Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, which is caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provocative factors and is characterized by symptoms of many organs and systems. During osteochondrosis, the cartilage of vertebrae is destroyed, their bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
It is rare that today someone does not encounter the manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries experience manifestations of osteochondrosis to varying degrees. The main reasons for such widespread distribution are sedentary work and the lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually appeared from the age of 45-50, in women - a little later - from the age of 50-55. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is the visible signs of the disease at the age of 30, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear at the age of 20.
symptoms
With long-term damage to 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), discirculatory 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 with the following symptoms:
- Visual impairment, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes, and diplopia (double vision) appears. These signs appear in the initial stages of the pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then 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 disorders are dizziness (vertigo), hearing disorders (noise, ringing, dimming), perception disorders, etc. Sh.
- Changing the sleep and wakefulness mode. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weak, fatigue increases, sleeps during the day, and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- Vegetative-vascular syndrome is manifested. Weakness suddenly appears, the heart rate changes (increases or slows down), there is an increase in blood pressure and an increase in intraocular pressure.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may feel fatigued after making a sudden turn or throwing their head back. This happens due to a strong compression of the vertebral artery and a sudden slowing of blood flow.
- mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, overly irritable and gets offended for no 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 in the back of the head, but they can spread to the arms. Some patients experience throbbing pain in the temples, which may be accompanied by vomiting. The pain response increases when turning or bending the head.
With long-term compression of the vertebral artery, the symptoms intensify and the pathology progresses. In the absence of competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. Long-term complex treatment is necessary to prevent dangerous complications.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
During the development of cervical osteochondrosis, usually 4 stages should be distinguished. But this is a rather arbitrary division, because most of the symptoms of the disease can be manifested in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of tissue degradation of the cervical spine may not correspond to the outwardly manifested symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
At 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 quite possible to prevent initial osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply to move more and adjust the diet.
the second stage
The pain worsens, becomes constant, and worsens with sharp turns or bends. A severe headache appears, the patient begins to tire quickly, becomes senseless, and facial areas periodically become numb.
The third stage
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, weakness of the hands, pain spreads to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
The fourth stage
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are stretched, causing difficulty in movement, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accidents in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation in the brain is disturbed during osteochondrosis, you should study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form a channel through which veins, nerves, and vertebral arteries pass. The latter originates from the subclavian arteries, passes through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and ascends. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join, forming an artery from which the cerebral, internal auditory and cerebral arteries (anterior and posterior) exit.
As described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for 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 do not contract when moving the head (turning, bending).
Cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a kind of cartilaginous cushions that soften shocks during running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.
During cervical osteochondrosis, the discs lose a lot of fluid and become fragile. The increased load causes flattening of the cartilage pads and the appearance of cracks on their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusion, disc herniation), osteophytes (bone growths) are formed, which damage nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of blood circulation failure in the blood vessels of the brain are related to damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (excessive growth of connective tissue on the blood vessel wall).
Cerebral circulation during cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve that supplies the vertebral artery is compressed. It causes spasm of the artery, then blood circulation in the brain is disturbed.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the lumen of the vessel narrows or is completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
- A gross compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents the flow of blood. This can happen when turning the head, then the person has a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. During cervical osteochondrosis, important vessels are regularly damaged and then dangerous complications arise.
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 are pressed together, and with age, the connective tissue decreases. As a result, it is an almost inevitable process in the elderly. But there are many factors that contribute to the early and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- First of all, it is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, which is often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" professions, TV, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity.
- Strenuous, unnatural postures while working: for example, at the computer, a person often leans forward, takes a tense posture.
- The opposite reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; But even trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are at risk;
- Any reason that disturbs the natural posture of a person: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, bad sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight, which is often caused by poor nutrition
- Frequent stress, strong nervous tension, constant overwork
- Local hypothermia
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Many vital blood vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck area, so any disturbance can lead to unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the work of the shoulder and elbow joints, thyroid gland, hands and other organs. During osteochondrosis, without treatment, there is a high probability of stretching of nerves and compression of blood vessels, which definitely affects the functioning of other organs.
diagnosis
Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often coincide with other pathologies, it is better to conduct an initial examination with a therapist or other specialist - neurologist, orthopedist. He will ask about pain and other symptoms, check neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If the primary diagnosis is "osteochondrosis of the cervix", the doctor will refer you for additional studies. The most effective of them is MRI, followed by computed tomography. X-ray studies are much less effective than the first two, especially in advanced disease. The condition of soft tissues is checked by ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
Since some of the symptoms overlap with those of angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, you may need to consult a cardiologist, who will send you for an ECG and echocardiography.
Peculiarities of treatment
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment should be considered in a complex manner. Medicines are the basis of therapy, in addition, other conservative methods (physiotherapy, physical therapy, etc. ) are used. And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restoring the functioning of the brain, improving its blood supply, due to which the body is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Alleviation of inflammatory reaction, activation of regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some medications help to normalize blood composition, making it more fluid, which improves its quality and speed of movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, make the damaged areas thicker.
- stabilization of blood pressure.
- Restoration of the normal structure of the spine, saturation and strengthening of cartilage tissue with useful substances.
It is important to understand that complex therapy will help eliminate blood circulation problems in the brain, but it will be impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with proper treatment, it is possible to slow down the development of pathology for a long time.
be carefulYou can take any medication for cerebral blood flow disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or add new ones, for example, drug-dependent headache. Blood circulation in the brain worsens when drugs are abused.
Groups of drugs to improve cerebral blood flow
The following groups of drugs will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators increase blood flow and nutrient transport to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medications that prevent blood clotting, such as aspirin-based medications. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to the walls. As a result, the blood becomes thinner and flows faster to the brain.
- Diuretics. These medicines prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used for the accumulation of excess fluid in brain cells, the second is suitable for eliminating swelling of any localization.
- Osmodiuretics are the only drugs that do not block urine production. 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, relieve pain for a long time. They help to cope with stress, chronic pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, we must remember that all medications have contraindications, so their use without the knowledge of a doctor is prohibited.
Medicines to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels during osteochondrosis of the neck:
- A bronchodilator that relieves spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physical therapy procedure in which drugs enter the body through the skin under the influence of electricity.
- The drug based on theophylline and nicotinic acid saturates the blood with oxygen and improves its quality. During use, microcirculation accelerates, blood vessels expand and blood circulation normalizes. The medication 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 preparation based on cattle blood. It helps normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps to expand small blood vessels, reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol and restores blood supply to the brain.
- Medicines for vasodilation, make blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation, help to get rid of dizziness.
Reference. In the case of cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. These drugs help relieve the pain that appears in the later stages of the pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the knowledge of a doctor, because they have many contraindications.
As a rule, during therapy, several drugs are used according to a specific scheme.
additional treatment
Combined treatment is complemented by physiotherapy, which affects the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes and improve spinal trophism. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the injured spine, allowing them to loosen slightly. However, to achieve good results, classes should be held regularly.
In the case of cerebral circulation disorders related to cervical osteochondrosis, special exercises are indicated.
The patient must follow the following training rules:
- Start with simple movements at a slow pace and minimum amplitude, gradually increasing the pace.
- Before exercising, massage your neck or take a warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- Be mindful of your feelings during exercise. 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 severe pain occurs, then see a doctor.
For each patient, the complex is compiled by the doctor, taking into account the symptoms, severity of the pathology, age and general health.
Reference. In case of impaired cerebral circulation, it is recommended to supplement exercise therapy with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An auxiliary method of treatment is physiotherapy. Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, healing baths and acupuncture are prescribed to improve cerebral circulation.
In order for the spine and blood vessels to work normally, the patient must eat properly. Food rich in fiber, fatty acids, B group elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid should be added to the diet. For this, you should eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, fatty sea fish, lean meat, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. are useful for patients. Sh. 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 can help you choose the right drug.
Surgery for poor circulation in the brain due to cervical osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases. The need for surgical intervention may arise if there is a large bone growth that compresses the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed, if for some reason this cannot be done, 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 an integrated approach that includes medications, cervical massage, therapeutic exercises, and physical therapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Naturally, the patient should eliminate or reduce the factors contributing to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc. Sh.
We strongly advise against self-medication, first of all, because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the drugs you choose will not only not help in treatment, they can also cause harm. During a painful exacerbation, do not rush to the pharmacy for painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - in advance, at the first symptoms.
Acute pain relief
Osteochondrosis, especially in the later stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the first task of the attending physician is to alleviate your suffering. He will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue, medicines 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 consider all possible results and evaluate contraindications.
Therapeutic exercises during cervical osteochondrosis
The simplest and most accessible method, including at home, is therapeutic exercises. However, it is quite effective because it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in the damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be added to swimming and aqua gymnastics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or any special conditions, but we recommend contacting the exercise therapy office, where they will select the most effective set of exercises for you and conduct classes. Under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physiotherapy
Correct and constant use of physiotherapeutic methods improves blood circulation in the affected areas, reduces inflammation and pain, and slows down the ossification process.
Electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy and other methods are used for cervical spine osteochondrosis.
Neck massage during cervical spine osteochondrosis
Massage in osteochondrosis can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the likelihood 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 very carefully, because incorrect and rough effects 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 is not excluded: narrowing of the lumen of the spinal column, herniation of intervertebral discs or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the necessity 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 blood flow disorders and venous outflow
Violation of venous outflow during cervical osteochondrosis is a frequent cause of headache, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood causes leakage of fluid into the intercellular space. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are under tremendous pressure and cannot function normally. Then blood pressure levels may 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 effects can be minimized by proper and timely prevention. You should think about its prevention in childhood: the child's bad posture and flat feet are the reason to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
The basis of prevention of osteochondrosis is the correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy diet, body weight control.
Complications
Chronic oxygen starvation quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the symptoms listed above will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the deficiency of the necessary substances, there is the possibility of developing a number of complications.
Cerebrovascular accident results in cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- hypertensive disease;
- cerebral ischemia;
- heart rhythm disorder;
- orientation and coordination problems;
- change in the quality and type of breathing;
- Decreased mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the listed conditions have started, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance of healing and full recovery of damaged functions. The most important thing is not to delay the further visit to the doctor, but to start the therapy quickly.