Unfortunately, many are familiar with osteochondrosis. This disease has become a real disease of the century. First of all, a sedentary lifestyle is responsible for osteochondrosis, which is becoming the norm for most of us. Problem number two is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. Strangely, however, 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 particular risk area because 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 a person often does not even notice that he is ill at first. At the first stage of the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs experience slight destructive effects - their elasticity decreases, the first small cracks appear, the height of the intervertebral disc decreases (as a result, the nerve roots begin to be compressed). There is discomfort in the neck or aching pain.
When the first degree of osteochondrosis passes into the second, the pain progresses. Because the destruction of the intervertebral disc is progressing and leads to subluxations of the cervical vertebrae. The development of the disease can follow - the so-called falling head syndrome, which is characterized by severe pain. As a result, the patient has to support their head – in this position, the pain is somewhat less.
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.
Aggravation of osteochondrosis in the neck and its causes
Worsening of the disease can occur at any stage. The reason for this is usually:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, heavy lifting. If a person suffering from osteochondrosis in the neck turns or tilts his head sharply, it is not known exactly how his intervertebral discs will react.
- Nervous situations and stress. Stressful situations often "ignite" diseases that are deep within us: cervical osteochondrosis is no exception.
- A massage performed by a lay person. If you know that you have osteochondrosis and you go to a session, it is your responsibility to inform the masseur 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 the fall.
- Going to the bathroom during an exacerbation. In itself, a visit to the bath or sauna can be useful, since warming up often benefits the patient. But the desire to dive into cold water or hot jump into the cold must be abandoned, since osteochondrosis is not slow to "thank" you with even more aggravation.
- Older age. Intervertebral discs tend to wear down over the years, so the worsening of the condition in older people is not surprising.
- A neglected condition of the disease. If osteochondrosis is not treated, then exacerbations cannot be avoided.
exacerbation symptoms
Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can be different - it all depends on the degree of progression of the disease. This can be pain in the parietal region, 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 exacerbation phase, respiratory failure and pain in the heart or liver can occur. When vertebral artery syndrome occurs, a wavy headache may appear, "pressing", especially 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 side of the head, as happens with migraine of theAnother indicator is a characteristic crunch in the back of the head when the head is tilted or turned.
As for vision and hearing, fog can appear before the eyes, flashing dots and spots. Ringing in the ears and dizziness cannot be 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 specialist. Therefore, if the worsening 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 can take painkillers. These medicines are designed to relieve pain and reduce the inflammation that is present in the spine.
Also, the doctor can prescribe chondroprotectors - they are designed to help stop the destructive processes in the intervertebral disc. However, such drugs should be taken for a fairly long time - about six months. But they will help prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Muscle relaxants, drugs that reduce pathological tension in the muscles will not be superfluous. Vascular medications, B vitamins, diuretics (under constant monitoring), and nootropics are also commonly prescribed.
How long does an exacerbation last?
The exacerbation phase is different for everyone. The same applies to the duration of the attack. If the treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis was started on time and correctly, then it is likely that the peak of the disease will subside in a few days. In more complex and advanced cases, the duration of the exacerbations can last several weeks. If the disease is not treated and left to chance, there is a great risk that a second exacerbation will not be long in coming - in this case, the periods of "rest" will become increasingly shorter. To prevent this, it is recommended to prevent exacerbations.
How to reduce the likelihood of a renewed exacerbation?
A person who has 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 the exacerbation should be intensive, but it does not follow from this, that you can relax when the danger is over.
It makes sense to consult an experienced massage therapist, who must be informed about neck problems in advance. If there is no way to sign up for a massage, you can limit yourself to self-massage. It is recommended to use stroking, kneading and vibrating movements in the neck area.
Finding a good chiropractor is a big deal. Therefore, knowing this, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive measures, can include such manual actions:
- Relaxing massage designed to release tense 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 lies in the fact that the chiropractor creates a strong impact in the area of \u200b\u200bthe problem zone, due to which the joint returns to its natural position.
Acupuncture can also be very useful in preventing aggravation of osteochondrosis in the neck. Of course, only a specialist should perform such a procedure.
Diet also plays a role. Patients are advised to focus on foods rich in magnesium and calcium (ie, legumes, nuts, seafood, fish, and dairy products). You need to refrain from excessive drinking, since alcohol negatively affects 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 hot shower, sauna and bath are useful (except during the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation).
- Swimming is very useful - it helps relieve spasms and strengthen muscles.
- If you work sitting down, you need to take regular breaks to warm up. It's also a good idea to try changing positions every 15 minutes, even while sitting.
- Hiking makes sense, it is better to avoid jumping and running.
- Physical exercises, the purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the neck, are the key to the fight against osteochondrosis.
Like any other disease, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated as early as possible. If the disease hid and "showed its claws", if osteochondrosis had already begun to develop, do not despair. The above tips should definitely help you!