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 series of symptoms from many organs and systems. With osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed, their bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
It is rare for someone today not to 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 a wide spread are the sedentary work and lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself starting at 45-50 years, in women - a little later - 50-55 years. But now there is a rapid renewal: the typical picture is the visible signs of the disease in the 30s, and it is not unusual for the first symptoms to appear in the 20s.
Symptoms
With prolonged damage 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), discirculatory encephalopathy (vascular brain damage) and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis
Cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Vision disorders, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears before the eyes and diplopia (double vision) appears. These signs appear in the initial stages of the pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is impaired, the patient wobbles 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, weakness), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
- Change in sleeping and waking patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weak, increased fatigue, becomes drowsy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome appears. Weakness appears suddenly, heart rate changes (increases or slows down), increased 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, very nervous and takes offense 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 at the back of the head, but they can spread to the arms. In some patients, throbbing pain occurs in the spleen, which may be accompanied by vomiting. The pain reaction intensifies when you turn or tilt your 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, long-term complex treatment is necessary.
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 appear in other pathologies. Moreover, the actual degree of tissue degradation of the cervical spine may not correspond to the outwardly manifested symptoms.
First phase (preclinical)
In the initial stage, symptoms are mild and often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in your neck, pain with sudden movements or bending. At this stage, it is quite possible to get rid of initial 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 bends or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to tire quickly, loses consciousness, and facial areas periodically become numb.
The third stage
The formation of disc herniation often causes dizziness, weakness of the arms, the pain radiates to the back of the head and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.
The fourth stage
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are compressed, which leads to difficulty in movement, acute pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation in 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 channel, 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 merge, forming an artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar (anterior and posterior) arteries depart.
Based on what was described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for the normal blood supply of the brain. In addition, veins and sympathetic 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 pressed even when moving the head (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a type of cartilage cushion that cushions 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 increased load provokes the flattening of the cartilage pads and the appearance of cracks in their outer layer. As a result, protrusions (protrusion, disc herniation), osteophytes (bone growth) appear, which damage nerves and blood vessels.
Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of blood circulation failure in brain vessels are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (excessive growth of connective tissue in the wall of blood vessels).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve supplying the vertebral artery is compressed. It provokes a spasm of the artery, then the blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to continuous compression, the lumen of the vessel is narrowed or completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
- Severe compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents blood flow. This can happen when turning the head, then 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 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 degrades. As a result, 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
- Strained, unnatural postures during work: for example, at a 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 even trained athletes, for example, weightlifters, are at risk;
- Any reason that disrupts a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, bad sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight, which is often caused by poor nutrition
- Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, continuous overwork
- 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 functioning of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if not treated, there is a high probability of pinching nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the functioning of other organs.
Diagnosing
Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is better to do 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 for additional studies. The most effective of them is MRI, followed by computed tomography. X-ray studies are much less effective than the first two, especially with advanced disease. The condition of soft tissues is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
Since some symptoms overlap with the signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need 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 should be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is medication, in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restoring brain functionality, improving blood supply, due to which the body is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Easing the inflammatory reaction, activating the regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some medications help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more liquid, which improves the quality and speed of its movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, make damaged areas thicker.
- 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 to eliminate blood circulation 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 medicine for cerebral circulation disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented with new ones, for example, drug-dependent headaches. When the drug is abused, blood circulation in the brain deteriorates.
Groups of drugs for improving cerebral blood circulation
The following groups of drugs will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators accelerate blood circulation and the transport of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medications that prevent blood clotting, as well as aspirin-based medications. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent the adhesion of red blood cells and platelets to their walls. As a result, the blood is diluted and flows faster to the brain.
- Diuretics. These medicines prevent congestion 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 the formation of urine. It is used to stimulate diuresis in cervical osteochondrosis.
- Antioxidants. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in body cells.
- Antipsychotics. These medications slow down 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 medications have contraindications, so taking them without a doctor's knowledge is prohibited.
Drugs for improving 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 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 is accelerated, blood vessels expand and blood circulation is normalized. The drug can quickly 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 medicine based on the blood of cattle. It helps normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps to expand small blood vessels, reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol and restores blood supply to the brain.
- Medicines for expanding vessels, make blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation, help to get rid of dizziness.
Reference. In case of a cerebrovascular accident accompanied by osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These medications help relieve pain that occurs in the later stages of the pathology. However, taking them for a long time without a doctor's knowledge is prohibited, as they have many contraindications.
As a rule, some drugs are used during therapy according to a specific regimen.
Additional treatments
Combined treatment is complemented by physical therapy, which affects the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes and improve spine trophism. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged vertebrae are strengthened, which allows them to relax a little. However, to get good results, classes must be done 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 exercising, massage your neck or take a warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- During training, be attentive to your feelings. 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, then see a doctor.
The complex for each patient is compiled by a doctor, taking into account the symptoms, the severity of the pathology, age and general health.
Reference. It is recommended to supplement exercise therapy in case of cerebral circulation disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An auxiliary method of treatment 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 should be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, elements of group B, 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 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 this cannot be done for some reason, then a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
True and lasting success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be achieved only with an integrated approach, which includes medications, massage of the neck area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. Of course, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise not to use self-medication, mainly because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: not only will the drugs you choose not help in the 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.
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 pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue, medications 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, including at home, are therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also quite effective, as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in the damaged areas and compensates for the 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 advise you to contact the office of exercise therapy, where they will choose the most effective groups of exercises for you and conduct classesunder the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physiotherapy
Correct and continuous 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 possibility of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the general well-being of the patient.
But massage and manual therapy should be used very carefully, as inappropriate and harsh impact on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor first.
Surgery
In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention cannot be excluded: narrowing of the spinal column, the formation of herniated intervertebral discs 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 post-operative period and the rehabilitation.
Causes of disorders of cerebral circulation and venous flow
Damaged venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, persistent weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to fluid leakage into the intercellular space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. Brain structures are under great 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. There is a very high mortality rate even in young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized with proper and timely prevention. You should think about its prevention in childhood: poor 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 exercises during sedentary work, a healthy diet, control of body weight.
Complications
Chronic oxygen starvation quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the lack of 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 disturbance;
- problems with orientation and coordination;
- change in the quality and type of breathing;
- decreased mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the listed conditions have started to appear, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also the possibility of complete recovery and restoration of damaged functions. The main thing is not to delay further to see a doctor, but to start therapy quickly.