Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more pronounced clinical signs than degenerative changes of this kind 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 drugs aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. As an addition to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

The reasons

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

• wrong attitude.
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal cord injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary predisposition?
• nervous shocks, 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, compensation for the spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes appear in the cervical area.

Symptoms

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

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
First	It appears slightly. There is usually a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the area of the nerve bundles.
Second	There is a protrusion of the discs, as a result of which the intervertebral spaces are reduced and the annuli fibrosus begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes may intensify due to compressed nerve endings
Third	The symptoms worsen greatly: the pain becomes permanent, begins to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. When palpating the affected area, the discomfort increases dramatically, there may be sensations of numbness and tingling of the fingers, as hernias are formed. The mobility of the neck is reduced, the joints become stiff
Fourth	It is characterized by 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 affecting other parts of the spine. This is due to the location in this section of the vertebrae much closer to each other. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical signs appear strongly 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 spreads to different areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, a characteristic tingling sensation may occur. Pinched 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 downward, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and fingertips. With root syndrome, it is possible to feel tingling, tingling. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, the appearance of slight swelling and whitening.
Vertebral artery	It occurs when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain has a throbbing or burning character, affects the overlying area, the temple, the neck and the crown of the head. It is usually stable, but may be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or when you are in an uncomfortable position. When the body is weakened, the symptoms can be extended with manifestations of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow to the brain, symptoms such as: hearing loss? tinnitus; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity. Pain in the eyes
cervical migraine	It is caused by irritation of the sympathetic ganglia, which causes disorders that appear in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; stuffy ears; mild pain in the head, which resembles a noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In the hypertensive syndrome, the headache has an explosive character, it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The exacerbation 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 syndromes, dysfunctions of the spinal roots 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 a pathology of the spine. All therapeutic measures and methods used must 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.

Medicines

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

For the restoration of the intervertebral discs, chondroprotectors are recommended. They contain substances that are substitutes for the components of cartilage tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of these drug groups is possible only with long-term use.

Muscle relaxants are used to relax the muscle structure. They help further reduce pain. They are used in the form of injections. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs containing glycerin and benzimidazole are most 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 convenient form of medicine for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home is ointments and gels. There are several types of external agents: heating, anti-inflammatory, painkillers.

Massage

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

The procedure is recommended to be done in a supine position. If the patient cannot take it, then the treatment is carried out while sitting. The assistant can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Stroking - superficial effects on the skin. It is performed 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 resort to zigzag bangs.
2. Push-ups - impact on the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and forefinger) along the neck. This technique is used for tissues located far from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - developing the collar zone to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It must be used with extreme care, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced with sawing-like or circular motions.
4. Kneading - deep tissue effects. They are of limited use mainly in the area remote from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can massage and 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 using the Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with plastic spikes that act on acupuncture points in the cervical region. Acupuncture is useful as it allows you to stimulate skin receptors responsible for normal processes in the body. In some 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 vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended to first consult your doctor about the possibility of its use. If during treatment with the applicator there are unpleasant sensations, the state of health worsens, then it should be abandoned.

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic pillows for sleep. 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 positional therapy. With the right choice of pillow for sleep, neck pain will be significantly reduced and you will not have to resort to dangerous self-massage using vigorous movements.

exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective methods of conservative treatment. However, it must be carried out according to certain rules. It is desirable that the set of exercises be determined by an expert and that the first lessons take place under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• Clothing should not restrict movement.
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area.
• classes are recommended to be held no earlier than half an hour after eating.
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 training sessions.
• all movements must be performed smoothly, as a quick action can cause a complication.
• it is necessary to check the pulse.
• if pain occurs during exercise, you need to replace them with stretching and relaxing actions.
• the intensity of classes and loads should be gradually increased.
• it is desirable to alternate physiotherapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

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

1. The period of exacerbation of the disease, when the pain is intense both during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to the disturbance of blood circulation, caused by 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, i. e. there is a risk of clotting or there is a tendency to bleed.
6. Poisoning.
7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the compensation stage and arterial hypertension.
8. He was diagnosed with high myopia with accompanying fundus pathology.

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

Starting position	A set of exercises
Standing on my feet	Neck circumference. The hands should be used as collar fasteners. At the circumference of the neck, the thumbs should be at the bottom of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head left and right, staying in an inclined position for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions the circuit is interrupted and the exercise is performed again. Handstand squats. You should rest your palms on the counter, with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw your head back and stretch your body up, staying at the maximum point for 2 seconds, then sit down, without releasing your hands and tilt your head forward. The squat level should be comfortable. The book is on the head. It is necessary to put the hardcover version on top of the head so that it does not move. In this state, you need to hold for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, then the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to bring the vertebrae back into a physiologically correct position. Resisted neck flexion. You should put your palm on your forehead and press it from the side of your hand. At this time, the head must maintain 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 strain. 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 is bent, the second palm is applied to the forehead and bilateral compression is performed for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. The neck flexes with resistance. Similar to the previous two exercises, use the palms to create tension. First, the head is tilted 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 area should be pulled up 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 to the cheekbones so that the tips of the outstretched fingers lightly press the temples. With a slow movement of the head back and forth, it is necessary to smoothly turn 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 thrown back. This exercise will allow you to strain and relax the muscles at the same time 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 need to make sliding movements with your fingers while tilting your head.

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

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises that emphasize arms and hanging. With the doctor's permission, the patient can play sports if he has previously trained, but only with a full 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. On top, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is recommended to bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Alcohol compress. 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 together. In the resulting solution, the gauze is moistened, applied to the sore throat, 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 of potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. 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. large. powder obtained from hop cones, ground with 1 large tbsp. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot and insulated.
5. Decoction of elecampane. The root of the plant of the second year of life in an amount of 2 tbsp. large. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes on low heat and then filtered. The drug elecampane is used for compresses applied to the spine. The app is removed after 20 minutes. This medicine is also used for baths, while the amount of raw materials is increased to 10 tablespoons. large.

For pain relief, the following recipes are recommended for oral administration:

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 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 kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
2. Celery juice. The root of the plant is ground on a grater and its juice is squeezed out. They drink it in 1 c. c. large. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed 1 Tbsp large. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tablespoon. large. 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 dishes, 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 going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week break and repeat. As a preventive measure, the treatment is carried out every spring.

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

• lingonberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• wild Rose;
• calendula;
• Hypericum?
• ponytail;
• mother valve.