Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more intense clinical signs than this type of degenerative changes in other parts of the spinal column. This is due to the fact that impaired blood circulation in this area leads to oxygen starvation of the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the degree of the pathological process.

For treatment at home, with the permission of a specialist, you can use medications aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective, but they also have limitations. In addition to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

Reasons

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can occur as a result of various factors. The reasons are the same for both men and women:

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• Excess weight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spine injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary predisposition;
• nervous shock, frequent stress;
• Constant tension of the back muscles in the cervical area.

The mechanism of formation of osteochondrosis is related to increased load on this part of the spine, compensation of spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this area is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical area.

symptoms

Symptoms of the disease depend on the stage of pathological processes. In total, there are 4 degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis:

scene	characteristic symptoms
Პirveli	appears slightly. There is usually a slight tension in the muscle ligaments and a moderate pain syndrome in the area of the nerve bundles.
second	Protrusion of the discs appears, as a result of which the intervertebral gap decreases and the fibrous rings gradually collapse. Pain syndromes can be aggravated due to stretching of nerve endings
third	The symptoms become much worse: the pain becomes constant, begins to spread to the shoulder and upper limbs. When palpating the damaged area, the discomfort increases sharply, there may be a feeling of numbness and tingling in the fingers, when a hernia is formed. The mobility of the neck is disturbed, the joints become stronger
fourth	It is characterized by complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which causes stretching of the connective tissue. As a result of such changes, a person develops such symptoms as: dizziness; lack of coordination; noise in the ears

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis differ from the disease affecting other parts of the spine. This is due to the closer location of the vertebrae in this section. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical signs are acutely manifested even with minor pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is very often caused by compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

Symptoms in this case may vary depending on which vertebrae are subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. As a rule, the main symptom is pain in the neck, which is transferred to different parts of the body: chest, arms, chin, etc. Sh. A characteristic convulsion may occur when turning the head. Stretched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness in the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndrome can vary:

syndrome	Description
root	caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is descending, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and fingertips. During radicular syndrome, it is possible to feel goosebumps and tingling. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, skin density, the appearance of slight swelling and discoloration.
vertebral artery	Appears when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the upper part of the head, the temple, the temple and the crown of the head. Usually it is constant, but it can be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or being in an uncomfortable position. When the body is weakened, the symptoms can be extended to the manifestation of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a blood flow disorder in the brain, symptoms such as: hearing loss; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; Pain in the eyes
Cervical migraine	It is provoked by the irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes disorders in the brain. This includes vascular reactivity and blood circulation pathologies. This causes the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; swelling in the ears; Light pain in the head, like a noise
Hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, headache has a sharp character, may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Aggravation of the disease leads to an increase in body temperature

treatment

It will be impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis and get rid of its manifestations forever, but it is possible to eliminate the symptoms. With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, you can use conservative methods aimed at reducing pain syndromes, spinal root dysfunction and preventing complications of the degenerative process in the intervertebral discs.

For this use:

• drugs;
• massage
• exercise therapy (physiotherapy exercises);
• Folk remedies.

It is impossible to self-medicate with spine pathology. All therapeutic measures and methods used should be discussed with a specialist, used at home with his consent. In the absence of effectiveness of conservative methods (if you cannot get rid of the pain), you should consult a doctor, because surgery may be necessary.

Drugs

In cervical osteochondrosis, analgesics are used to relieve pain. They can be taken in the form of tablets and capsules. However, long-term treatment with analgesics causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, so they cannot be taken frequently.

Steroid, hormonal drugs are used to relieve inflammation. If painkillers do not affect the pathological process itself, these drugs relieve pain. Usually, topical agents are used in the form of ointments or tablets based on hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and prednisolone.

Chondroprotectors are recommended to restore intervertebral discs. They contain substances that replace cartilage tissue components - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of drugs of these groups is possible only in case of long-term use.

Muscle relaxants are used to relax the muscle structure. They help to further reduce pain. They are used as injections. Preparations containing glycerin and benzimidazole are the most effective for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Vitamins are necessary to improve the conductivity of nerve fibers and improve the condition of the peripheral nervous system. Use water-soluble vitamins B1, B6, B12 and fat-soluble vitamins A, C, D.

The most convenient form of drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home are ointments and gels. There are different types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

Massage

During cervical osteochondrosis, massage should be performed carefully, without excessive force. Incorrect manual therapy can cause complications. During the massage, attention should be paid to the cervical, upper back and collar area.

It is recommended to perform the procedure in a lying position. If the patient cannot take it, then the therapy is carried out in a sitting position. The assistant can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Stroke - superficial effect on the skin. Performed with the hands or fingertips, from the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. You can apply zigzag strokes from the base of the neck.
2. Push-ups - impact on the deep layers of the skin with fingers (thumb and index finger) on the neck. This technique is used for tissues located away from the spine.
3. Rubbing - developing the collar area to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It should be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinal processes of the spine. Grinding can be replaced by movements similar to a saw or a circular stroke.
4. Whirling - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in the area away from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can perform the massage, and most of them - in a sitting position. To do this, he can use techniques such as helmet, circular thin neck and shoulder area. It is recommended to combine self-massage with baking ointments designed to increase blood flow and relieve pain.

Manual therapy can be performed passively using a Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with a plastic tip that acts on acupuncture points in the cervical region. Acupressure is useful in that it allows you to activate skin receptors that are responsible for physiological processes in the body. In some cases, the applicator can permanently and effectively reduce pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's work.

However, there are some contraindications to the use of the medical device. It cannot be used for infectious, skin, cancer and vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended to first consult a doctor about the possibility of using it. If there are unpleasant sensations during treatment with the applicator, the health condition worsens, then you should abandon it.

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic pillows for sleep. With pathology of the intervertebral discs in the cervical region, getting into an uncomfortable position for 8 hours of rest will contribute to the development of the disease.

The advantage of the orthopedic product lies in the fact that it is not only a means of prevention, but also of treatment - that is. yearBy choosing the right sleeping pillow, neck pain will be significantly reduced and there will be no need to use dangerous self-massage with intense movements.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, this should be done following certain rules. It is preferable that a set of exercises is created by a specialist and the first lessons are conducted under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• Clothing should not restrict movement;
• Exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• It is recommended to hold classes no earlier than half an hour after eating;
• During the week, it is necessary to repeat up to 4 exercises;
• All movements must be performed smoothly, because rapid action can cause complications;
• It is necessary to control the pulse;
• If pain occurs during exercise, you should replace them with stretching and relaxing actions;
• The intensity of classes and loads should be gradually increased;
• For proper breathing, it is preferable to alternate physical therapy exercises with gymnastics.

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is not performed in the following cases:

1. The period of exacerbation of the disease, when the pain is expressed both during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to circulatory disorders caused by instability of the spine.
3. There are acute diseases that are caused by signs of inflammation.
4. Cancer is diagnosed at any stage.
5. Blood coagulation is disturbed, that is, there is a risk of thrombosis or there is a tendency to bleed.
6. poisoning.
7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the decompensation stage and arterial hypertension.
8. Diagnosed with high myopia with accompanying pathology of the fundus.

The following exercises are recommended for cervical spine osteochondrosis:

starting position	A set of exercises
standing up	neck circumference. Hands should be used as a collar. When wrapping the neck, the fingers should be placed on the lower part of the jaw, the rest - on the back of the head. In this position, you should tilt your head to the left and right in a bent position for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circuit is stopped and the exercise is done again. Squats with support on hands. You should rest your hands on the table, standing with your back on the table. It is necessary to slightly throw the head back and stretch the body up, stop at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, then sit down, without letting go of the hands and tilting the head forward. The level of sitting should be comfortable. The book is on his head. It is necessary to put the cover on top of the edition so that it does not fall off. In this position, you should hold for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, then the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to return the spine to a physiologically correct position. Bending the neck with resistance. You should put your hand on your forehead and apply pressure from your hand. At this time, the head should be kept in this position for 20 seconds, after which it is pulled back, and the other palm is placed under the back of the head. Then you need to simultaneously press with both hands, create tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve spasms and tighten muscles. Neck extension with head resistance. The exercise is similar to the previous one. In this case, the palm is first placed on the back of the head and pressed on it for 20 seconds without changing the position of the head, after which it bends down, the other palm is placed on the forehead and bilateral compression is made for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the spine. The neck bends in defiance. As with the previous two exercises, use your palms to create tension. First, the head is tilted to the left, the left palm is placed on the right temple and slightly pressed, thereby stretching the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
He was sitting on a chair	It is necessary to place the lower parts of the palms on the temples, close the jaws during inhalation and tighten the muscles. The skin of the temporal region should be stretched with your hands. When exhaling, the tension stops and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated 5 times. You should hold your cheeks with your palms so that the tips of your outstretched fingers lightly press the temples. With a slow forward and backward movement of the head, it is necessary to hold the fingers up and down smoothly, when tilting the head forward, they should reach the top of the head, and when thrown back, they should fall on the cheeks. This exercise will allow you to tense and relax your muscles at the same time and improve blood circulation. Both hands should be placed behind the neck, fingers crossed, and the neck and back should be straight. In this position, you need to perform sliding movements with your fingers while tilting your head.

Proper and regular exercise for cervical osteochondrosis can relieve tension, increase blood circulation, strengthen neck muscles and improve spinal mobility.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises that focus on arms and hanging. With the permission of the doctor, the patient can engage in sports if he has exercised before, but only with a full training program.

Ethnoscience

It is recommended to treat cervical osteochondrosis using the following traditional medicine for external use:

1. Shrinking horsetail leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horsetail leaves should be young and fresh. They soak it in boiling water for a few seconds, after which it is immediately placed on the cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is preferable to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Alcohol compresses. You will need 300 ml of medical alcohol, 10 tablets of analgin (powder), 10 ml of iodine and 10 ml of camphor alcohol. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Gauze is moistened in the obtained solution, applied to the painful neck, covered with polyethylene and a warm scarf on top. The compress is kept for no more than 2-3 hours, since alcohol can provoke skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. Potato and honey compress. 1 large raw potato, grated and diluted 2 tbsp. K. L. honey. The resulting mixture is applied to a tissue that is attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment hops. 1 St. L. Powder obtained from hop cones, grated 1 tbsp. K. L. Fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the painful area and isolated.
5. Decoration of Elekampani. The root of the plant of the second year of life is 2 s. K. L. Pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes on low heat, then filtered. Elecampan device is used for compresses on the spine. Application removed after 20 minutes. This remedy is also used for baths, and the amount of raw materials is increased to 10 tbsp. L.

To relieve pain, the following prescriptions are recommended for oral administration:

1. Tincture on pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, choosing specimens at least 15 mm in size and no more than 20 mm. The collected raw materials are washed well, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. Mix the ingredients together and remove and store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The resulting remedy is taken in 1 tsp. K. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. Tincture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
2. Celery juice. The root of the plant is ground on a grater and the juice is squeezed out. They drink 1 tbsp. L. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes they mix 1 tbsp. K. L. Juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is obtained 1 s. K. L. 4 times a day one hour before meals.
3. Celery root infusion. 3 g of raw materials are filled with 500 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools completely and drink 20 ml before meals.
4. Bay leaf decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in an enameled dish, poured with 300 ml of cold water, boiled for 5 minutes, then boiled for 3 hours and filtered. The tool is taken throughout the day with small sips between meals. The rest is drunk before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a break for a week and repeat. As a preventive measure, therapy is carried out every spring.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you can use herbal tea with a general strengthening effect. Useful drinks:

• lingonberry and birch leaves;
• Chamomile
• lime flowers;
• wild rose;
• calendula;
• hypericum;
• horse tail
• Mother.