Dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are called osteochondrosis. This problem can occur in people of any age; intervertebral disc dysfunction leads to the development of very serious concomitant problems. How to prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis? What drugs and alternative therapies are used in the treatment?
Cervical osteochondrosis - what is it
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae and 8 paired nerve nodes. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops against the background of degeneration of the intervertebral pulp into glass tissue. In this case, the pathological changes affect the nerve endings and important vessels. Most often the pathology affects the 7th and 8th vertebrae.
The disease is carefully disguised as other pathologies, manifested by attacks of headache and discomfort in the neck. Patients may complain of dizziness, nausea and pressure problems. The disease is most often confused with heart and blood vessel problems.
Important! Often, against the background of problems with the vertebrae, a person begins to suddenly lose consciousness, feel short of breath and the tongue may tingle.
Cervical osteochondrosis is most often diagnosed in people over 30 years, due to the peculiarities of the location of the human skeleton, the constant statistical and dynamic loads. The disease is growing rapidly, osteochondrosis has recently occurred even in adolescents.
Causes of the disease
The development of osteochondrosis is influenced by physiological and pathological processes. They are closely related to each other, in medical practice they are always considered together.
Physiological changes are caused by irreversible age-related processes in the cartilage of the spine. They are localized in the central part of the intervertebral disc, manifesting as pinching of the pulp by fibrous tissues. Discomfort occurs during irritation of the nerve endings.
Pathological changes - in this case the area of inflammation extends beyond the cartilage tissue, causing severe irritation of the nerve endings, pinching of blood vessels. They occur against the background of malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, occurs in adolescents and middle-aged people.
Important! In rare cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may disappear on its own or manifest itself in the form of short-term episodes. The human body has many compensatory and protective functions that can neutralize pathological changes in cartilage for some time.
Provoking factors:
- sedentary work, lack of regular physical activity;
- frequent forced stay in an awkward position;
- overweight;
- nervous overload, stress;
- neck and nape injuries;
- hypothermia.
The cause of osteochondrosis can be congenital anomalies, autoimmune diseases.
Key Features
Cervical osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself with pain in a certain part of the spine, often the disease has a blurred clinical picture.
The main symptoms are dizziness, migraine, sudden changes in blood pressure.
When emergency hospitalization is required:
- numbness, loss of mobility of the muscles of the face or shoulder girdle;
- increasing headache, which is accompanied by deterioration of well-being in general;
- lack of coordination;
- loss of consciousness.
Pain in the cervical spine often radiates to the shoulder girdle and upper limbs. A distinctive feature is that the pain syndrome is paroxysmal, most often after waking up, sudden movements, during laughter, coughing and sneezing.
If osteochondrosis is in the initial stage, the pain quickly subsides, almost always accompanied by crunch in the neck, muscles become weak, the skin loses sensitivity.
Important! In case of pathological changes in the 6th vertebra, a syndrome of pain in the thumb can be observed, in case of damage to the 7th vertebra, it affects the middle finger.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women appear later than in men - the average age is 50-55 years.
How osteochondrosis is related to other diseases
Cervical osteochondrosis and blood pressure - the connection between these pathologies has long been established. Osteochondrosis is characterized by sharp drops in blood pressure during the day, persistent hypertension is not inherent in this disease.
Increased pressure in osteochondrosis is accompanied by migraine, noise in the head, pain in the arms, legs, chest. At the same time, the sensitivity of the skin in the area of the collar is significantly reduced, stress can provoke a jump in pressure, prolonged stay in an awkward position.
Cervical osteochondrosis and dizziness - occurs against the background of severe pain syndrome, impaired cerebral circulation and transmission of nerve signals, problems with the vestibular apparatus.
Osteochondrosis most often manifests non-systemic dizziness - there is no sensation of rotating objects, but the person is very ill, it is difficult to stand up.
Important! In case of frequent attacks of vertigo, it is necessary to visit not only a neurologist, but also an ENT to rule out the presence of pathological changes in the nasopharynx.
Headache accompanies osteochondrosis in almost 90% of cases. This occurs against the background of vascular spasms, pinching of nerve endings, increased intracranial pressure. It manifests itself in different ways - pulsating, dull.
Attacks of headache in osteochondrosis are similar to the sensations of high blood pressure, angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke.
Panic attacks occur in osteochondrosis against the background of cerebrovascular disorders. At the same time, one experiences unreasonable fear, physical discomfort. The duration of the attack is from 2-3 minutes to an hour, they can be repeated several times a day. Panic attacks are accompanied by a feeling of a heavy head, constant tears, apathy and lethargy. Severe seizures require tranquilizers, regular visits to a psychiatrist.
Fears and depression appear in osteochondrosis against the background of constant pain, forced change in the usual way of life.
Diagnostic methods
People with osteochondrosis can get pain in the back of the head, chest, arms - such a blurred picture of the disease significantly complicates the initial diagnosis.
Interferes with timely diagnosis and uncontrolled intake of painkillers by humans. One feels healthy without pain. He seeks medical help late, when irreversible processes develop in the tissues of the neck joints.
Important! Only a neurologist deals with the treatment of osteochondrosis.
The external examination is to identify mobility and soreness of the neck. The doctor then prescribes X-rays in several projections and computed tomography. If a hernia is suspected, an MRI scan should be performed. Doppler ultrasound is done to assess the condition of the arteries and blood vessels.
Principles of drug treatment
Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammation, restoring normal mobility and blood circulation.
Main drug groups:
- analgesics in the form of tablets and injections are designed to eliminate the pain syndrome;
- non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors help restore cartilage tissue;
- muscle relaxants relax muscles, are used as adjuvants for pain relief - contain glycerin, benzimidazole, have a large list of contraindications;
- vitamin complexes - must contain all vitamins of group B, D, E, retinol, ascorbic acid;
- artificial analogues of histamine - help to eliminate problems with the vestibular apparatus;
- means for external use in the form of gels, ointments - help to improve blood circulation, relieve spasms and pain, warm, relieve pain.
Important! Vitamins contained in food are not enough to treat osteochondrosis.
Drugs that improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis are a mandatory component of therapy, they dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow. Nootropic drugs that improve metabolic processes in the brain, restore memory and thinking.
Surgery for osteochondrosis is rarely used. Surgery is indispensable for signs of paralysis of the upper extremities, acute circulatory disorders and cerebral edema.
Additional treatment options include massage, manual push-and-move therapy, dosed grip, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.How to treat osteochondrosis at home
Home treatment includes regular performance of special exercises, the use of special orthopedic devices. As a maintenance therapy you can use recipes from traditional medicine.
Collar Shants is designed to relieve tension in the spine, reduce stress, strengthen neck muscles. The head and neck are fixed in the correct position, which allows you to get rid of insomnia, prevent the progression of pathological changes. You should wear a collar not all day, but 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Self-massage will help relieve pain and cramps while rubbing in ointments that improve blood flow. The procedure should be done in a sitting position, the posture is comfortable, calm. It is necessary to make stroking, circular rubbing, touching not only the neck but also the shoulder girdle.
Important! In cervical osteochondrosis, all types of heating are prohibited, except for the bath and sauna.
Healing baths relieve pain and inflammation, allow the spine to relax. Water procedures should be performed every other day, the course consists of 15-20 procedures.
Bath recipes:
- Mix 150 g of chamomile and mint, boil the mixture 5 liters of boiling water. Leave the infusion for 2 hours, filter.
- Take 20 g of mint, lemon balm and birch leaves. The collection is boiled in 6 liters of boiling water, after 2 hours it is filtered.
- To make sage infusion, you will need 300 g of herbs and 5 liters of boiling water. The healing solution will be ready in 2 hours.
For oral administration, you can prepare an infusion of yarrow - this will help to quickly eliminate inflammation, cramps and pain. Boil 230 ml of boiling water 6 g of grass, leave in a closed container for one hour. Take 15 ml 3 times a day.
A solution of 15 g of sea salt and 1 liter of water helps to cope with osteochondrosis. Bring the mixture to a boil, cool completely. In the composition, moisten the natural fabric, apply on the back of the neck.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, cervical osteochondrosis proceeds without special complications. Otherwise, severe pathological changes develop that can cause damage.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
- spinal artery syndrome - functional and organic changes caused by impaired blood circulation in the brain;
- high blood pressure, arrhythmia;
- tingling, weakness, muscle atrophy of the upper extremities;
- bulge, hernia;
- VSD;
- neurological disorders.
Physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is able to restore nutrition in damaged tissues, to restore blood circulation.
During the therapeutic gymnastics it is forbidden to turn the head strongly, to make sharp turns. Only imitation of such movements is allowed. You can do a set of exercises for no more than 2 minutes - prolonged exercise can lead to complications of osteochondrosis.
An effective set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis was developed by Shishonin. The principle is that all movements should be performed smoothly, each position should be fixed for 15-30 seconds. There should be no painful sensations during gymnastics, each exercise should be repeated 5 times.
Description of the exercises:
- Sit up straight, tilt your head to the right. When muscle tension occurs, fix the position. Make 5 slopes on each side.
- Tilting the head back and forth is done by analogy with the previous exercise.
- Stretch your chin alternately to your left and right shoulders. The back is straight, you can't round it.
- Rotates the head left and right in each position to hold for 30 seconds.
- Keep making side turns, but use extra hands. When turning to the right, the right hand should be on the left shoulder and vice versa.
- Close your palms, raise your arms above your head, make side bends.
- Straighten your arms, move them to the side and slightly back, stretch your chin forward.
Preventive measures
Prevention of osteochondrosis consists of simple steps, if done regularly, serious health problems can be avoided. Prevention is especially needed for the elderly and those who spend a lot of time sitting.
How to prevent osteochondrosis:
- take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
- visit the bathroom, sauna regularly to eliminate cramps and neck tightness;
- sleep on an orthopedic pillow and a special mattress;
- Do a small five-minute warm-up every hour while sitting.
The best sports for the prevention of osteochondrosis are swimming, yoga, aerobic exercise, special gymnastics to strengthen the neck muscles.
People at risk are not allowed to run, jump or bodybuild. The critical weight is 10 kg, the weights must be carried on both hands. You can also use a corset that protects the spine.
Sergei Bubnovski describes well the preventive measures for osteochondrosis. In his book you can find out which back pain is dangerous, how to restore health without injections and corsets and find a set of special exercises.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that can affect anyone. Timely diagnosis and prevention, healthy and active lifestyle will help to avoid the development of serious pathological changes in the spine, will give you good health and excellent mood.