Dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are called osteochondrosis. This problem can occur in a person of any age; dysfunction of the intervertebral discs leads to the development of many serious concomitant problems. How to prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis? What medications and alternative therapies are used in the treatment?
Cervical osteochondrosis - what it is
The cervical spine consists of 7 paired vertebrae and 8 nerve nodules. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops in the context of degeneration of the intervertebral pulp in vitreous tissue. In this case, pathological changes affect the endings of important nerve fibers and vessels. Most of the time, the pathology affects the 7th and 8th vertebrae.
The disease is carefully disguised as other pathologies, manifested by attacks of headache and neck discomfort. Patients may complain of dizziness, nausea and pressure problems. Most of the time, the disease is mistaken for problems with the heart and blood vessels.
Important! Often, in the context of problems with the vertebrae, the person suddenly begins to lose consciousness, feels short of breath and the tongue may become numb.
Cervical osteochondrosis is most often diagnosed in people after the age of 30, which is caused by the peculiarities of the location of the human skeleton, statistical loads and constant dynamics. The disease is growing rapidly younger, recently, osteochondrosis occurs 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 spinal cartilage. They are located in the central part of the intervertebral disc, manifesting as pulp clamping by fibrous tissues. Discomfort occurs during irritation of nerve endings.
Pathological changes - in this case, the inflammation area extends beyond the cartilaginous tissue, causing severe irritation of nerve endings, clamping of blood vessels. They arise in the context of inadequate nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, appear in adolescents and middle-aged people.
Important! In rare cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may disappear on its own or manifest as short-term episodes. The human body has many compensatory and protective functions, which for some time can neutralize pathological changes in the cartilage.
Provocation factors:
- sedentary work, lack of regular physical activity;
- frequent forced stay in an uncomfortable position;
- overweight;
- nervous overload, stressful conditions;
- injuries to the neck and occiput;
- hypothermia.
The cause of osteochondrosis can be congenital abnormalities, autoimmune diseases.
Key features
Cervical osteochondrosis is not always manifested by pain in a specific part of the spine, often the disease has an unfocused clinical picture.
The main symptoms are dizziness, migraine, sudden changes in blood pressure.
When urgent hospitalization is required:
- numbness, loss of mobility of the facial muscles or shoulder girdle;
- growing headache, which is accompanied by a deterioration in general well-being;
- lack of coordination;
- loss of consciousness.
Pain in the cervical spine usually radiates to the shoulder girdle and upper limbs. A distinguishing feature is that the pain syndrome is paroxysmal, most often on waking, sudden movements, during laughter, coughing and sneezing.
If osteochondrosis is in its early stages, the pain subsides quickly, often accompanied by a crack in the neck, the muscles weaken, the skin loses sensation.
Important! In case of pathological changes in the 6th vertebra, the pain syndrome in the thumb can be observed, in case of injury in the 7th vertebra, it reaches the middle finger.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear later in women than in men - the average age is 50–55 years.
How osteochondrosis is associated with other diseases
Cervical osteochondrosis and blood pressure - the connection between these pathologies was established a long time ago. For osteochondrosis, it is the sudden drops in pressure during the day that are characteristic; persistent hypertension is not inherent in this disease.
The increase in 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 collar area is visibly reduced, stress can cause a jump in pressure, the prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position.
Cervical osteochondrosis and dizziness - occur in the context of severe pain syndrome, impaired brain circulation and transmission of nerve signals, problems with the vestibular apparatus.
In osteochondrosis, non-systemic dizziness manifests itself more frequently - there is no sensation of objects rotating, but the person is very sick, it is difficult for him to stand.
Important! With frequent bouts of dizziness, it is necessary to consult not only a neuropathologist, but also an otolaryngologist, in order to exclude the presence of pathological changes in the nasopharynx.
Headache accompanies osteochondrosis in almost 90% of cases. It occurs in the context of vascular spasms, compressed nerve endings, increased intracranial pressure. It manifests itself in different ways - pulsating, monotonous.
Headache attacks in osteochondrosis are similar to feelings of high blood pressure, angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke.
Panic attacks occur with osteochondrosis in the background of cerebral circulation disorders. At the same time, the person feels irrational fear, physical discomfort. The duration of the attack is 2-3 minutes to an hour, and can be repeated several times a day. Panic attacks are accompanied by a feeling of heavy head, unremitting tears, apathy and lethargy. With severe attacks, you need to take tranquilizers, visit a psychiatrist regularly.
Fears and depression occur with osteochondrosis in a context of constant pain, a forced change in the usual way of life.
Diagnostic methods
People with osteochondrosis may experience pain in the back of the head, chest, arms - this blurred image of the disease significantly complicates the initial diagnosis.
It makes it difficult to make timely diagnosis and uncontrolled intake of painkillers by people. A person feels healthy without pain. He seeks medical help late, when irreversible processes develop in the tissues of the cervical joints.
Important! Only a neurologist deals with the treatment of osteochondrosis.
The external exam is to identify mobility and pain in the neck. After that, the doctor prescribes x-rays in various projections and computed tomography. If a hernia is suspected, an MRI should be performed. Doppler ultrasound is done to assess the condition of arteries and blood vessels.
Principles of drug treatment
Drug treatment aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, restoring normal mobility and blood circulation.
Main groups of drugs:
- Painkillers in the form of pills and injections aim to eliminate pain syndrome;
- non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors help to restore cartilage tissue;
- muscle relaxants relax the muscles, are used as auxiliary agents to relieve pain - they contain glycerin, benzimidazole, have a long list of contraindications;
- vitamin complexes - must contain all vitamins of group B, D, E, retinol, ascorbic acid;
- artificial histamine analogues - 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 up, relieve pain.
Important! The vitamins contained in food are not sufficient to treat osteochondrosis.
Medicines that improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis are a mandatory component of therapy, as they dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Nootropic drugs that improve the brain's metabolic processes, restore memory and thinking.
Osteochondrosis surgery is rarely used. An operation is indispensable for signs of paralysis of the upper extremities, acute disorder of the blood supply and cerebral edema.
Additional treatments include massage, manual push and pull therapy, dosed traction, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home
Home treatment involves regular implementation of special exercises and the use of special orthopedic appliances. As supportive therapy, you can use traditional medicine recipes.
The Shants collar is designed to eliminate tension in the spine, reduce stress and strengthen the neck muscles. The head and neck are fixed in the correct position, which allows you to get rid of insomnia, to prevent the progression of pathological changes. You need to wear a collar not all day, but 2 to 3 hours before bed.
Self-massage will help eliminate pain and cramps, while rubbing ointments that improve blood flow. The procedure should be done sitting, the posture is comfortable, relaxed. It is necessary to caress, circular friction, to touch not only the neck, but also the shoulder girdle.
Important! In cervical osteochondrosis, any type of heating is prohibited, except bath and sauna.
The curative baths relieve pain and inflammation well, allow the spine to relax. Water procedures must be performed on alternate days, the course consists of 15–20 procedures.
Bathing recipes:
- Mix 150 g of chamomile and mint, the brew mixture 5 liters of boiling water. Leave the infusion for 2 hours, filter.
- Take 20 g of each mint, lemongrass and birch leaves. The collection is fermented in 6 liters of boiling water, after 2 hours filtered.
- To prepare an infusion of sage, you 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. Brew 230 ml of boiling water 6 g of grass, leave in a closed container for an hour. Take 15 ml 3 times a day.
A solution of 15 g of sea salt and 1 liter of water helps to deal with osteochondrosis. Bring the mixture to a boil, let it cool completely. In the composition, moisten the natural fabric, apply to the nape of the neck.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, cervical osteochondrosis proceeds without specific complications. Otherwise, serious pathological changes occur that can cause disability.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
- vertebral artery syndrome - functional and organic changes caused by impaired blood circulation in the brain;
- high blood pressure, arrhythmia;
- numbness, weakness, muscle atrophy of the upper limbs;
- protrusion, hernia;
- VSD;
- neurological disorders.
Physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is able to restore nutrition to damaged tissues, restore blood circulation.
During corrective gymnastics, it is forbidden to turn your head strongly, make sharp turns. Only the imitation of such movements is allowed. You can do a series of exercises for a maximum of 2 minutes - prolonged loads can lead to complications of osteochondrosis.
An effective set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis was developed by Shishonin. The principle is that all movements must be done smoothly, each position must be fixed for 15-30 seconds. During gymnastics there should be no painful sensations, each exercise should be repeated 5 times.
Description of exercises:
- Sit up straight and tilt your head to the right. When muscle tension appears, fix the position. Make 5 slopes on each side.
- Leaning your head back and forth is done by analogy with the previous exercise.
- Lengthen your chin alternately for your left and right shoulder. The back is straight, you cannot round.
- Turn your head to the left and right, in each position to take 30 seconds.
- Continue to make side turns, but use additional arms. When turning to the right, the right hand must be on the left shoulder and vice versa.
- Close your palms, raise your arms above your head, bend sideways.
- Stretch your arms, take them sideways and slightly back, stretch your chin forward.
Preventive measures
The prevention of osteochondrosis consists of simple steps; if done regularly, serious health problems can be avoided. Especially prevention is necessary 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;
- regularly visit the spa, sauna to eliminate spasms and stiff neck;
- sleep on an orthopedic pillow and special mattress;
- do a small five-minute warm-up every hour while sitting.
The best sports for preventing osteochondrosis are swimming, yoga, aerobic exercise, special gymnastics to strengthen the cervical muscles.
People at risk are prohibited from running, jumping or weight training. The critical weight is 10 kg, the weights must be carried in both hands. In addition, you can wear a corset that protects your spine.
Sergei Bubnovsky describes preventive measures for osteochondrosis well. In your book, you can find out what back pain is dangerous, how to restore health without injections and corsets, and find a series of special exercises.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that can affect everyone. Early diagnosis and prevention, a healthy and active lifestyle will help to prevent the development of serious pathological changes in the spine, will provide good health and an excellent mood.