc. However, these 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 tension in the muscles, will not be superfluous. Vascular medications, B vitamins, diuretics (with constant monitoring), and nootropic drugs are also commonly prescribed.
How long does an exacerbation last?
The exacerbation phase for each person proceeds in their own way. The same applies to the duration of the attack. If the treatment of the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis was started in a timely and correct manner, the peak of the disease is likely to subside in a few days. In more complex and advanced cases, the period of exacerbations can 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 delay - in this case, the "calm" periods will be increasingly shorter. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to avoid exacerbations.
How to reduce the likelihood of re-exacerbation?
A person who at least once suffered from an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis and felt its "charms" in himself should do everything possible to avoid repeated attacks. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation should be intensive, but it does not follow from this that, if the danger has passed, you can relax.
It will be helpful to visit an experienced massage therapist, who should be notified in advance of neck problems. If there is no opportunity to sign up for a massage, then you can limit yourself to self-massage. To do this, it is recommended to make caressing, kneading and vibrating movements in the neck area.
Finding a good chiropractor is a big deal. So if you know about it, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive procedures, may include these manual effects:
- Relaxation massage, designed to relieve tension from tense muscles and warm them well.
- Mobilization. The purpose of such an impact is to restore joint functions with the help of traction.
- Manipulation. Its essence lies in the fact that the chiropractor 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 the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the neck. Of course, only a specialist should carry out such a procedure.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are advised to focus on foods rich in magnesium and calcium (ie vegetables, nuts, seafood, fish and dairy products). You will have to give up drinking to excess, as alcohol tends to negatively affect the circulatory system, which already suffers from osteochondrosis of the neck.
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.
- A warm bath, sauna and bath are useful (except in the period of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation).
- Swimming is very helpful - it helps relieve spasms and strengthens muscles.
- If you work sitting down, you need to take breaks periodically to warm up. In addition, it is advisable, even when sitting, to try to change positions every fifteen minutes.
- Walking is helpful, but it's best to avoid jumping and running.
- Physical exercises, which aim to strengthen 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 and "showed its claws" only when osteochondrosis had already begun to progress, do not despair. The above tips should definitely help you!