Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provoking factors and characterized by a number of symptoms emanating 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 encounter manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffers from manifestations of osteochondrosis at various levels. The main reasons for such widespread spread are sedentary work and lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself starting from 45-50 years old, in women - a little later - 50-55 years old. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is the obvious signs of the disease in thirty-year-olds, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear at the age of 20.
Symptoms
With a prolonged injury to the vertebral artery, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (local decrease in 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:
- Visual disorders, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, a "fog" appears before the eyes, and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear in the initial stages of the pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is impaired, the patient staggers when walking and the tone of the muscles of the upper extremities decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include vertigo (dizziness), hearing disorders (noise, ringing, weakening), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
- Changing sleep and wake patterns. Due to reduced blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Weakness suddenly appears, changes in heartbeat (increases or slows down), increases in blood pressure and increased intraocular pressure are observed.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after suddenly turning or throwing their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and a sudden slowing of blood flow.
- Mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, excessively irritable and offended 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 in the back of the head, but can spread to the arms. In some patients, shooting pains appear in the temples, which may be accompanied by a rash of vomiting. The painful 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 competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, complex long-term 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. Furthermore, the actual degree of tissue degradation of the cervical spine may not correspond to the symptoms manifested externally.
First stage (preclinical)
In the early stage, symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You experience unpleasant stiffness in your neck, pain with sudden movements or bending. At this stage, it is quite possible to get rid of incipient osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply move more and adjust the diet.
Second phase
The pain intensifies, becomes constant, and becomes severe with sharp bends or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to get tired quickly, becomes distracted, and areas of the face periodically become numb.
Third phase
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, weakness in the arms, pain that radiates to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
Fourth phase
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are compressed, which leads to difficulty moving, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation to the brain is impaired during osteochondrosis, it is necessary to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form a canal, and veins, nerves and vertebral arteries pass through it. The latter arise from the subclavian arteries, pass through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and rise higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join to form an artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar (anterior and posterior) arteries branch.
Based on what has been described above, the arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for the normal flow of blood to the brain. In addition, sympathetic veins and nerves are located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is sufficient space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not pinched even when the head moves (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a kind of cartilaginous cushions that attenuate shocks during 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 increase in load causes the cartilaginous pads to flatten and cracks to appear on their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusions, herniated discs), osteophytes (bony growths) appear that damage nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the cerebral vessels are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (overgrowth of connective tissue on the vessel wall).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve supplying the vertebral artery is compressed. It causes a spasm of the artery, so the blood flow to the brain is cut off.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the lumen of the vessel narrows or becomes completely blocked (occlusion). It therefore increases the risk of vertebral artery syndrome.
- Gross compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents the outflow of blood. This can happen when the head is turned, so the person experiences a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is damaged regularly 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 - upright posture: the vertebrae press on each other, and with age the connective tissue degrades. Consequently, 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, often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" professions, TV, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Tense and 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 particular person; but trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are also at risk;
- Any reason that disrupts a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight, often caused by poor nutrition
- Frequent stress, severe 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 disorder can have unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the functioning of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if left untreated, there is a high probability of pinching of 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 conduct an initial examination with a therapist or other specialist: a neurologist, an orthopedist. She will ask you about pain and other symptoms, check your neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If a primary diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will refer you for further studies. The most effective of these is magnetic resonance imaging, followed by computed tomography. Radiological studies are much less effective than the first two, especially with advanced disease. The condition of the soft tissues is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
Because some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to see a cardiologist who will refer you for an ECG and echocardiography.
Characteristics of the treatment
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment must be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is drugs, in addition, other conservative methods are used (exercise therapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restore the functionality of the brain, 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 the regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some drugs help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, improving its quality and speed of movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, make damaged areas thicker.
- Stabilize blood pressure.
- Restores the normal structure of the spine, saturates the cartilaginous tissue with useful substances and strengthens it.
It is important to understand that complex therapy 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 drug for cerebral circulatory disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be complemented by new ones, for example, drug-dependent headaches. When drugs are abused, blood circulation in 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 accelerate blood flow and nutrient transport to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent the formation of 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 thins and flows faster to the brain.
- Diuretics. These drugs 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 formation. Used to stimulate diuresis in cervical osteochondrosis.
- Antioxidants. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in the cells of the body.
- Antipsychotics. These drugs slow the transmission of nerve impulses, relieving pain for a long time. They help cope with stress, prolonged pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, so it is forbidden to take them without the knowledge of a doctor.
Drugs to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in the 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 during 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 accelerates, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation normalizes. The drug can rapidly lower blood pressure.
- A drug containing thioctic acid, which helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels. Improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasm.
- A drug made from bovine blood. 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 flow to the brain.
- Drugs for vasodilation, make the blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation, help get rid of dizziness.
Reference. In case of cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help relieve pain that occurs in the later stages of the disease. However, it is forbidden to take them for prolonged periods without the advice of your doctor, as they have numerous contraindications.
As a rule, several drugs are used during therapy according to a specific regimen.
Additional treatments
Combined treatment is complemented by physical therapy, which targets the cause of the disease. With the help of physical 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 be slightly relieved. However, to achieve good results, lessons must be carried out regularly.
In case of cerebral circulation disorders associated with 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 exercise, massage your neck or take a warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- During training, be attentive to your feelings. You may feel some discomfort at first, but after 3-4 days your body will adapt and your health will improve. If this does not happen or sharp pain occurs, visit a doctor.
The complex for each patient is compiled by a doctor, taking into account the symptoms, severity of the pathology, age and general state of health.
Reference. In case of cerebral circulatory disorders it is advisable to integrate physical therapy with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, stationary bike).
An auxiliary treatment method is physiotherapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture are prescribed.
In order for the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat properly. The diet must be integrated with foods rich in fibre, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, it is useful 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 drug.
Surgery for poor circulation in the brain due to cervical osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases. The need for surgery may arise if there is a large bony growth compressing the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed; if for some reason this cannot be done, a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
Real and lasting success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be achieved only with an integrated approach, which includes medications, massage of the collar area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgery may be necessary. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise against resorting to self-medication, especially since the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: not only do the chosen drugs not help in treatment, but they can also cause harm. Even during painful flare-ups, 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.
Relieve acute pain
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, 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 the 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, are therapeutic exercises. At the same time it is also very effective as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in damaged areas and compensates for lack of movement in everyday life. Physical therapy can be supplemented with swimming and water aerobics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or special conditions, but we recommend contacting the physical therapy office, where they will select the most effective sets 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 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 likelihood of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the patient's general well-being.
But massage and manual therapy must be used with extreme caution, since inept and rude influence 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 cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the lumen of the spinal column, formation of intervertebral disc herniations or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the need and mode 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 circulatory disorders and venous outflow
Impaired venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to the spillage of fluid into the intercellular space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The brain structures are under enormous pressure and are unable to function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In general, this situation is dangerous because there may be a risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It has a very high mortality rate even among young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized with adequate and timely prevention. It is necessary to think about its prevention in childhood: bad posture and flat feet in a child are a reason to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
The basis for the prevention of osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, a healthy diet, body weight control.
Complications
Chronic oxygen deficiency quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the above-mentioned symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the lack of necessary substances, there is the possibility that a series of complications will develop.
Consequences of cerebrovascular accident in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertonic 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 conditions listed have begun to manifest themselves, this is no reason to panic. In these cases there is also the possibility of treating and completely restoring the compromised functions. The main thing is not to further delay the visit to the doctor, but to quickly start therapy.