Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more severe clinical signs than such degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. This is due to the fact that a violation of blood circulation in this area leads to a lack of oxygen in 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 using drugs designed to stop inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. As a complement to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

The reasons

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

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary predisposition;
• nervous shocks, frequent tensions;
• 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, compensating for the spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical region.

Symptoms

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

Stage	characteristic symptoms
First	Appears slightly. There is usually a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the region of the nerve bundles.
Second	There is a protrusion of the discs as a result of the decrease in the intervertebral gaps and the fibrous rings begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes can intensify due to pinched nerve endings
Third	The symptoms get a lot worse: the pain becomes permanent, starts to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. On palpation of the affected area, the discomfort increases dramatically, there may be a feeling of numbness and tingling of the fingers, as the hernias form. Neck mobility is impaired, joints become stiff
bedroom	It is characterized by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to the compression 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 that affects other parts of the spine. This is due to the location in this department of the vertebrae much closer together. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical signs appear acutely even with small pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region often occurs 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 neck pain, which is transmitted to various areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, a characteristic crisis may occur. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingers. Pain syndrome can vary:

Syndrome	Description
Source	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is coming down, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and to the fingertips. With radicular syndrome, a tingling, tingling sensation is possible. Another feature is the decrease in elasticity, skin firmness, appearance of slight swelling and whitening.
vertebral artery	It occurs when compressing the vertebral artery. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the superciliary region, temple, back of the neck and crown of the head. It is usually constant but can be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or being in an uncomfortable position. When the body is weakened, symptoms can expand with manifestations of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow to the brain, symptoms such as: Hearing loss; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; eye pain
cervical migraine	It is caused by irritation of the sympathetic ganglia, which causes disorders that occur in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: buzz; tachycardia; congestion in the ears; mild pain in the head, similar to noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In the hypertensive syndrome, the headache has a bursting character and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 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, conservative methods can be used that aim to reduce painful syndromes, spinal root dysfunctions and prevent complications from 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 spinal pathology. All therapeutic measures and methods used must be discussed with a specialist, applied at home with his or her approval. In the absence of the effectiveness of conservative methods (if you cannot get rid of the pain), you should consult a doctor, as surgery may be required.

Medicines

With cervical osteochondrosis, pain relievers are used to relieve the pain. They can be taken in the form of pills and capsules. However, long-term treatment with pain relievers leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, so they should not be taken frequently.

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

To restore intervertebral discs, chondroprotectors are recommended. They contain substances that replace the components of cartilaginous tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of these drug groups is only possible with long-term use.

Muscle relaxants are used to relax the muscle structure. They help to further reduce the pain. They are used in the form of injections. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs containing glycerin and benzimidazole are the most effective.

Vitamins are necessary to improve the conductivity of nerve fibers and the state of the peripheral nervous system. Use water-soluble vitamins B1, B6, B12 and fat-soluble vitamins A, C, D.

The most convenient form of medication for treating osteochondrosis at home are ointments and gels. There are several types of external agents: heating, anti-inflammatories, analgesics.

Massage

With cervical osteochondrosis, massage must be performed carefully, without excessive force loads. Inadequate manual therapy can lead to complications. When massaging, attention should be paid to the cervical region, upper back and collar area.

It is recommended that the procedure be performed in the supine position. If the patient is unable to take it, therapy is carried out in a sitting position. The wizard can use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Stroking - superficial effects on the skin. Performed with the hands or fingertips, from the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. Starting from the base of the neck, you can resort to zigzag strokes.
2. Push-ups - impact the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and index finger) on the neck. This technique is used for tissues located far from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - the development of the collar zone to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It should be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Friction can be replaced by saw-like motions or circular motions.
4. Kneading - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use primarily in the area far from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can perform massage and more - in a sitting position. To do this, he can use techniques such as stroking, rubbing circularly 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 with the Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with plastic tips that act on acupuncture points in the cervical region. Acupressure is useful because it allows you to stimulate the skin receptors responsible for the body's physiological processes. In certain cases, the applicator can help to permanently and effectively reduce pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's performance.

However, there are certain contraindications to using a medical device. It cannot be used for infectious, cutaneous, tumor and vascular diseases. Despite the device's simplicity, it is recommended that you first consult your doctor about the possibility of using it. 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 sleeping. 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 - it is called position therapy. With the correct selection of a sleeping pillow, neck pain will be significantly reduced and there will be no need to resort to dangerous self-massage using intense movements.

exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, it must be carried out in compliance with certain rules. It is desirable that the set of exercises be established by a specialist, and the first classes are carried out 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 workouts;
• all movements must be performed smoothly, as a quick action can cause a complication;
• it is necessary to control 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 physical therapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

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

1. The period of exacerbation of the disease, when pain is pronounced during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to impaired blood circulation, caused by instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute illnesses that occur with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. Blood clotting is impaired, ie there is a risk of thrombosis or a tendency to bleed.
6. Poisoning.
7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the stage of decompensation and arterial hypertension.
8. Diagnosed with high myopia with concomitant 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. Hands should be used as a collar fastener. When circling the neck, the thumbs should be located in the lower part of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head left and right, remaining in a tilted state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circumference is stopped and the exercise is performed again. Squats with hand support. You need to place your palms on the bench, facing away from the table. It is necessary to throw the head back slightly and stretch the body upwards, remaining at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, then sit down, without releasing the hands and tilting the head forward. The squat level should be comfortable. The book is in your head. You need to put the hardcover edition on top of your head so it doesn't come off. In this state, you need to hold on for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, the time is shortened. This exercise is designed to return the vertebrae to a physiologically correct position. Neck flexion with resistance. You should place the palm of your hand on your forehead and apply pressure to the side of your hand. At this time, the head must hold 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 spasm and stretch the muscles. Neck extension with head resistance. The exercise is similar to the previous one. In this case, the palm of the hand is placed first on the back of the head and presses it for 20 seconds without changing the position of the head, after which it bends, the second palm is applied to the forehead, and bilateral compression is performed by 5 seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. The neck bends with resistance. Similar to the previous two exercises, use your palms to create tension. First, the head is tilted to the left, the palm of the left hand is placed on the right temple and lightly pressed, stretching the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
sitting on a chair	It is necessary to place the lower parts of the palms on the temples, close the jaws when inhaling and tighten the muscles. The skin of the temporal region must be pulled up with the hands. On exhalation, the tension ceases and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. The hands with the palms should be pressed on the cheekbones so that the open fingertips press lightly on the temples. With a slow movement of the head back and forth, it is necessary to gently point the fingers up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is tilted forward and fall to the cheeks when it is thrown back. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously tense and relax your muscles 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 perform 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, rocking and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises with an emphasis on hands and hanging. With the doctor's permission, the patient can play sports if he has previously trained, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

It is recommended to treat cervical osteochondrosis with the following traditional medication for external use:

1. Compress of horseradish leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves should be young and fresh. They are dipped in boiling water for a few seconds, after which they are immediately applied to the cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is advisable to make a dressing 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. In the resulting solution, gauze is moistened, applied to the sore neck, 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. I. Honey. The resulting mixture is spread on the tissue, which is fixed to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1st. I. powder obtained from hop cones, ground with 1 tbsp. I. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot and isolated.
5. Elecampane decoction. The root of the plant of the second year of life worth 2 tbsp. I. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat and then filtered. The remedy elecampane is used for compresses applied to the spine. The application is removed after 20 minutes. This remedy is also used for baths, while the amount of raw materials is increased to 10 tbsp. I.

To relieve pain, the following recipes are recommended for oral administration:

1. Tincture on pine buds. They are harvested in spring, choosing specimens with a size of at least 15 mm and no more than 20 mm. The raw materials collected are washed well, 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 remedy is taken in 1 tsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. The tincture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
2. Celery juice. The root of the plant is ground on a grater and the juice is squeezed out. They drink in 1 tbsp. I. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed 1 tbsp. I. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tbsp. I. one hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Celery root infusion. 3 g of raw material is filled with 500 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools down completely and consume 20 ml before meals.
4. Bay leaf decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled dishes, 300 ml of cold water are poured, boiled for 5 minutes, then infused for 3 hours and filtered. The tool is consumed throughout the day between meals in small sips. The rest are drunk before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week break and repeat. As a preventive measure, therapy is carried out every spring.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you can use herbal teas with an overall strengthening effect. Useful drinks with the use of:

• blueberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• Wild Rose;
• calendula;
• hypericum;
• Ponytail;
• mother.