Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provocative factors and characterized by a number of symptoms from many organs and systems. With osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed and their bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
It is rare that today no one faces manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population of developed countries suffers from manifestations of osteochondrosis to varying degrees. The main reasons for such a prevalence are sedentary work and lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself at the age of 45-50, in women - a little later - at the age of 50-55. But now rejuvenation is rapid: the typical picture is visible signs of the disease in people aged 30, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear at 20 years old.
Symptoms
With prolonged damage to the vertebral artery, 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 (vascular damage to the brain) and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of a stroke with cervical osteochondrosis
Stroke with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Visual disorders, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes and diplopia (double vision) appears. These signs appear in the early stages of the pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is impaired, the patient staggers when walking, and the tone of the muscles of the upper limbs decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include dizziness (dizziness), hearing impairment (noise, buzzing, weakening), impaired perception of objects, etc.
- Change sleeping and waking habits. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weakness, increased fatigue, becomes drowsy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome appears. Weakness appears suddenly, heart rate changes (increases or slows down), increases in blood pressure and increased intraocular pressure are observed.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after suddenly turning or throwing their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and a sudden slowing of blood flow.
- Mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, too irritable and gets offended for no apparent reason. His memory and attention deteriorate.
In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe headaches (headaches). Typically, painful sensations begin at the back of the head, but they can spread to the arms. In some patients, shooting pains appear in the temples, which may be accompanied by a rash of vomiting. The painful reaction intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
With prolonged compression of the vertebral artery, the symptoms intensify and the pathology progresses. In the absence of competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, complex long-term treatment is necessary.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
In the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is customary to distinguish 4 stages. But this is a rather arbitrary division, since most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest themselves in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of tissue breakdown of the cervical spine may not correspond to the externally manifested symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the initial stage, symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in the neck, pain during sudden movements or bending. At this stage, it is quite possible to get rid of incipient osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply move more and adjust your diet.
Second step
The pain intensifies, becomes constant and becomes intense with sharp turns or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to quickly get tired, becomes distracted, and areas of the face periodically become numb.
Third step
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, arm weakness, pain radiates to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
Step four
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. Nerves are pinched, leading to difficulty in movement, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of stroke in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation to the brain is impaired during osteochondrosis, you need to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form a canal and are crossed by veins, nerves and vertebral arteries. The latter arise from the subclavian arteries, cross the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and rise higher. In the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join to form an artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory, and cerebellar (anterior and posterior) arteries branch off.
Based on what is described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for normal blood supply to the brain. Additionally, veins and sympathetic nerves are located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is sufficient space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not pinched even during head movements (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a kind of cartilaginous pads that absorb shock when running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs lose a lot of fluid and become fragile. Increased load causes flattening of the cartilaginous pads and the appearance of cracks on their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusions, herniated discs), osteophytes (bone growths) appear, which damage nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the cerebral vessels are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (proliferation of connective tissue on the vascular wall).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve that supplies the vertebral artery is compressed. This causes the artery to spasm, and then blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the vessel lumen narrows or is completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
- Brutal compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents the flow of blood. This can happen when turning the head, the person then feels a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is regularly damaged, which leads to dangerous complications.
Causes and risk factors
Oddly enough, the possibility of developing osteochondrosis in humans is due to one of its evolutionary advantages: vertical posture: the vertebrae press on top of each other, and with age, the connective tissue degrades. As a result, in older people this is an almost inevitable process. But many factors contribute to the earlier and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- First of all, this is a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle, often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" professions, television, long hours in front of the computer), lackphysical activity
- Tense and unnatural postures during work: for example, in front of a computer, a person often leans forward, adopting a tense posture
- The opposite reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; but even trained athletes, for example weightlifters, are at risk;
- All the reasons that disrupt a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight, often caused by poor diet
- Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, constant overwork
- Local hypothermia
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Many vital vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck region, so any disruption can lead to unpleasant consequences, including lack of oxygen, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the functioning of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if left untreated, there is a high probability of pinching of nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the functioning of other organs.
Diagnostic
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, orthopedist. He will ask you about pain and other symptoms, check neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If a primary diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will then refer you for additional studies. The most effective of these is MRI, followed by CT. X-ray exams are much less effective than the first two, especially in cases of advanced disease. The condition of the soft tissues is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, he or she may perform a vascular duplex exam.
Because some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to see a cardiologist who will refer you for an ECG and echocardiogram.
Treatment characteristics
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment should be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is medication, in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restore the functionality of the brain, improve its blood supply, due to which the organ is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Relief of the inflammatory reaction, activation of regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some medications help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, which improves its quality and speed of movement.
- Widen the lumen of blood vessels, thicken damaged areas.
- Stabilizes blood pressure.
- Restore the normal structure of the spine, saturate the cartilaginous tissue with useful substances and strengthen it.
It is important to understand that complex therapy will help eliminate circulatory problems in the brain, but it will not be possible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with proper treatment, it is possible to slow down the development of pathology for a long time.
Thoroughly. You can take medications for cerebral circulatory disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented by new ones, for example, drug headaches. In case of drug abuse, blood circulation in the brain deteriorates.
Groups of drugs to improve cerebral blood flow
The following groups of drugs will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators speed up blood flow and nutrient transport to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent blood clots, as well as aspirin medicines. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to their walls. As a result, the blood thins and circulates more quickly to the brain.
- Diuretics. These medications 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 drugs that do not block urine formation. 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 medications slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, thereby relieving pain for a long time. They help to cope with stress, prolonged pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, therefore it is forbidden to take them without the knowledge of a doctor.
Medicines to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels for osteochondrosis of the neck:
- A bronchodilator that eliminates spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physiotherapeutic procedure during which drugs enter the body through the skin under the influence of current.
- A drug based on theophylline and nicotinic acid saturates the blood with oxygen and improves its quality. When used, microcirculation accelerates, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation normalizes. The medication can quickly lower blood pressure.
- A medicine containing thioctic acid, which helps dilate the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasms.
- A medicine made from cattle blood. It helps to normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, 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.
- Drugs for vasodilation make blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation and help eliminate dizziness.
Reference. In case of stroke associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These medications help relieve pain that occurs in the later stages of the pathology. However, it is prohibited to take them for a long time without the knowledge of a doctor, as they have many contraindications.
Typically, several medications are used during treatment according to a specific regimen.
Additional treatments
The combined treatment is complemented by physical therapy, which affects 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, providing some relief. However, to achieve good results, classes must be conducted regularly.
In cases of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis, special gymnastics is indicated
The patient must follow these training rules:
- Start with simple movements at a slow pace and minimal amplitude, gradually increasing the pace.
- Before exercising, massage your neck or take a hot shower to warm up your muscles.
- During training, pay attention to how you feel. At first there may be some discomfort, but after 3-4 days the body will adapt and your health will improve. If this does not happen or sharp pain appears, consult a doctor.
The complex for each patient is established by a doctor, taking into account symptoms, severity of pathology, age and general health.
Reference. It is recommended to supplement exercise therapy for cerebral circulation disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An auxiliary treatment method is physiotherapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture are prescribed.
For the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat well. The diet should 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.
With a poor diet, the lack of nutrients can be compensated with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medication.
Surgery for poor cerebral circulation due to cervical osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases. The need for surgery may arise if there is significant bone growth that is compressing the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed; If this cannot be done for some reason, a stent is then inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
Real and lasting success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can only be achieved with an integrated approach including medications, massage of the cervical area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgery may be necessary. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors contributing to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise against resorting to self-medication, primarily because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the drugs you choose not only will not help with treatment, but they can also be harmful. Even during painful exacerbations, do not rush to the pharmacy to buy painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - to do it in advance, at the first symptoms.
Relieve acute pain
Osteochondrosis, especially in later stages, is accompanied by severe pain. The first task of the attending physician is therefore to relieve your suffering. He will prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue, drugs to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
In this article, we deliberately do not give the names of specific drugs - it is better to leave their choice to doctors who will take into account all possible consequences and evaluate contraindications.
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
The simplest and most accessible method, including at home, are therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also very effective, as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation to damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be supplemented with swimming and aqua aerobics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require any special equipment or special conditions, but we advise you to contact the exercise therapy office, where they will select the series for youof the most effective exercises and will lead classes. under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physiotherapy
Correct and constant use of physiotherapeutic methods improves blood circulation in damaged areas, reduces inflammation and pain, and slows down the process of ossification.
For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy and other methods are used.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
For osteochondrosis, massage can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the risk of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the patient's overall well-being.
But massage and manual therapy should be used with extreme caution, since inept and harsh influence on diseased areas of the body can only harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor beforehand.
Surgery
In particularly advanced cases, even surgical intervention cannot be excluded: narrowing of the spinal lumen, 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 outflow
Impaired venous outflow accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to effusion of fluid into the intercellular space. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The brain structures are under enormous pressure and are unable to function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In general, this situation is dangerous because there may be a risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Its mortality rate is very high, even in young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized through proper and timely prevention. It is necessary to think about its prevention from childhood: poor posture and flat feet in a child are a reason to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
The basis of the prevention of osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy diet, control of body weight.
Complications
Chronic lack of oxygen quickly leads to a disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the lack of necessary substances, there is a risk of developing a number of complications.
Consequences of a stroke in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertonic disease;
- Cerebral ischemia;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- orientation and coordination problems;
- change in the quality and type of breathing;
- decreased mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the listed conditions have begun to appear, this is not a 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 further delay the visit to the doctor, but to quickly start treatment.