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 series 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 today that someone does not experience manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffers from manifestations of osteochondrosis to varying degrees. The main reasons for such a wide prevalence are the sedentary work and lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself starting from 45-50 years, in women - a little later - 50-55 years. But now there is a rapid revival: the typical picture is visible signs of the disease in people in their 30s, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear in their 20s.
Symptoms
With prolonged injury of the vertebral artery, the blood supply to the brain is disturbed. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (local reduction of blood supply), dyscirculatory encephalopathy (vascular damage to the brain) and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis
Cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Vision disorders, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes, and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear in the initial stages of the pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Subsequently, the coordination of movements is disturbed, the patient wobbles when walking, and the tone of the muscles of the upper limbs decreases. Other symptoms of cerebral circulation disorder include vertigo (dizziness), hearing disturbances (noise, ringing, dimness), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
- Change in sleep and wakefulness patterns. Due to the disorder of blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weak, increased fatigue, sleepy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Weakness suddenly appears, heart rate changes (increases or slows down), increases in blood pressure and increased intraocular pressure are observed.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may pass out after suddenly turning or throwing their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and sudden slowing of blood flow.
- Mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, overly irritable and takes offense for no apparent reason. His memory and attention are deteriorating.
In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe cephalgia (headache). As a rule, painful sensations begin at the back of the head, but can spread to the hands. In some patients, there is a throbbing pain in the temples, which may be accompanied by an eruption of vomiting. The pain 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 appropriate treatment, 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. 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 degradation of the tissues of the cervical spine may not correspond to the outwardly manifested symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the initial stage, symptoms are mild and often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in the neck, pain with sudden movements or bending. At this stage, it is very possible to get rid of incipient osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply to move more and adjust your diet.
Second level
The pain intensifies, becomes constant, and becomes severe with sharp turns or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to tire quickly, absent and periodically the areas of the face become numb.
Third stage
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, weakness in the arms, pain 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 are pinched, which leads to difficulties in movement, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation in 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 through which veins, nerves and vertebral arteries pass. The latter originate from the subclavian arteries, pass through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and ascend higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join, forming an artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar arteries (anterior and posterior) depart.
Based on what is described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for the normal blood supply to the brain. In addition, veins and sympathetic nerves are located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is enough space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not pressed even when the head moves (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a type of cartilage pads that cushion the shocks of 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. The increased load causes flattening of the cartilaginous pads and the appearance of cracks in their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusions, herniated discs), osteophytes (bone growths) appear that injure nerves and blood vessels.
Report. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the vessels of the brain are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder appears against a background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (overgrowth of connective tissue in the vessel wall).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve that supplies the vertebral artery is compressed. It causes the artery to spasm and then the blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to the continuous compression, the lumen of the vessel narrows or becomes completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
- Brutal compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents the outflow of blood. This can happen when you turn the head, then the person experiences a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy individuals. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is regularly damaged, and then dangerous complications arise.
Causes and risk factors
Paradoxically, the possibility of osteochondrosis in humans is due to one of its evolutionary advantages - upright posture: the vertebrae press against each other, and with age, the connective tissue degrades. As a result, in the elderly this is an almost inevitable process. But there are many factors that contribute to the early 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" professions, television, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Strained, unnatural postures during work: for example, at the computer, a person often leans forward, taking 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.
- Any reasons that disturb the natural posture of the person: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, bad sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis.
- Excess weight, which is often caused by poor nutrition
- Frequent stress, intense 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 disturbance there can have unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and phytovascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the parts of the spine that control the function of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, the hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if left untreated, there is a high probability of pinching nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the functioning of other organs.
Diagnostics
Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is better to carry out an initial examination with a therapist or other specialist - 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 refer you for additional studies. The most effective of these is magnetic resonance imaging, followed by computed tomography. X-ray studies are much less effective than the first two, especially in advanced disease. The condition of the soft tissues is checked with ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a double-sided vessel scan.
Since some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to consult a cardiologist who will refer you for an EKG and echocardiogram.
Features of treatment
Inadequate blood supply to the brain due to cervical osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. The basis of treatment is drugs; in addition, other conservative methods are used (physical therapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be needed.
Doctors have identified the main goals of treatment:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restoring brain functionality, improving 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 drugs help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, which improves the quality and speed of its movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, 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 treatment 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 the pathology for a long time.
Carefully. You can take any drugs for disorders of the cerebral circulatory system due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented with new ones, for example, drug-dependent headaches. When drugs are abused, blood circulation to 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 transport of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of the blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent blood clots, as well as aspirin-based 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 is diluted and flows faster 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 edema of any localization.
- Osmodiuretics are the only drugs that do not block urine formation. It is used to stimulate diuresis in cervical osteochondrosis.
- Antioxidants. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in body cells.
- Antipsychotics. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, relieving pain for a long time. They help to deal with stress, prolonged pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, so taking them without the knowledge of the doctor is prohibited.
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 in which drugs penetrate 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 is accelerated, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation is normalized. The drug can quickly lower blood pressure.
- A drug containing thioctic acid, which helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasm.
- A medicine based on the blood of cattle. It helps 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.
- Medicines for vasodilation, make the blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation, help get rid of dizziness.
Report. In case of cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help relieve the pain that occurs in the last stages of the pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the knowledge of the doctor, as they have many contraindications.
As a rule, several drugs are used during treatment according to a specific scheme.
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 the trophism of the spine. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged vertebrae are strengthened, which allows them to relax slightly. However, to get good results, classes must be held regularly.
In case of cerebral circulation disorders related to 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 warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- During training, be attentive to your emotions. 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 occurs, then see a doctor.
The complex for each patient is drawn up by a doctor, taking into account the symptoms, the severity of the pathology, age and general health.
Report. It is recommended to supplement exercise therapy in case of cerebral circulation disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An auxiliary method of treatment is physiotherapy. Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, medicated baths and acupuncture are prescribed to improve cerebral circulation.
In order for the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must be properly nourished. The diet should be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, B group elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, it is helpful 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 medicine.
Surgery for poor circulation in the brain due to cervical osteochondrosis is only done in extreme cases. The need for surgery may arise if there is a large bone growth compressing the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed; if this cannot be done for some reason, then a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
Real, sustainable success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can only be achieved with a comprehensive approach, which includes drugs, massage of the neck area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgery may be required. Of course, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise you not to resort to self-medication, mainly because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: not only will the drugs you choose not help in the treatment, but they can also cause harm. Even during painful exacerbations, do not rush to the pharmacy for painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - do it in advance, at the first symptoms.
Relief from acute pain
Osteochondrosis, especially in the last stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the first task of the attending physician is to relieve your suffering. He will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotectants 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, even at home, is therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also quite effective, as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be supplemented with swimming and water exercise.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or special conditions, but we advise you to contact the office of exercise therapy, where they will choose the most effective sets of exercises for you and conduct classes under the guidance of an experiencedexpert.
Physiotherapy
Correct and continuous use of physiotherapy methods improves blood circulation in the damaged areas, reduces 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
For osteochondrosis, massage can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the possibility of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the general well-being of the patient.
But massage and manual therapy should be used extremely carefully, as insufficient and rough impact on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor first.
Surgery
In particularly advanced cases, even surgery cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the spinal column, herniation of intervertebral discs or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the need and method of surgery is made by the surgeon, who also determines the preparatory operations, the duration of the postoperative period and the rehabilitation.
Causes of cerebral circulatory and venous outflow disorders
Impaired venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, reduced mental performance, persistent weakness, and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to the effusion of fluid into the interstitial space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. Brain structures are under tremendous pressure and cannot function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In general, this condition is dangerous because there may be a risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It has a very high mortality rate even in young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized with appropriate and timely prevention. You need to think about its prevention in childhood: poor posture and flat feet in a child is a reason to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
The basis for the prevention of osteochondrosis is the right lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy diet, weight control.
Complications
Chronic oxygen starvation quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and appropriate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the deficiency of essential substances, a number of complications are likely to occur.
Consequences of cerebrovascular accident in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertensive disease;
- cerebral ischemia;
- heart rhythm disorder;
- problems with orientation and coordination;
- change in the quality and type of breathing;
- reduced mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the mentioned situations have started to appear, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a possibility for treatment and complete restoration of impaired functions. The main thing is not to further delay the visit to a doctor, but to quickly start treatment.