Unfortunately, many are familiar with osteochondrosis. This disease has become a real disease of the century. First of all, a sedentary lifestyle is the cause of osteochondrosis, which for most of us is becoming the norm. Problem number two is an unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. Oddly enough, 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 here is smaller 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 often does not even notice that he is ill. In the first stage of the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs undergo mild destructive effects: the elasticity decreases, the first small cracks appear, the height of the disc is reduced (as a result, the nerve roots begin to compress). There is discomfort in the neck or aching pain.
If the first degree of osteochondrosis passes into 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 vertebrae of the neck. The development of the disease can follow - the so-called drooping head syndrome, characterized by severe pain. As a result, the patient must support the head: in this position, the pain becomes slightly weaker.
The third degree of cervical osteochondrosis has a number of even more unpleasant symptoms: nausea, "low back pain" in the neck, dizziness, weakening of the sensitivity of 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 is usually:
- Sudden movements, excessive physical activity, heavy 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 his intervertebral discs will react to this.
- Nervous situations and stress. Stressful situations often "ignite" 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 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 entrust your back and neck to a massage therapist whose competence is in doubt.
- Weather changes and hypothermia. Especially in the fall, exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis occur.
- Going to the bathroom during an exacerbation. In itself, a visit to the 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, since osteochondrosis will not be long in "thanking you" 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 state of neglect of the 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. These can be pains in the parietal region, a decrease in skin sensitivity 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, respiratory failure and pain in the region of the heart or liver may occur. If vertebral artery syndrome occurs, wavy headaches may appear, particularly "pressing" on the eyes, temples and ears. It happens that the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis causes pain only in the left half or only in the right half of the head, as happens with migraines. Another indicator is a characteristic crunch in the back of the head when the head is tilted or rotated.
As for vision and hearing, fog can appear before the eyes, flashing spots and spots. 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 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 home alone, it is best to call a doctor. Before his arrival, it is advisable to move minimally, the optimal solution is to lie down on the bed. You are allowed to take painkillers. These medicines are designed to reduce pain and reduce inflammation 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 quite 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 drugs, B vitamins, diuretics (with constant monitoring) and nootropic drugs are also usually prescribed.
How long does an exacerbation last?
The phase of exacerbation for each person proceeds in his own way. The same goes for the duration of the attack. If the treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis was started in a timely and correct manner, the peak of the disease is likely to subside within 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 be long in coming - in this case, the "calm" periods will be shorter and shorter. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to prevent exacerbations.
How to reduce the likelihood of an exacerbation?
A person who has suffered at least once from an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis and has felt its "charm" about himself should do everything possible to prevent repeated attacks. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation should be intensive, but it does not follow that if the danger has passed, you can relax.
It will be useful to visit an experienced massage therapist, who must be informed in advance about neck problems. If there is no possibility to sign up for a massage, you can limit yourself to self-massage. To do this, it is recommended to perform stroking, kneading and vibrating movements in the neck area.
Finding a good chiropractor is a big deal. Therefore, if you know, you can contact him. Treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as preventive procedures, can include such manual effects:
- Relaxing massage, designed to relieve tension in tense muscles and warm them well.
- Mobilization. The purpose of such an impact is to restore the functions of the joints with the help of traction.
- Handling. Its essence lies in the fact that the chiropractor produces a strong 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 of 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 (i. e. legumes, nuts, seafood, fish and dairy products). You will have to give up drinking too much, 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
Regarding 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 (with the exception of the period of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation).
- Swimming is very useful: it helps relieve spasms and strengthens the muscles.
- If you work seated, you need to take breaks periodically to warm up. It is also advisable to try to change position every fifteen minutes while seated.
- Hiking is useful, but it is best to refrain from jumping and running.
- Physical exercises, the purpose of which is to strengthen the muscular corset of the neck, are the key to fighting osteochondrosis.
Like any other ailment, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated as soon as possible. If the disease hid and "showed its claws" only when the osteochondrosis had already begun to progress, do not despair. The above tips should definitely help you!