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 on the part of many organs and systems. In osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed, their bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
It is rare that someone today does not encounter manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffers from manifestations of osteochondrosis to varying degrees. The main reasons for such a wide distribution are the sedentary work and lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually appeared from 45-50 years, in women - a little later - 50-55 years. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is noticeable signs of the disease in the 30s, and it is not unusual for the first symptoms to appear in the 20s.
Symptoms
With a long-term injury to the spinal artery, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (local reduction of blood supply), dyscirculatory encephalopathy (vascular damage to the brain) and stroke increases.
Vertigo is one of the symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis
A cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Visual disturbances, oculomotor disturbances. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "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 disturbed, the patient wobbles when walking and the tone of the muscles of the upper limbs decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include vertigo (dizziness), hearing disorders (noise, ringing, weakening), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
- Change in sleep and wakefulness patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient experiences weakness, increased fatigue, becomes drowsy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
- A vegetative-vascular syndrome appears. Weakness suddenly appears, the heart rhythm changes (accelerates or slows down), blood pressure spikes and increased intraocular pressure are observed.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after suddenly turning or throwing their head back. This happens due to strong compression of the vertebral artery and sudden slowing of blood flow.
- Mental disorders. The patient becomes suspicious, overly irritable 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 in the back of the head, but they can also spread to the hands. Some patients experience throbbing pain in the temples, which may be accompanied by an eruption of vomiting. The pain response increases 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 damage increases. In order 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 be manifested in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of degradation of the tissues of the cervical spine may not correspond to the outwardly manifested symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the initial stage, symptoms are mild and often due to stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in your neck, pain when making sudden movements or bending over. At this stage, it is quite possible to get rid of the initial osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply to move more and adjust your diet.
Second stage
The pain increases, becomes constant and becomes severe with sharp turns or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to tire quickly, becomes distracted, areas of the face periodically tingle.
Third stage
The formation of a disc herniation often causes vertigo, weakness in the arms, pain radiates to the back of the head and arms, is constantly felt in the shoulders.
Fourth stage
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are compressed, leading to difficulty in movement, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation in the brain is disturbed 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 through which veins, nerves, and spinal arteries pass. 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 arteries (anterior and posterior) branch off.
Based on the above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for the normal blood supply to the brain. In addition, veins and sympathetic nerves are located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is enough space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not compressed even during head movement (turning, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are a type of cartilaginous pads that cushion 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. The increased load provokes the flattening of the cartilage pads and the appearance of cracks on their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (protrusions, disc herniations), osteophytes (bone growths) appear, 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 disease occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (overgrowth of the connective tissue of the vascular wall).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to the following reasons:
- The nerve that supplies the vertebral artery is compressed. It provokes a spasm of the artery, after which the blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the lumen of the vessel is narrowed or completely blocked (occlusion). Then the risk of vertebral artery syndrome increases.
- Rough compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents the 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 the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is regularly damaged, after which 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 are pressed against each other, and with age, the connective tissue breaks down. As a result, in the elderly it is an almost inevitable process. But there are many factors that contribute to the earlier and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- First of all, it is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" professions, television, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Strenuous, unnatural postures during work: for example, at a computer, a person often leans forward, taking a tense posture
- The reverse reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; but even trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are at risk;
- All reasons that disturb the natural posture of a person: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, incorrect sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight, which is often due to improper nutrition
- Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, constant fatigue
- 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 autonomic-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 of nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the functioning of other organs.
Diagnosis
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 - neurologist, orthopedist. He will question 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 refer you for additional examinations. The most effective of them is MRI, followed by computed tomography. X-ray examinations are much less effective than the first two, especially in advanced disease. The condition ofsoft tissue is checked with ultrasound If your doctor suspects damage to a blood vessel, you may be referred for a duplex scan of the blood vessels.
Since some symptoms overlap with 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 drugs, in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physical therapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be required.
Doctors have identified the main goals of 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.
- Alleviation of the inflammatory reaction, activation of regeneration processes of damaged tissues.
- Some drugs help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more liquid, which improves its quality and speed of movement.
- Expand the lumen of blood vessels, make the damaged areas thicker.
- Stabilization of blood pressure.
- It restores the normal structure of the spine, saturates the cartilage tissue with useful substances and strengthens it.
It is important to understand that complex therapy will help eliminate problems with blood circulation in the brain, but it will not be possible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with the right treatment, it is possible to delay the development of the pathology for a long time.
Carefully. You can take any drugs 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 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 blood circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators accelerate blood flow and transport of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent the formation of blood clots, as well as medicines based on aspirin. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to their walls. As a result, the blood is diluted and flows faster to the brain.
- Diuretics. These drugs prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used to accumulate excess fluid in the brain cells, the second is suitable for removing 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 the nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidation processes in the cells of the body.
- Antipsychotics. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, relieve pain for a long time. They help to cope with stress, prolonged pain, improve the condition of the spinal nerves.
However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, so taking them without the knowledge of a doctor is prohibited.
Medicines to improve cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels for osteochondrosis of the neck:
- A bronchodilator that relieves spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis - a physical therapy procedure during which drugs penetrate the body through the skin under the influence of electricity.
- 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 removes vascular spasm.
- A medicine based on the blood of cattle. It helps to 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 to expand blood vessels, which makes the blood less viscous, normalizes microcirculation, helps to get rid of dizziness.
reference. In case of a cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help relieve the pain that appears in the later stages of the pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the knowledge of a doctor, since they have many contraindications.
As a rule, during therapy, several drugs are used according to a certain regimen.
Additional treatments
Combined treatment is complemented 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 trophic of the spine. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged vertebrae are strengthened, which allows them to be easily relieved. However, to get good results, classes must be held regularly.
In the case of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis, special gymnastics is indicated.
The patient must follow the following training rules:
- Start with simple movements at a slow pace and minimal amplitude, gradually increasing the tempo.
- Before you exercise, massage your neck or take a warm shower to warm up your muscles.
- During the 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 sharp pain appears, see 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 the case of cerebral circulation disorders, it is recommended to supplement exercise therapy with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, cycle ergometer).
An additional method of treatment is physiotherapy. Electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, healing baths and acupuncture are prescribed to improve cerebral blood circulation.
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. It is also helpful 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.
In case of improper nutrition, the lack of nutrients can be compensated with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medicine.
Surgical intervention for impaired blood 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 presses on the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed, if this cannot be done for some reason, then a stent is placed in the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
True, sustainable success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be achieved only with an integrated approach that includes drugs, massage of the neck area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors contributing to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly do not recommend resorting to self-medication, first of all, because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the drugs you choose will not only not help in the treatment, but can also cause harm. Even during painful exacerbations, 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.
Acute pain relief
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 our 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, is therapeutic gymnastics. At the same time, it is 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. 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 any special conditions, but we advise you to contact the exercise therapy office, where they will choose the most effective sets of exercises for you and conduct classes underthe guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physiotherapy
The correct and constant use of physiotherapy methods improves blood circulation in the damaged areas, reduces inflammation and pain, slows down the ossification process.
For osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, 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 vertebrae
In 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 should be used with extreme caution, as unskillful and rough impact on the diseased parts of the body can only cause harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor first.
surgery
In particularly advanced cases, even surgical intervention is not excluded: narrowing of the lumen of the spine, herniation of the 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 postoperative period and rehabilitation.
Causes of disorders of cerebral circulation and venous outflow
Impaired venous outflow with cervical osteochondrosis is a frequent cause of headaches, reduced mental capacity, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to an effusion of fluid into the intercellular space. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are under enormous strain and cannot function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In principle, this situation is dangerous, as there may be a threat of a hemorrhagic stroke. There is a very high mortality even among young patients.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized with proper and timely prevention. You should think about its prevention in childhood: bad 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 the right lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercises 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 adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the deficiency of the necessary substances, there is a possibility of developing a number of complications.
Consequences of a 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.
Even if the listed conditions have started to appear, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance for healing and full restoration of the impaired functions. The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor, but to quickly start the therapy.