Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provoking factors and is characterized by a number of symptoms of many organs and systems. In osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed and their bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
Today it is rare that someone does not face manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffer from manifestations of osteochondrosis to varying degrees. The main reasons for this widespread distribution are sedentary work and lack of exercise in modern humans.
In the past, cervical osteochondrosis usually manifested itself in men between the ages of 45 and 50, and in women a little later, between the ages of 50 and 55. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is noticeable symptoms of the disease in 30-year-olds, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear at the age of 20.
Symptoms
If the vertebral artery is injured for a long time, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (local decrease in blood supply), dyscirculatory encephalopathy (damage to the brain's vessels) and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis
Cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Visual disturbances, eye motor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear at the initial stage of the pathology.
- Injury to the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is impaired, the patient staggers when walking and the tone of the muscles of the upper extremities decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include dizziness (dizziness), hearing impairment (noise, ringing, weakening), impaired perception of objects, etc.
- Altered sleeping and waking patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weakness, increased fatigue, becomes sleepy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Suddenly weakness occurs, the heartbeat changes (increases or slows down), there are increases in blood pressure and increased intraocular pressure.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint if they suddenly turn or throw their head back. This happens due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and a sudden slowing of blood flow.
- Mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, excessively irritable and takes offense for no apparent reason. His memory and attention deteriorate.
In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe cephalgia (headache). Pain sensations usually begin in the back of the head but can also spread to the arms. Some patients experience throbbing pain in the temples, which may be accompanied by vomiting. When you turn or tilt your head, the pain reaction increases.
With prolonged compression of the vertebral artery, the symptoms intensify and the pathology progresses. Without competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term complex treatment is required.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
In the development of cervical osteochondrosis it is customary to distinguish 4 stages. However, this is a rather arbitrary classification, since most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest themselves in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of cervical spine tissue damage may not correspond to the externally manifested symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the early stages, symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You experience an unpleasant stiffness in your neck, pain when making sudden movements or when bending over. At this stage, it is quite possible to eliminate incipient osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply exercise more and adjust the diet.
Second floor
The pain increases, becomes constant, and becomes more severe with sharp turns or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to tire quickly, becomes absent-minded, and areas of the face periodically become numb.
Third section
The development of a herniated disc often leads to dizziness, weakness of the arms, pain that radiates to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
Fourth stage
Eventually the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves become pinched, resulting in difficulty moving, acute pain, increased dizziness, and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation in the brain is impaired in osteochondrosis, you need to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form a canal through which veins, nerves, and vertebral arteries pass. The latter arise from the subclavian arteries, run through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and rise higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries unite and form an artery from which the posterior cerebral arteries, the internal auditory arteries and the cerebellar arteries (anterior and posterior) depart.
Based on what was described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for normal blood supply to the brain. There are also veins and sympathetic nerves in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but offer sufficient space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not pinched even when the head moves (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. This is a type of cartilage cushion that cushions shocks when running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs lose a lot of fluid and become brittle. Increased load leads to flattening of the cartilage pads and the appearance of cracks in their outer shell. This causes protrusions (bulges, herniated discs) and osteophytes (bone growths) that injure nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (overgrowth of connective tissue on the vascular wall).
Cerebral blood circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve that supplies the vertebral artery is compressed. The artery spasms and blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. The constant compression causes the vessel lumen to narrow or complete closure (occlusion). Then the risk of vertebral artery syndrome increases.
- Gross compression of the vertebral artery, preventing the outflow of blood. This can happen when turning the head, then the person feels a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Even in healthy people, compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur. In cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is regularly damaged and dangerous complications arise.
Causes and risk factors
Oddly enough, the possibility of developing osteochondrosis in humans is due to one of their evolutionary advantages - upright posture: the vertebrae press on each other and with age the connective tissue breaks down. Therefore, this is an almost inevitable process in older people. However, there are many factors that contribute to an earlier and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- First of all, this is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, which is often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" jobs, watching TV, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Tense, unnatural postures when working: For example, a person at the computer often leans forward and assumes a tense posture
- The opposite reason is that the burden is too high and unusual for a particular person; But trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are also at risk;
- All reasons that disrupt a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Obesity, which is often caused by poor nutrition
- Frequent stress, strong nervous tension, constant overwork
- Local hypothermia
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Many vital vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck area, so any disruption there can have unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the function of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With untreated osteochondrosis, there is a high probability that nerves will be pinched and blood vessels will be compressed, which will inevitably affect the functioning of other organs.
diagnosis
Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is better to conduct an initial examination with a therapist or other specialist - a neurologist or orthopedist. He will ask you about pain and other symptoms, check neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If the primary diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will refer you for further examinations. The most effective is MRI, followed by computed tomographychecked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects damage to the blood vessels, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
Because some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary artery disease, you may need to consult a cardiologist who will refer you for an ECG and echocardiography.
Features of treatment
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebral section requires comprehensive treatment. The therapy is based on medication, and other conservative methods are also used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restoring the functionality of the brain, improving its blood supply, saturating the organ with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Relieving the inflammatory reaction, activating the regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some drugs help normalize the composition of blood, making it more fluid, thereby improving its quality and speed of movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels and make the damaged areas thicker.
- Stabilize blood pressure.
- Restore the normal structure of the spine, saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and strengthen it.
It is important to understand that complex therapy helps to eliminate circulatory disorders in the brain, but a complete cure of osteochondrosis will not be possible. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to slow down the development of pathology for a long time.
Carefully. Medicines for cerebral circulatory disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis can only be taken for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented by new ones, for example, medication-dependent headaches. When drugs are abused, blood flow to the brain deteriorates.
Groups of drugs to improve cerebral circulation
The following groups of drugs contribute to improving cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators accelerate blood circulation and the transport of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent blood clots and aspirin-based medications. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to their vessel walls. This causes the blood to become thinner and flow more quickly to the brain.
- Diuretics. These drugs prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used for excessive accumulation of fluid in brain cells, the second is suitable for eliminating swelling of any localization.
- Osmodiuretics are the only medications that do not block urine production. Used to stimulate diuresis in cervical osteochondrosis.
- Antioxidants. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in the body's cells.
- Antipsychotics. These drugs slow the transmission of nerve impulses, thereby relieving pain for a long time. They help cope with stress, persistent pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it should be borne in mind that all medications have contraindications and therefore taking them without the knowledge of a doctor is prohibited.
Drugs to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels in osteochondrosis of the neck:
- A bronchodilator that eliminates spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used in electrophoresis, a physiotherapy procedure in which drugs penetrate the body through the skin under the influence of electricity.
- A drug based on theophylline and nicotinic acid saturates the blood with oxygen and improves its quality. When used, microcirculation accelerates, blood vessels expand and blood circulation normalizes. The drug can quickly lower blood pressure.
- A drug containing thioctic acid that helps expand the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasms.
- A medicine based on bovine blood. It contributes to the normalization of the state of intracranial vessels and enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps dilate small blood vessels, reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol and restores blood supply to the brain.
- Vasodilation drugs make blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation and help get rid of dizziness.
Reference. In case of cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help relieve pain that occurs in later stages of pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the knowledge of a doctor as they have many contraindications.
As a rule, several medications are used in therapy according to a specific scheme.
Additional treatments
The combined treatment is complemented by physiotherapy, which acts on the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, and improve spinal trophism. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged vertebrae are strengthened and thus slightly relieved. However, to achieve good results, classes must be conducted regularly.
Special gymnastics is indicated for cerebral circulatory disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis
The patient must follow these training rules:
- Start with simple movements at a slow pace and minimal amplitude and gradually increase the pace.
- Before exercising, massage your neck or take a warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- Pay attention to your feelings while exercising. At first there may be slight discomfort, but after 3-4 days the body will get used to it and your health will improve. If this is not the case or acute pain occurs, then consult a doctor.
The complex for each patient is compiled by a doctor taking into account the symptoms, the severity of the pathology, age and general health.
Reference. It is recommended to supplement exercise therapy for cerebral circulatory disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical trainer, exercise bike).
Physiotherapy is a supportive treatment method. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, therapeutic baths and acupuncture are prescribed.
In order for the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat properly. The diet must be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, it is useful for patients to eat fatty sea fish, lean meat, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of filtered water per day.
If the diet is incorrect, the nutrient deficiency can be compensated for with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medicine.
Surgery for poor blood flow to the brain due to cervical osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases. Surgical intervention may be necessary if there is a large bone growth that is compressing the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed; if this is not possible for any reason, a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Real, lasting success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can only be achieved with a holistic approach, which includes medication, massage of the collar area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Of course, the patient needs to eliminate or minimize factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise against self-medication, especially because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the drugs you choose not only help in treatment, they can also be harmful. Even in the event of painful exacerbations, do not rush to the pharmacy for painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - do this in advance, at the first symptoms.
Relief of acute pain
Osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe pain, especially in the later stages, so the first task of the treating doctor is to relieve your suffering. He will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue, as well as drugs to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
In this article, we deliberately do not give the names of specific drugs - we prefer to leave the choice to doctors who will weigh all possible consequences and weigh contraindications.
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
The simplest and most accessible method, even at home, is therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also very effective because it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation to damaged areas and compensates for a lack of exercise in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be supplemented with swimming and water aerobics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most do not require special equipment or special conditions. However, we recommend that you contact the exercise therapy practice, where the most effective sets of exercises will be selected for you and courses will be conducted under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
physical therapy
Correct and constant use of physiotherapeutic methods improves blood circulation in damaged areas, relieves inflammation and pain, and slows down the ossification process.
For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy and other methods are used.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
With osteochondrosis, massage can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the likelihood of cramps by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the patient's general well-being.
However, massage and manual therapy must be used extremely carefully, as clumsy and rough impact on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor first.
surgery
In particularly advanced cases, even surgical intervention cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the lumen of the spine, the formation of herniated discs or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the need and method of surgical intervention is made by the surgeon, who also determines the preparatory operations, the duration of the postoperative period and rehabilitation.
Causes of cerebral circulatory disorders and venous drainage
Impaired venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, reduced mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to leakage of fluid into the intercellular space. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are under enormous pressure and cannot function normally. This can then lead to an increase in blood pressure. In general, this situation is dangerous because there is a risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The mortality rate is very high even in young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative effects can be minimized through correct and timely prevention. You need to think about prevention in childhood: poor posture and flat feet in a child are a reason to see a doctor for diagnosis.
The basis for the prevention of osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: adequate physical activity and regular sedentary exercise, healthy nutrition, control of body weight.
Complications
Chronic oxygen deficiency quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. Without timely and appropriate treatment, the above symptoms gradually worsen. Depending on which brain is most affected by the lack of necessary substances, there is a possibility that a number of complications will develop.
Consequences of a cerebrovascular accident in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertonic disease;
- cerebral ischemia;
- cardiac arrhythmia;
- problems with orientation and coordination;
- change in the quality and nature of breathing;
- reduced mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the listed diseases occur, this is no reason to panic. In such cases there is also a chance of healing and complete restoration of impaired functions. The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor any further, but to start therapy quickly.