Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can produce more clinical symptoms than such degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. This is because a violation of blood circulation in this area leads to a lack of oxygen in 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 resort to drugs aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercise and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. As an addition to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

The reasons

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

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary predisposition;
• nervous shocks, frequent loads;
• constant tension in the back muscles in the neck area.

The mechanics of the occurrence of osteochondrosis is associated with an increased load on this part of the spine, which compensates for its spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes appear in the neck area.

symptoms

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

stage	Characteristic Symptoms
First	Appears easy. Most often there is a slight tension in the muscle ligaments and a slight pain syndrome in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nerve bundles.
Second	The disc protrudes, causing the intervertebral gaps to narrow and the fibrous rings to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes can be exacerbated by pinched nerve endings
third	The symptoms are greatly aggravated: the pain becomes permanent and begins to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. When palpating the affected area, the discomfort increases dramatically, there may be numbness and tingling in the fingers when hernias form. The mobility of the neck is impaired, the joints become stiff
Fourth	It is characterized by a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to the constriction of the connective tissue. As a result of such changes, a person develops such symptoms as: Dizziness; lack of coordination; noises in the ears

The symptomatology of cervical osteochondrosis differs from the disease affecting other parts of the spine. This is due to the location of the vertebrae in this department, which are much closer together. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs means that even with minor pathological changes in their structure, clinical signs appear acutely. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region occurs very often with compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

Symptoms in this case can vary, depending on which vertebrae are subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually the main symptom is a pain in the neck, which is transmitted to different areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. A characteristic crunch may appear when turning the head. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of 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, to the forearm and to the fingertips. With radicular syndrome, a feeling of goosebumps, tingling is possible. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, the appearance of slight puffiness and blanching.
vertebral artery	Occurs when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the eyebrow region, temples, neck and crown. Usually it is constant, but it can be paroxysmal. The discomfort increases after prolonged movement or in an uncomfortable position. When the body is weakened, the symptoms can expand with manifestations of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow to the brain, symptoms such as: deafness; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; pain in the eyes
cervical migraine	It is caused by irritation of the sympathetic nodes that causes disorders in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: ringing in the ears; tachycardia; congestion in the ears; slight pain in the head, similar to a noise
high blood pressure	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache has a bursting character, may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. An exacerbation of the disease leads to an increase in body temperature

treatment

It will not be possible to completely cure osteochondrosis and permanently eliminate its manifestations, but the symptoms can be eliminated. With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, you can use conservative methods to reduce pain syndromes, dysfunction of the roots of the spine and prevent complications of the degenerative process in the intervertebral discs.

For this usage:

• medicines;
• Massage;
• movement therapy (physiotherapeutic exercises);
• home remedies.

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

medication

With 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 leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, which is why they should not be taken frequently.

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

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

Muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle structure. They help to further relieve pain. They are used in the form of injections. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs containing glycerin and benzimidazole are most effective.

Vitamins are necessary to improve the conductivity of nerve fibers and 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 medication for home treatment of osteochondrosis are ointments and gels. There are several types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

massage

With cervical osteochondrosis, massage should be carried out carefully and without excessive force loads. Improper manual therapy can lead to complications. When massaging, attention should be paid to the neck region, the upper back and the collar area.

It is recommended to perform the procedure in the supine position. If the patient cannot take it, the therapy is carried out while sitting. The wizard can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Stroking - superficial effects on the skin. Performed with hands or fingertips from head to top third of center back. From the base of the neck, you can resort to zigzag strokes.
2. Push-ups – using your fingers (thumb and forefinger) to work across the neck on the deep layers of the skin. This technique is used for tissues that are away from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - the development of the collar zone to warm the skin and increase blood flow. Should be used with extreme caution without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced with sawing or circular motions.
4. Kneading - effects on deep tissue. They have limited use mainly in the area away from the neck region - the upper back.

The patient can perform massage and most - in a sitting position. He can use techniques such as stroking, circular rubbing in the neck and shoulder area. It is recommended to combine self-massage with rubbing ointments, which are designed to increase blood circulation and reduce pain.

Manual therapy can be performed passively using the Kuznetsov applicator, a special device with plastic tips that act on acupuncture points in the neck area. Acupressure is useful in that it allows you to stimulate skin receptors responsible for physiological processes in the body. In certain cases, the applicator can help to permanently and effectively relieve pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's performance.

However, there are certain contraindications to using a medical device. It can not be used in infectious, skin, tumor and vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor about the possibility of using it. If during treatment with the applicator there are unpleasant sensations, the state of health worsens, it should be abandoned.

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic pillows for sleeping. With the pathology of the intervertebral discs in the cervical region, finding the head in an uncomfortable position for an 8-hour rest contributes to the development of the disease.

The advantage of an orthopedic product is that it is not only a tool for prevention, but also for treatment - this is the so-called positional therapy. With the right choice of a sleeping pillow, neck pain is significantly reduced, and there is no need to resort to dangerous self-massage with intensive movements.

exercise therapy

Exercise therapy is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, it must be carried out in compliance with certain rules. It is desirable that the exercises were created by a specialist, and the first courses were held 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 conduct classes no earlier than half an hour after eating.
• during the week up to 4 training sessions must be repeated.
• all movements should be performed smoothly, since a quick action can provoke a complication;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• If there is pain during exercise, you need to replace it with stretching and relaxation measures.
• the intensity of teaching and stress must be gradually increased;
• It is desirable to alternate exercises of physiotherapy with gymnastics for proper breathing.

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

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

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the following exercises are recommended:

starting position	A set of exercises
stand on my feet	neck circumference. The hands should be used as collar fixers. When tying the neck, the thumbs should be in the lower part of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head left and right, staying in a tilted state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the strap is stopped and the exercise is performed again. Squats with support on hands. You must rest your palms on the countertop and stand with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw your head back and stretch your body up, dwell at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, then sit down without letting go of your hands and tilt your head forward. The squat should be comfortable. The book is upside down. It is necessary to put the hardcover edition upside down so that it does not slip out. In this state you need to hold out for 3-4 minutes. If there is any discomfort, the time will be shortened. This exercise serves to bring the vertebrae back into a physiologically correct position. Flexion of the neck with resistance. You should place your palm on your forehead and apply pressure to it from the side of your hand. At this point, the head should maintain its position for 20 seconds, after which it is thrown back and a second palm is placed under the back of the head. Then you need to press with both hands at the same time, creating tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve spasms and stretch 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 that, she bends, the second palm is placed on the forehead and bilateral compression is performed for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. Neck bends with resistance. Similar to 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 gently pressed, which stretches the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
sit on a chair	It is necessary to put the lower parts of the palms on your temples, close your jaws on an inhalation and tighten your muscles. The skin in the temple area must be pulled up with the hands. As you exhale, the tension eases and your temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. Hands with palms should be pressed to the cheekbones so that the tips of the spread fingers slightly press the temples. With a slow back and forth movement of the head, it is necessary to gently point the fingers up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is tilted forward, and fall on the cheeks when it is thrown back. This exercise allows you to simultaneously strain and relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Both hands should be placed behind the neck, fingers crossed, while the neck and back should be straight. In this position, you need to make sliding movements with your fingers while tilting your head.

Proper and regular exercise in cervical osteochondrosis can relieve tension, increase blood circulation, strengthen the muscles of the neck and improve mobility of the vertebrae.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. Also, avoid exercises that focus on the hands and hanging. With the permission of the doctor, the patient is allowed to play sports if he has previously exercised, but only with a full exercise program.

ethnoscience

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

1. Compress horseradish leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves should be young and fresh. They are dipped in boiling water for a few seconds, after which they are immediately applied to 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 advisable to put a bandage on at night and clean it in the morning.
2. alcohol compress. 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 together. Gauze is moistened in the resulting solution, applied to the sore throat, covered with polyethylene and a warm scarf on top. The compress is kept no more than 2-3 hours, as alcohol can cause skin irritation. Even with minor injuries, this method is contraindicated.
3. A compress of potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato, grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. Honey. The resulting mixture is spread on the fabric attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1. l. Hop cone powder, triturated with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot and isolated.
5. Decoction of elecampane. The root of the plant of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, then filtered. The remedy elecampane is used for compresses on the spine. The application will be removed after 20 minutes. This remedy is also used for baths, while increasing the amount of raw materials to 10 tbsp. l.

For pain relief, the following recipes are recommended for oral administration:

1. Tincture on pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, selecting specimens that are at least 15 mm and not more than 20 mm in size. The collected raw materials are thoroughly washed, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a 2: 1 ratio. The ingredients are mixed together and removed and stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The resulting remedy is taken in 1 tsp. 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks. The 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. You drink it in 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed 1 tbsp. l. Juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tbsp. l. an hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Infusion of celery root. 3 g of raw materials are filled with 500 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools completely and consume 20 ml before meals.
4. Decoction of bay leaf. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled dishes, pour 300 ml of cold water, boil for 5 minutes, then leave for 3 hours and filter. The tool is taken in small sips between meals throughout the day. The rest is drunk before bedtime. 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 teas that have a general strengthening effect. Useful drinks with the use of:

• cranberry and birch leaves;
• Chamomile;
• linden blossoms;
• wild Rose;
• marigold;
• hypericum;
• horsetail;
• motherwort.