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 spinal column. This is due to the fact that the 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 drugs 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.

Reasons

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

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

The mechanics of the formation of osteochondrosis is related to the increased load on this part of the spine, compensating for their spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone 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 stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis:

Internship	Characteristic symptoms
First	A treasure appears. Mild tension of muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the area of the nerve bundles usually occur.
A second	Disc protrusion occurs, due to which the intervertebral spaces decrease, and the fibrous rings begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes can intensify due to pinched nerve endings
Third	The symptoms worsen significantly: the pain becomes permanent, begins to radiate to the shoulders and upper limbs. When palpating the affected area, the discomfort increases dramatically, there may be a feeling of numbness and tingling of the fingers, as hernias are formed. The mobility of the neck is disturbed, the joints become stiff
Fourth	It is characterized by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to pinching of the connective tissue. As a result of such changes, a person develops symptoms such as: dizziness; lack of coordination; noise 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 minor pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region very often occurs 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 parts of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, there may be a characteristic creaking sound. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness in the tongue and fingertips. The pain syndrome can vary:

Syndrome	Description
Root	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is descending, sharp. It extends to the shoulders, forearms and fingertips. With radicular syndrome, a feeling of suffocation, tingling is possible. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, appearance of slight swelling and fading.
Vertebral artery	It occurs when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the superciliary region, temple, back of head and crown. It is usually constant, but may be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or staying in an uncomfortable position. When the organism is weakened, the symptoms can spread with manifestations of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a disorder 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; blocked ears; slight pain in the head, like a noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache has a bursting 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 get rid of its manifestations, but the symptoms can be eliminated. With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, you can use conservative methods aimed at reducing pain syndrome, spinal root dysfunction and preventing complications of the degenerative process in the intervertebral discs.

For this use:

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

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

Medicines

In 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, so they should not be taken often.

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

Chondroprotectors are recommended for the restoration of intervertebral discs. 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 in additional pain reduction. They are used in the form of injections. Medicines containing glycerin and benzimidazole are the most effective for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Vitamins are necessary for improving 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 are ointments and gels. There are different types of external agents: heating, anti-inflammatory, painkillers.

Massage

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

The procedure is recommended to be performed in a lying position. If the patient is not able to take it, then the therapy is carried out sitting. The assistant can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Smoothing - surface effects on the skin. It is performed with hands or fingertips, from the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. From the base of the neck, you can resort to zigzag strokes.
2. Push-ups - striking the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and forefinger) over the neck. This technique is used for tissues located further from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - development of the neck zone in order to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It should be used with great caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced by sawing-like movements or circular strokes.
4. Crushing - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in an area away from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can perform the massage, and at most - in a sitting position. To do this, he can use techniques such as stroking, 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 with the help of a 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 certain contraindications to the use of the medicinal product. It cannot be used for 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 unpleasant sensations appear during the treatment with the applicator, the health condition worsens, then it should be abandoned.

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic sleeping pillows. 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 the orthopedic product is that it is a tool not only for prevention, but also for treatment - it is the so-called positional therapy. By choosing the right pillow for sleeping, neck pain will be significantly reduced, and there will be no need to resort to dangerous self-massage with intense movements.

exercise therapy

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

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing must not restrict movement;
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• it is recommended to carry out classes no earlier than half an hour after eating;
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 training sessions;
• all movements should be performed smoothly, because fast action can cause complications;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• if pain appears during exercise, you should replace them with stretching and relaxation actions;
• the intensity of teaching and workload must 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 exacerbation of the disease, when the pain is pronounced both during movement and at rest.
2. Vertigo is caused by disturbed blood circulation, caused by instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that occur with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosed cancer at any stage.
5. Blood clotting is impaired, that is, there is a risk of thrombosis or a tendency to bleed.
6. Poisoning.
7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the decompensation phase and arterial hypertension.
8. High myopia with accompanying fundus pathology was diagnosed.

The following exercises are recommended for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Starting position	A set of exercises
I'm standing on my feet	Neck circumference. Hands should be used as a collar fixator. When belting the neck, the thumbs should be placed in the lower part of the jaw, and the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you must tilt your head to the left and right, staying in the tilted state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the volume is stopped and the exercise is performed again. Handstand squats. You need to rest your palms on the worktop, standing with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw back the head and stretch the body upwards, staying at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, and then sit down, not letting go of the hands and tilting the head forward. Squat level should be comfortable. The book is on the head. The hardcover edition needs to be placed on top of the head so that it does not move. In this state you have to endure 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to return the vertebrae to their physiologically correct position. Neck flexion with resistance. You should place your palm on your forehead and press it with the side of your hand. At that moment, the head should maintain its position for 20 seconds, after which it is thrown back, and the other palm is placed under the back of the head. Then you must simultaneously press with both hands, 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 which it bends, the other palm is placed on the forehead and bilateral compression is performed for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. Bending the neck 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, thereby stretching the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
Sitting on a chair	The lower parts of the palms should be placed on the temples, the jaws should be closed when inhaling and the muscles should be tightened. You have to pull the skin in the temporal region with your hands. On 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 gently press 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 tilted forward, and fall on the cheeks when it is tilted back. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously strain and relax your 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 must perform sliding movements with your fingers, while tilting your head.

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

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, weight lifting. Exercises with an emphasis on arms and hanging should also be avoided. With the doctor's permission, the patient can play sports if he has previously trained, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

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

1. Horseradish leaf compress. 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 cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. Compression is held as long as possible. It is recommended to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Alcohol poultice. 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 mixed well. Moisten the gauze in the resulting solution, apply it to the sore neck, cover it with polyethylene and a warm scarf on top. The compress is kept for no more than 2-3 hours, because alcohol can cause skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even for minor injuries.
3. Potato and honey compress. 1 large raw potato, grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. med. The resulting mixture is applied to a cloth that is attached to the painful area. The compression is removed after 2 hours.
4. Fat with hops. 1 st. l. powder obtained from hop cones, mixed with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the painful area and isolated.
5. Decoction 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 over it. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes on low heat and then filtered. Elecampan medicine is used for compresses that are placed on the spine. The application is removed after 20 minutes. This medicine is also used for baths, while the amount of raw materials is increased to 10 tablespoons. l.

The following oral recipes are recommended for pain relief:

1. Tincture on pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, choosing specimens with a size of at least 15 mm and no larger than 20 mm. The collected raw materials are washed well, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. The ingredients are mixed and removed and stored for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The resulting medicine is taken in 1 teaspoon. 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 on 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 2 hours. Such composition is taken in 1 tbsp. l. an hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Celery root infusion. Fill 3 g of raw materials with 500 ml of boiling water, wait for it to cool completely and consume 20 ml before eating.
4. Bay leaf decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled containers, poured with 300 ml of cold water, boiled for 5 minutes, then infused for 3 hours and filtered. The tool is consumed during the day between meals in small sips. The rest is drunk before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a break for a week and repeat. 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 use:

• cranberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• wild rose;
• marigold;
• hypericum;
• ponytail;
• motherwort.