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 vertebral cartilage is destroyed, and its bodies and processes are deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
There is rarely a person today who does not experience the 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 this widespread prevalence are sedentary work and the lack of movement of modern society.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself starting from 45-50 years of age, in women - a little later - 50-55 years. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is that signs of the disease are visible at the age of 30, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear at the age of 20.
Symptom
With prolonged injury to the vertebral artery, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. As a result of hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (decreased local blood supply), dyscirculatory encephalopathy (damage to cerebral blood vessels), and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
Cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Visual impairment, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears before the eyes, and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear in the early stages of pathology.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is disturbed, the patient staggers when walking, and the muscle tone of the upper extremities decreases. Other symptoms of cerebral circulation disorders include vertigo (dizziness), hearing loss (noise, ringing, weakening), impaired perception of objects, etc.
- Changing sleep and wake patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, sufferers feel weak, increasingly tired, sleepy during the day, and cannot sleep for long at night.
- Vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Weakness suddenly appears, the heart rate changes (increases or slows down), blood pressure jumps, and an increase in intraocular pressure is observed.
- Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after suddenly turning their heads or lowering their heads. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral arteries and a sudden decrease in blood flow.
- Mental disability. The patient becomes suspicious, irritable, and irritable for no apparent reason. His memory and attention deteriorated.
In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical osteochondrosis is also accompanied by severe cephalgia (headache). Typically, painful sensations begin in the back of the head, but can spread to the arms. In some patients, throbbing pain appears in the temples, which may be accompanied by the release of vomit. Pain reactions are exacerbated by turning or tilting the head.
With prolonged compression of the vertebral arteries, the symptoms increase and the pathology progresses. In the absence of competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term complex treatment is required.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
In the development of cervical osteochondrosis, 4 stages are usually distinguished. But this is a rather arbitrary division, since most of the symptoms of this disease can also appear in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of degradation of cervical spine tissue may not correspond to the externally visible symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the early stages, symptoms are mild and often caused by stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in the neck, pain during sudden movements or bending. 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 stage
The pain increases, becomes constant, and becomes worse with sharp bends or bends. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to get tired quickly, is dazed, and the facial area periodically becomes numb.
Third phase
The formation of a disc herniation often causes dizziness, weakness in the arms, pain radiating to the back of the head and arms, and is continuously felt in the shoulders.
Fourth stage
Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. Pinched nerves, causing difficulty moving, acute pain, increased dizziness, and tinnitus.
Causes of cerebrovascular accident in cervical osteochondrosis
To understand why blood circulation to the brain is disturbed in osteochondrosis, you need to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segments have openings that form canals, and veins, nerves and vertebral arteries pass through them. The latter arises from the subclavian artery, passes through the C6 transverse foramen (sixth cervical vertebra) and rises higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left vertebral arteries on the left and right merge, forming the artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar (anterior and posterior) arteries depart.
Based on the above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for normal blood supply to the brain. Additionally, veins and sympathetic nerves are located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is sufficient space for the neurovascular bundles. Blood vessels and nerves are not pinched even if the head is moved (rotating, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. This is a kind of cartilage cushion that softens the shock when running and jumping. This structure also protects nerves and blood vessels from damage.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs lose a lot of fluid and become brittle. Increased load provokes flattening of the cartilage cushion and the appearance of cracks in its outer shell. As a result, bulges (bulges, disc herniations), osteophytes (bone growths) appear, which injure 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 arteries. In most cases, this disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (excessive growth of connective tissue on the walls of blood vessels).
Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerves supplying the vertebral artery are compressed. This triggers spasms in the arteries, then blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral arteries. Due to constant compression, the lumen of the blood vessels is narrowed or completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
- Gross compression of the vertebral arteries, which prevents blood outflow. This can happen when turning the head, then the person experiences severe headaches and may lose consciousness.
Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, important blood vessels are often damaged, and then dangerous complications arise.
Causes and risk factors
Surprisingly, 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, connective tissue decreases. As a result, in elderly people, this is an almost unavoidable process. 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" professions, TV, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
- Unnaturally tense body posture when working: for example, at the computer, a person often leans forward, taking a tense position
- The opposite reason is too high and unusual load for a person; but even trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are at risk;
- Any cause that disrupts a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight is often caused by poor diet
- Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, overwork
- Local hypothermia
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Many vital blood 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 spinal segments that control the function of the shoulder and elbow joints, thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if left untreated, there is a high probability of pinched nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the function of other organs.
Diagnostic
Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is better to carry out a preliminary examination with a therapist or other specialist - neurologist, orthopedist. He or she will ask about pain and other symptoms, checking neck mobility, skin condition, balance, and reflexes.
If an initial diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will then refer you for additional examination. The most effective is MRI, followed by computerized tomography. X-ray examination is less effective than the first two examinations, especially in advanced disease. The condition of the soft tissues is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.
Because some of the symptoms are similar to those of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to consult a cardiologist who will refer you for an ECG and echocardiography.
Treatment features
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment must be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is drugs, in addition to them, other conservative methods are also used (physical therapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteochondrosis and panic attacks
- Restores brain function, improves blood supply, so that the organ is filled with large amounts of oxygen and nutrients.
- Relieves inflammatory reactions, activation of damaged tissue regeneration processes.
- Some drugs help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, thereby improving its quality and speed of movement.
- Expands the lumen of blood vessels, thickens the damaged area.
- 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 is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with proper treatment, the development of pathology can be slowed down for a long time.
Carefully. You can take any medications for cerebral circulation disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. If not, the symptoms of the disease can worsen or be added to by new symptoms, for example headaches due to drug dependence. When drugs are abused, blood circulation in the brain worsens.
Group of drugs to improve cerebral blood flow
The following groups of drugs will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vasodilators speed up blood flow and nutrient transport to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent blood clots, as well as aspirin-based medicines. They increase the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to their walls. As a result, blood becomes thinner and flows more quickly to the brain.
- Diuretic. These drugs prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used for accumulation of excess fluid in brain cells, the second drug 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.
- Antioxidant. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in body cells.
- Antipsychotic. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, eliminating pain for a long time. They help to overcome stress, prolonged pain, and improve the condition of the spinal cord.
However, you need to remember that all drugs 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 the intracranial vessels for osteochondrosis of the neck:
- Bronchodilators that eliminate spasms and normalize blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physiotherapeutic procedure in 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 normalizes. The drug can quickly lower blood pressure.
- The drug contains thioctic acid, which helps expand the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasms.
- Medicine based on cow's blood. It helps to normalize the condition of intracranial blood vessels, enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps dilate small blood vessels, reduce the concentration of bad cholesterol, and restore blood supply to the brain.
- Vasodilating drugs, make the blood less thick, normalize microcirculation, help eliminate dizziness.
Reference. In cases of cerebrovascular accident associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help eliminate pain that occurs in later stages of pathology. However, it is forbidden to take it for a long time without the knowledge of a doctor, because it has many contraindications.
As a rule, several drugs are used during therapy according to a certain regimen.
Additional Care
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 spinal trophism. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged spine are strengthened, resulting in some relief. But to get good results, classes must be carried out regularly.
In cases 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 speed.
- Before exercising, massage your neck or take a warm bath to warm up your muscles.
- During training, pay attention to your feelings. At first there may be 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 drawn up by the doctor, taking into account the symptoms, severity of pathology, age and general health.
Reference. It is recommended to supplement exercise therapy in case of impaired cerebral circulation with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardio exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An additional method of treatment is physiotherapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture are prescribed.
For the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat properly. The diet needs to be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, it is beneficial for patients to consume 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, nutritional deficiencies can be compensated for with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medication.
Surgery for poor circulation in the brain resulting from cervical osteochondrosis is only performed in extreme cases. The need for surgical intervention may arise if there is a large bony growth that is pressing on blood vessels. During the procedure, osteophytes are removed; if this cannot be done for some reason, then a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
Real and 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 advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Naturally, the patient should eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.
We strongly advise against self-medication, especially since the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean completely different diseases: the drugs you choose will not only not help in treatment, but can also harm. Even during a painful exacerbation, 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.
Relieves acute pain
Osteochondrosis, especially in advanced stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the first task of the treating doctor is to alleviate 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 the choice to a doctor who will consider all possible consequences and evaluate contraindications.
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
The simplest and most affordable method, including at home, is therapeutic exercise. At the same time, it is also quite effective because it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in the damaged area, and compensates for the lack of movement in daily life. Physical therapy can be supplemented with swimming and aqua 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 select the most effective set of exercises for you and conduct classes. under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physiotherapy
Correct and constant use of physiotherapy methods improves blood circulation in the damaged area, reduces inflammation and pain, and slows down the hardening 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, reduces pain symptoms and improves the patient's general well-being.
But massage and manual therapy should be used with extreme caution, since inappropriate and rough influence on diseased areas of the body can only do harm. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor first.
Operation
In very advanced cases, even surgical intervention cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the spinal lumen, formation of intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylolisthesis.
The decision regarding the need and method of surgical intervention is made by the surgeon, who also determines the preparation for the operation, the duration of the postoperative period and rehabilitation.
Causes of disorders of cerebral blood circulation and venous outflow
Violation of venous outflow in cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, persistent weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood causes effusion of fluid into the intercellular spaces. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The brain structures are under enormous stress and cannot function normally. Blood pressure levels may then start to increase. In general, this situation is dangerous because it can pose a threat of hemorrhagic stroke. This disease 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 can be minimized with proper and timely prevention. You need to think about prevention in childhood: poor posture and flat feet in a child are a reason to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
The basis for preventing osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy eating, weight control.
Complications
Chronic oxygen starvation quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. If there is no timely and adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually get worse. Depending on which part of the brain is most affected by the deficiency of essential substances, there is a possibility of a number of complications.
Consequences of cerebrovascular accident in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hypertonic disease;
- cerebral ischemia;
- heart rhythm disturbances;
- problems with orientation and coordination;
- changes in the quality and type of breathing;
- decreased mobility of the upper limbs.
Even though the conditions above have begun to appear, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance to heal and fully restore the impaired functions. The main thing is not to delay further visiting a doctor, but to start therapy immediately.