Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more intense clinical signs than degenerative changes of this type in other parts of the spine. This is due to the fact that a violation of blood circulation in this area leads to oxygen starvation of 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 the use of medications aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. In addition to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

reason

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

• wrong posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal cord injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary predisposition;
• nervous breakdowns, frequent stresses;
• constant tension of the back muscles in the cervical region.

The mechanics of the occurrence of osteochondrosis is associated with increased loads on this part of the spine, compensating for their spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this area is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical region.

Symptoms

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

phase	Characteristic symptoms
First	It appears a little. There is usually a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a slight pain syndrome in the region of the nerve bundles.
Secondly	There is a protrusion of the discs, as a result of which the intervertebral spaces are reduced and the fibrous rings begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes can intensify due to the capture of nerve endings
Third	The symptoms get much worse: the pain becomes permanent, starts radiating to the shoulder and upper limbs. When palpating the affected area, discomfort increases dramatically, there may be numbness and tingling of the fingers, as hernias form. The mobility of the neck is impaired, the joints become stiff
Fourthly	It is characterized by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to tightening of the connective tissue. As a result of such changes, a person develops symptoms such as: dizziness; lack of coordination; ringing in the ears

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

Symptoms in this case may vary depending on which vertebrae are subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually the main symptom is pain in the neck, which is transmitted to different areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. A characteristic crackle may appear when turning the head. Compressed nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingertips. The pain syndrome can vary:

syndrome	Description
root	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is decreasing, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and fingertips. With radicular syndrome, a feeling of goosebumps, tingling is possible. Another characteristic feature is the decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, the appearance of swelling and slight discoloration.
Vertebral artery	It occurs when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the superciliary region, the temple, the nape and the crown of the head. It is usually constant, but may be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or being in an uncomfortable position. When the body weakens, the symptoms can be extended with nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow in the brain, symptoms such as: hearing loss; tinnitus; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; Eye pain
cervical migraine	It is provoked by the irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes disorders that occur in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; ringing in the ears; slight pain in the head, resembling noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache has an explosive character, it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Aggravation 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 aimed at reducing pain syndromes, spinal root dysfunctions and preventing complications of the degenerative process in the intervertebral discs.

For this use:

• drugs;
• massage;
• exercise therapy (physiotherapy exercises);
• folk remedies.

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

medicaments

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 system, so they should not be taken often.

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

To restore the intervertebral discs, chondroprotectors are recommended. They contain substances that are substitutes for 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 the muscle structure. They help reduce pain further. They are used in the form of injections. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, medicines containing glycerin and benzimidazole are more 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 suitable form of medication for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home is ointments and gels. There are different types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, soothing.

Massage

With cervical osteochondrosis, massage should be performed carefully, without excessive force loads. Improper manual therapy can lead to complications. During the massage, attention should be paid to the cervical area, upper back and collar.

The procedure is recommended to be performed in the supine position. If the patient is unable to take it, then the therapy is carried out sitting. The assistant can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Impact - superficial effects on the skin. It is done with the hands or fingertips, from the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. From the base of the neck, you can go for zigzag strokes.
2. Push-ups - impact on the deep layers of the skin with fingers (thumb and index finger) along the neck. This technique is used for tissues located far from the vertebrae.
3. Friction - developing the collar area to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It should be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Friction can be replaced by movements resembling sawing or circular strokes.
4. Boil - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in the area remote from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can do massage and most - in a sitting position. To do this, he can use techniques such as strokes, circular rubbing on the neck and shoulders. It is recommended to combine self-massage with rubbing ointments designed to increase blood flow and relieve pain.

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

However, there are some contraindications to using a medical device. It cannot be used for infectious, skin, tumor and blood vessel diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended that you first consult your doctor about the possibility of using it. If during the treatment with the applicator there are unpleasant sensations, the health condition worsens, then 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 will contribute to the development of the disease.

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

exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercises are one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, it must be carried out in accordance with certain rules. It is desirable that the group of exercises is created by a specialist, and the first hours are held under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• Classes are recommended not earlier than half an hour after meals;
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 exercises;
• all movements must be performed smoothly, as a quick action can provoke a complication;
• it is necessary to check the pulse;
• if pain occurs during training, you should replace them with stretching and relaxing actions;
• the intensity of classes and loads should be gradually increased;
• it is desirable to alternate physical therapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

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

1. The period of aggravation of the disease, when the pain is pronounced both during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness appears due to impaired blood circulation, provoked by the instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that appear with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. Blood coagulation is impaired, that is, 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 associated fundus pathology.

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

Initial position	A set of exercises
Standing up	Neck circumference. Hands should be used as collar fasteners. When grabbing the neck, the thumbs should be placed on the lower part of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head to the left and right, staying in a prone state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circle is interrupted and the exercise is performed again. Squats with support on hands. You should rest your palms on the table, standing with your back to the table. It is necessary to throw your head back a little and stretch your body up, staying at the maximum point for 2 seconds, then sit down, without letting go of your hands and bending your head forward. The squatting level should be comfortable. The book is on the head. It is necessary that the hardcover publication is placed above the head so that it does not fall away. In this state, you should stay for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, then the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to return the vertebrae to a physiologically correct position. Flexion of the neck with resistance. You should put your palm on your forehead and press on it from the side of your hand. At this time, the head should hold 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 simultaneously with both hands, creating tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve muscle spasms and stretch. 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 which it bends, the second palm is applied to the forehead and bilateral compression is done for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. The neck flexes with resistance. Similar to the previous two exercises, use your palms to create tension. First, the head is bent to the left, the left palm is placed on the right temple and slightly pressed, thereby stretching the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
Sitting in a chair	It is necessary to place the lower parts of the palms on the temples, close the jaws during inhalation and tighten the muscles. The skin in the temporal region should be pulled up with your hands. During exhalation, the tension stops and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. Hands with palms should be pressed on the cheekbones so that the tips of the spread fingers lightly press on the temples. With a slow movement of the head back and forth, it is necessary to smoothly direct the fingers up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is bent forward and fall on the cheek when thrown back. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously tense and relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Both hands should be placed behind the neck, with fingers crossed, while the neck and back should be straight. In this position, you should perform sliding movements with your fingers, tilting your head.

Proper and regular exercise for cervical osteochondrosis can relieve tension, increase blood flow, strengthen neck muscles and improve vertebral mobility.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises that emphasize the hands and hanging. With the doctor's permission, the patient can play sports if he has previously exercised, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the following traditional medicine for external use is recommended:

1. Compress of horseradish leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves should be young and fresh. They are immersed in boiling water for a few seconds, after which they are immediately applied to the back of the cervix. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is advisable to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Compress with alcohol. You will need 300 ml of medical alcohol, 10 tablets of analgin (powder), 10 ml of iodine and 10 ml of camphor alcohol. All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. In the resulting solution, the gauze is soaked, applied to the injured neck, covered with polyethylene and a warm scarf on top. The compress is kept for no more than 2-3 hours, as alcohol can cause skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. A compress with potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato, grated and thinned with 2 tbsp. l. honey. The resulting mixture is spread on the fabric, which is attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1 st. l. powder obtained from hop cones, triturated with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the injured area and isolated.
5. Boiling of elecampane. The root of the plant of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tablespoons. l. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes on low heat, then filtered. Elekampane medicine is used for compresses applied to the spine. The application is removed after 20 minutes. This medicine is also used for baths, while the amount of raw materials increases to 10 tablespoons. l.

To relieve pain, the following prescriptions for oral administration are recommended:

1. Tincture of pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, choosing specimens with a size of at least 15 mm and no more than 20 mm. The collected raw materials are thoroughly washed, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. The ingredients are mixed together and removed and stored for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The resulting medicine is taken in 1 spoon. 3 times a day. The course 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 into a grater and the juice is squeezed out. They drink it in 1 tablespoon. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes 1 tbsp is mixed. l. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tablespoon. l. one hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Celery root infusion. 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. Bay leaf decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled containers, pour 300 ml of cold water, boil for 5 minutes, then infuse for 3 hours and filter. The tool is consumed throughout the day between meals in small sips. The rest is drunk before sleep. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week break and repeat it. As a preventive measure, the therapy is carried out every spring.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you can use herbal teas with a general strengthening effect. Useful drinks with the use of:

• lingonberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• Linden flowers;
• wild Rose;
• calendula;
• hypericum;
• horse tail;
• native