Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provocative factors and characterized by a number of symptoms 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 that today someone does not encounter manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffer from 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 manifested itself from 45-50 years, in women - a little later - 50-55 years. But now there is rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is noticeable signs of the disease in 30-year-olds, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear in the 20s.
Symptoms
In long-term damage to the vertebral artery, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. 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 disturbances, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes, and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear in the initial stages of pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is weakened, the patient staggers when walking, and the tone of the muscles of the upper extremities decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include dizziness (vertigo), hearing disturbances (noise, ringing, weakness), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
- Change in sleep and wakefulness patterns. Due to reduced blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weakness, increased fatigue, becomes sleepy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Weakness occurs suddenly, heart rhythm changes (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 is 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 they can spread to the arms. In some patients, throbbing pain occurs in the temples, which may be accompanied by bouts of vomiting. The pain reaction is intensified when the head is turned or tilted.
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. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term complex treatment is necessary.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
In the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is customary to distinguish between 4 stages. But this is a rather arbitrary division, since most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest themselves in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of tissue degradation of the cervical spine may not correspond to the externally manifested symptoms.
First phase (preclinical)
In the initial phase, the symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel uncomfortable stiffness in your neck, pain when you make sudden movements or bend over. 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 your diet.
Second phase
The pain intensifies, becomes constant and becomes severe with sharp turns or bends. Severe headaches occur, the patient begins to tire quickly, becomes absent, and areas of the face periodically become numb.
Third stage
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, weakness in the arms, pain radiates to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
Fourth stage
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are pinched, leading to difficulty moving, acute pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation to the brain is impaired during osteochondrosis, you need 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 arises from the subclavian arteries, passes through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and rises 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 arteries (anterior and posterior) depart.
Based on what was 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 to be narrow, but there is enough space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves do not get pinched, even when the head is moved (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. It is a kind of cartilage pads that soften shocks during running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the discs lose a lot of fluid and become fragile. Increased load causes flattening of the cartilage pads and the appearance of cracks on their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusions, herniated discs), osteophytes (bone growth) occur, which damage nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the vessels of the brain are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs on the basis 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 in the artery, then the blood flow to the brain is disturbed.
- Prolonged compression of 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.
- Gross compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents outflow of blood. This can happen when turning the head, then the person experiences a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is 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 - upright posture: the vertebrae press against each other, and with age the connective tissue breaks down. As a result, this is an almost inevitable process in older people. But there are many factors that contribute to the earlier and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- First of all, this is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, which is often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" occupations, television, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Tense, unnatural working positions while working: for example, at a computer, a person often leans forward and takes a tense position
- The opposite reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; but even trained athletes, for example weightlifters, are at risk;
- Any reason that disturbs a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, arthritis, scoliosis;
- Overweight, which is often due to poor diet
- Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, constant overexertion
- Local hypothermia
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Many vital vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck area, so any disturbance there can have unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the function of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if it is not treated, there is a high probability of pinched 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, orthopedist. He will ask you about pain and other symptoms, check neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If a primary diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will then refer you to further examinations. The most effective of them is MRI, followed by computed tomography. X-rays are much less effective than the first two, especially in advanced disease. The condition of soft tissue is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
As some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, it may be necessary to consult a cardiologist who will refer you for an EKG and echocardiography.
Features of treatment
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment must be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is medicine; in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physical therapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of the therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restoring the functionality of the brain, improving its blood supply, due to which the organ is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Relief of the inflammatory reaction, activation of regeneration processes of damaged tissue.
- Some medicines help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, which improves its quality and speed of movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, thicken the damaged areas.
- Stabilize blood pressure.
- Restore the normal structure of the spine, saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and strengthen 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 pathology for a long time.
Carefully. You can only take medication for cerebral circulation disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented by new, 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 the transport of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of the blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent 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 out and flows faster to the brain.
- Diuretics. These drugs prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used for excess fluid accumulation 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 body's cells.
- Antipsychotics. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses and relieve pain for a long time. They help cope with stress, long-term pain and improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it must be remembered that all medicines have contraindications, so it is forbidden to take them without the knowledge of a doctor.
Medicines to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in 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 in which drugs enter 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 medicine can quickly lower blood pressure.
- A drug that contains thioctic acid, which helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasm.
- A medicine based on bovine blood. It helps normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps expand small blood vessels, reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol and restores blood supply to the brain.
- Medicines 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 pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the doctor's knowledge, as they have many contraindications.
As a rule, several drugs are used during therapy according to a specific regimen.
Additional treatments
Combined treatment is supplemented by physiotherapy, which affects the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise 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 means that they can be relieved a little. But in order to achieve good results, the training must be carried out regularly.
In case of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis, special gymnastics is indicated
The patient must follow these exercise rules:
- Start with simple movements at a slow pace and minimal amplitude, and gradually increase the tempo.
- Before you exercise, massage your neck or take a hot shower to warm up your muscles.
- During training, be aware of your emotions. 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 acute pain occurs, see a doctor.
The complex for each patient is composed by a doctor taking into account symptoms, severity of pathology, age and general health.
Reference. It is recommended to supplement the exercise therapy in case of cerebral circulation disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (ellipse, exercise 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 supplemented with foods rich in fibre, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, 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 medicine.
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 bony growth that compresses 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, sustainable success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can only be achieved with an integrated approach, which includes medication, massage of the collar area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise against resorting to self-medication, primarily because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: not only will the drugs you choose not help in the treatment, they can also cause harm. Even during painful exacerbations, do not rush to the pharmacy to get painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - do it in advance at the first symptoms.
Relief of acute pain
Osteochondrosis, especially in the later stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the first task of the attending physician is to relieve your suffering. He will prescribe you 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 their 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, also at home, is therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also quite effective as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be supplemented with swimming and water gymnastics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or special conditions, but we advise you to contact the exercise therapy office, where they will select the most effective sets of exercises for you and conduct classes under the guidance of an experiencedspecialist.
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 general well-being of the patient.
But massage and manual therapy must be used extremely carefully, since inept and harsh influence on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor first.
Surgery
In particularly advanced cases, even surgical interventions cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the lumen of the spine, formation of intervertebral disc prolapses or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the need 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 circulation disorders and venous outflow
Decreased venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to effusion of fluid into the intercellular space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are under tremendous 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 threat 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, with correct and timely prevention, can be minimized. You need to think about its prevention in childhood: poor posture and flat feet in a child is 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 starvation quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and appropriate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by a lack of the necessary substances, there is the possibility of developing a number of complications.
Consequences of cerebrovascular accident in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertensive disease;
- cerebral ischemia;
- heart rhythm disorder;
- problems with orientation and coordination;
- change in the quality and type of breathing;
- reduced mobility of the upper limbs.
Although the listed conditions have started to appear, it is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance for healing and complete restoration of impaired functions. The most important thing is not to delay further in visiting a doctor, but to quickly begin therapy.