Osteonecrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral discs that separate the vertebrae are destroyed. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in tissues can develop at different speeds and manifest with different symptoms. The clinical picture depends on which part is affected and the cause of the disease.
General features
Destructive processes of the spine can lead to irreparable consequences, significantly complicating a person's life. They can affect any area - neck, chest or lumbar - or spread to the entire spine.
In most cases, cartilage degeneration occurs episodically: periods of exacerbation alternate with periods of remission. In this case, there can be 3 stream options, different in nature:
- progression - each subsequent exacerbation is accompanied by more severe symptoms, the interval between them decreases;
- regression – the frequency and intensity of attacks gradually decrease;
- stable – frequent exacerbations with the same symptoms.
What should be noted is that damage to different parts of the spine not only manifests itself differently. Treatment methods and treatment methods also have their own characteristics.
Stage
Pathological changes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae do not appear immediately. Their development occurs before the deterioration of blood circulation and nutrition of paravertebral structures, caused by external and internal factors.
Degeneration of bone and cartilage tissue occurs in people of all ages and is one of the signs of aging in the body. However, this process can be significantly accelerated following injury or general illness.
The early appearance of articular cartilage disease is greatly facilitated by overloading the back - both dynamic and static, when a person is forced to maintain one position for a long time.
Cervical bone degeneration occurs in 3 stages, each stage is characterized by its own manifestations:
- Stage 1. Headaches and discomfort in the nape and back of the head occur periodically;
- Stage 2. Headaches become more frequent, sometimes you feel dizzy and your work performance declines. In stage 2, patients most often consult doctors, but complete recovery of damaged structures is not possible;
- Phase 3, final. Characterized by large-scale damage to the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligamentous system. It is manifested by severe and almost constant headaches, loss of coordination of movements, stiffness of the cervical spine, as well as decreased vision and hearing.
Some experts distinguish 4 stages of osteonecrosis: the final stage, which is accompanied by almost complete loss of mobility and severe neurological symptoms.
From one stage to the next, the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc loses moisture, loses elasticity, and reduces its ability to absorb shock. The disc becomes dry, flattened and cracked. Neighboring vertebrae move closer together, thus, causing displacement of the facet joints. All this leads to spinal nerve compression, pain and other symptoms.
IMPORTANT: Stage 2 and 3 osteoarthritis therapy aims to prevent relapse and maximize remission.
Cause of serious condition
For cervical cartilage disease to become worse, exposure to one or more factors is required, of which doctors call:
- large loads on the back and spine associated with lifting heavy weights or changing the athlete's training program;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- massage or manual therapy procedures performed by an unqualified professional;
- seasonality – in spring and autumn, exacerbations occur most often;
- Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menopause;
- the presence of chronic diseases that weaken the body, including frequent colds;
- sudden weight gain.
Symptom
An attack of cervical spondylosis can begin with the appearance of discomfort in the lumbar shoulder and occipital regions. At the same time, health in general worsens, a person quickly feels tired and copes with professional and everyday responsibilities becomes worse.
Sometimes the attack occurs suddenly with severe headaches. Usually (in 72% of cases), certain signs indicate the approach of an attack - in particular, a feeling of heaviness in the head, dull pain in the neck and shoulder area. Symptoms are often worse in the morning.
Severe symptoms of cervical spondylosis have significant similarities with the general clinical picture of this disease. The main symptom is pain of varying intensity and nature. The back of the neck on one or both sides and the head may be painful. Often the pain spreads to the collarbone and shoulder area. For some people, pain occurs only when turning, tilting the head or moving the arm.
IMPORTANT: sometimes cervical cartilage disease "masks" a heart attack and causes pain behind the sternum, under the shoulder blade and in the left arm.
Signs of acute osteonecrosis may also include:
- dizzy;
- poor sleep, decreased ability to concentrate, memory problems;
- before the eyes there are flashing spots, noises and ringing in the ears;
- nausea turning to vomiting;
- dictionary violation;
- Sensitive disorders in the neck and arms.
There is no "painless" variant of osteoarthritis; Damage to any part is manifested by pain in different locations and intensities.
Cervical cartilage disease cannot be ignored; it must be treated. If left untreated, it not only gets worse but can also cause serious complications in the form of stroke. The cause of acute stroke is compression of large arteries supplying blood to the brain.
How long does the severity of cervical spondylosis last?
The duration of the attack depends on the factor that caused it, the season and the person's general health condition, as well as the treatment methods. Exacerbations are more difficult to endure and last longer during the cold season.
On average, the acute phase lasts from 4 days to a week, after which the pain gradually subsides, taking about three more weeks. The total duration of the exacerbation was one and a half months.
what must you do
The best thing to do if you suspect cervical cartilage disease is to see a neurologist or orthopedist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, find out the cause that led to the exacerbation and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Before seeing your doctor, you should avoid any stress on your back and assume the most comfortable position. It is recommended to lie on a flat and elastic surface to relax the neck muscles as much as possible and reduce the intensity of pain. You should insulate the painful area with a scarf, handkerchief or blanket.
It is very important to stabilize the cervical spine and try not to turn or tilt the head too much. For this purpose, doctors even recommend wearing a special orthopedic necklace. You can make them yourself from cotton wool and cardboard or buy them at the pharmacy.
IMPORTANT: the orthopedic collar is worn no more than four hours a day, otherwise it will do more harm than good and the recovery process will be delayed.
The most famous neck brace is the Shants neck. This is an indispensable tool for temporarily unloading and stretching the spine in the cervical region. Despite its rather rough appearance, such a brace, when chosen correctly, will provide comfort and significant pain relief.
Severe pain is relieved with painkillers. The most effective drugs are from the group of NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If osteoarthritis worsens, it is forbidden to warm the painful area in any way - with warming ointments, compresses or compresses with mustard, or steam baths in a sauna. Do not massage the affected area or self-medicate.
Treatment
Treatment of acute exacerbation of cervical spondylosis is carried out using pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. The latter include physical therapy, massage and gymnastics. Traditional medicine can have good effects if there is agreement with the treating doctor.
Surgical treatment of cartilage degeneration is performed only in severe cases and includes partial or complete removal of hernias, bone spurs (bony growths)
During the acute phase, the main efforts are aimed at pain relief. Depending on its intensity, painkillers and NSAIDs are prescribed in injection or tablet form. These can be drugs based on the substances diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, metamizole sodium. In addition to them, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory ointments.
Muscle relaxants will help reduce muscle spasms. If there is swelling, diuretics are prescribed to remove excess fluid, thereby reducing pressure on nerve endings.
After acute symptoms have been eliminated, vitamin complexes containing B vitamins are added to the treatment; nootropics normalize the transmission of impulses along nerve fibers; chondroprotector to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy, which may be prescribed during the subacute phase and continued during remission, provides rapid relief of the severity of cervical spondylosis. They help improve blood supply to the damaged segment, relax muscles, reduce pain and inflammation. The most effective methods are traditionally considered electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetotherapy and cryotherapy (treatment with colds).
At the beginning of the period of remission, massage sessions are prescribed, which you can perform yourself in a specialized clinic or at home. It's best to practice both.
Exercise therapy
If cervical spondylosis becomes more severe and is accompanied by severe pain, the person will be asked to rest strictly in bed. When the pain subsides, they move first to bed rest and then to a light exercise regimen.
It will be useful for all patients with cartilage disease at any stage to sleep on orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Such accessories maintain anatomically correct body position and reduce morning stiffness and pain caused by slight pulling on the spine. In hospitals, Glisson rings are used for this purpose.
The preferred locations for cervical cartilage disease are on the side and back. An important condition is a comfortable and "correct" pillow, preferably an orthopedic pillow.
When the acute pain passes, they begin physical therapy exercises. Combined with other methods, the effectiveness is very high. The first training sessions should be carried out under the supervision of an instructor who will select and teach you how to perform the exercises correctly.
IMPORTANT: tempo and amplitude must be gradually increased, expanding the program and increasing the load over time.
Fitness according to Bonina
- When sitting or standing, raise your arms. On an inhale, connect your fingers at the top and lower your clasped hands. The neck remains in place.
- Half shoulder rotation. Pull your shoulders back, draw an arc in the air, and bring it back in the same arc.
- Stretch your head forward and hold this position for a few seconds.
- Turn your head to the right, sometimes to the left, each time looking over your shoulder.
- Simultaneously raise your right shoulder and lower your left shoulder.
Gymnastics according to Bubnovsky
- Sit in a chair, turn your head to the right and lower your chin to your shoulder, maintaining this position. Then repeat the exercise on the left side.
- Tilt your head toward your chest, while gently pulling your neck forward and up.
- Turn your head with your chin up, first to the right, then to the left. Then repeat the exercise, raising your hands and squeezing your fingers.
- Place your left hand on your right shoulder and turn your head to the left. Hold for a few seconds and turn your head to the right, placing your right hand on your left shoulder.
- Place your hands on your hips and slowly straighten, bringing your back back and pulling your neck up.
- Starting position – standing, head down. Gently move your chin first to the right and then to the left shoulder, lowering it each time to the midpoint of the chest.
Traditional method
Treatment of cervical spondylosis at home includes water and warming procedures and the use of orthopedic devices. Lotions and compresses made from vegetables and herbs are always in demand and popular.
In more severe cases, you can take a warm bath and wrap your neck with a warm towel. To reduce pain and inflammation, lotions are made from herbs - for example, sage and mint. To prepare the healing solution, mix a spoonful or two of herbs in a cup of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. After cooling to a comfortable temperature, soak a cotton pad or bandage in it and apply it to the sore spot for 10-20 minutes. The procedure is performed up to 4 times a day.
Compressed onions are prepared from ground or chopped onions in a blender. The resulting mass is distributed on gauze and applied to the neck, covering on top with adhesive film and cotton cloth. After 2-3 hours, the compress is removed and the skin is washed with warm water.
Compress therapy is a simple, affordable, and very effective treatment if used properly.
Application with kerosene is carried out as follows: linen or cotton cloth (you can use gauze or bandage) is dipped in kerosene and applied to the neck area. Cover the top of the compress with cotton wool or polyethylene to prevent it from spreading. Leave for no more than three hours; If there is a strong burning sensation, remove it immediately and rinse with water.
As an ambulance for acute cartilage disease of the cervical vertebrae, a product with the following composition is used:
- 5 Analgin tablets crushed into powder;
- ethyl alcohol – 15 ml;
- camphor alcohol – 5 ml;
- iodine - 5 ml.
Mix everything and rub into the painful area.
Osteochondrosis can also be treated "from the inside", such as by infusion of pine buds. In this recipe, they are used ready-made at the pharmacy or fresh, picked in early spring. Fresh buds must be pre-cut.
For medicinal purposes, it is better to use medium-sized buds because they contain more useful substances.
The ingredients are covered with sugar in a 1: 2 ratio and aged for two weeks. Use the finished product one teaspoon three times a day. To enhance the effect, you need to hold it in your mouth for a while before swallowing. The course of treatment is up to three weeks.
Things to consider
All doctors emphasize that the early stages of osteonecrosis occur almost unnoticed and are not particularly worrying. At this stage, when symptoms are limited to mild discomfort and slight morning stiffness, you can only cure it with exercise therapy. There will be no need for medication, but you will have to adjust your diet and lifestyle.
The best prevention of both the disease itself and its recurrence is physical activity. Regular exercise will maintain good posture and help prevent the development of destructive processes in the spine.
In severe, severe cases, a lot can also be done. Systematic implementation of therapeutic gymnastics complexes and a course of drug therapy will significantly improve health and reduce the risk of new exacerbations.
Frequently asked questions
What serious symptoms of cervical spondylosis can occur?
During an exacerbation of cervical spondylosis, the patient may experience pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, dizziness, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms, as well as limited mobility of the neck.
What factors can worsen cervical spondylosis?
Aggravation of cervical osteonecrosis can be caused by overload of the neck, long-term incorrect posture, trauma, stress, as well as age-related changes in the spine.
What treatments for exacerbation of cervical spondylosis can be effective?
To relieve severe symptoms of cervical spondylosis, non-pharmacological methods (massage, physiotherapy, exercise), drug treatment and in some cases can be used. Surgical intervention may be used.
Helpful advice
Tip #1
Maintain correct posture and avoid being in incorrect posture for long periods of time. Exercise your neck and back regularly to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Tip number 2
Avoid sitting in front of a computer or screen for long periods of time. Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back, do eye exercises and relax your neck and shoulders.
Tip number 3
Use pillows and mattresses that properly support the position of your neck and back while you sleep. This will help reduce the load on the spine and prevent osteonecrosis from getting worse.