Causes, symptoms and treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more intense clinical signs than degenerative changes of this type in other parts of the spinal column. This is due to the fact that the violation of blood circulation in this area leads to oxygen starvation of the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the pathological process.

For treatment at home, with the permission of a specialist, you can use drugs aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercise and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. In addition to these conservative measures, folk remedies can be used.

The reasons

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can occur due to various factors. The reasons are the same for men and women:

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal cord injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic diseases;
• hereditary predisposition;
• nervous shock, frequent stress;
• constant tension of the back muscles in the cervical area.

The mechanics of the occurrence of osteochondrosis is associated with an increased load on this part of the spine, compensation for the spasm of their neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical area.

symptoms

Symptoms of the disease depend on the stage of the pathological process. In total, there are 4 degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis:

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
First	Appears a little. There is usually a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the area of the nerve bundle.
Second	There is disc protrusion, as a result of which the intervertebral gap decreases and the fibrous ring begins to gradually collapse. The pain syndrome may worsen because the nerve endings are pinched
Third	Symptoms become worse: the pain becomes permanent, begins to radiate to the shoulders and upper limbs. On palpation of the affected area, the discomfort increases sharply, there may be a feeling of numbness and tingling of the fingers, when a hernia is formed. Neck mobility is affected, joints become stiff
Fourth	It is characterized by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to pinching of the connective tissue. As a result of these changes, a person experiences symptoms such as: dizziness; lack of coordination; noise in the ears

The symptomatology of cervical osteochondrosis differs from diseases that affect other parts of the spine. This is due to the location in this part of the vertebrae closer to each other. The relatively small height of the intervertebral disc leads to the fact that clinical signs appear acutely even with small pathological changes in its structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region very often occurs with compression of nerve roots and spinal cord.

Symptoms in this case may vary depending on which vertebra is subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually the main symptom is pain in the neck, which spreads to various parts of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, characteristic irritation may occur. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndromes may vary:

Syndrome	Description
root	Caused by a pinched nerve. Pain decreases, sharp. It extends to the shoulders, forearms and to the fingertips. With radicular syndrome, goosebumps, tingling are possible. Other characteristic features are decreased elasticity, firmness of the skin, puffy appearance and slight whitening.
Vertebral artery	Occurs when squeezing the vertebral artery. The pain has a throbbing or burning character, affecting the superciliary area, temples, nape and crown of the head. Usually it is constant, but it can be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or being in an uncomfortable position. When the body is weak, symptoms may develop with the manifestation 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; Sore eyes
Cervical migraine	It is provoked by the irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes disturbances that occur in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; blocked ears; light pain in the head, resembling a noise
hypertension	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache has a bursting character, can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The severity of the disease leads to an increase in body temperature

Treatment

It is not possible to completely cure osteochondrosis and get rid of its manifestations permanently, but the symptoms can be eliminated. With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, you can use conservative methods aimed at reducing pain syndrome, spinal root dysfunction and preventing complications of the degenerative process in the intervertebral disc.

For this use:

• medicines;
• massage;
• exercise therapy (physiotherapy);
• folk remedies.

It is impossible to self-medicate with spinal pathology. All therapeutic measures and methods used should be discussed with a specialist, used at home with his approval. If there is no effectiveness of conservative methods (if you cannot get rid of the pain), you should see a doctor, because surgery may be necessary.

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 tract, so they should not be taken regularly.

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

To restore the intervertebral disc, chondroprotectors are recommended. They contain substances that replace the components of cartilage tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of this group of drugs is only possible with long-term use.

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

Vitamins are needed 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 simplest forms of medicine for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home are ointments and gels. There are various types of external agents: heating, anti-inflammatory, painkillers.

massage

With cervical osteochondrosis, massage should be done carefully, without excessive force load. Improper manual therapy can cause complications. When massaging, attention should be paid to the cervical area, upper back and collar area.

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

1. Stroking - a superficial effect on the skin. Done 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 use a zigzag stroke.
2. Push-up - impact on the inner layer of the skin with the fingers (thumb and forefinger) across the neck. This technique is used for tissues located far from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - development of the collar zone to warm the skin and increase blood flow. Should be used very carefully, without affecting the spinous process of the vertebra. Rubbing can be replaced with saw-like movements or circular strokes.
4. Kneading - effects on deep tissue. They have limited use especially in areas far from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can carry out the 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 carried out passively using the Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with plastic spikes that act on acupuncture points in the cervical region. Acupressure is useful because it allows you to stimulate skin receptors responsible for physiological processes in the body. In certain cases, the applicator can help reduce pain permanently and effectively, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's performance.

However, there are certain contraindications to the use of medical devices. It should not be used for infectious, skin, tumor and vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor about the possibility of using it. If during the treatment with the applicator there are unpleasant sensations, the health condition worsens, then it should be abandoned.

For effective prevention, you can use a special orthopedic pillow for sleep. With the pathology of the intervertebral disc in the cervical region, finding the head in an uncomfortable position for 8 hours of rest will contribute to the development of the disease.

The advantage of orthopedic products is that they are tools not only for prevention, but also for treatment - this is the so-called positional therapy. By choosing the right pillow for sleeping, the pain in the neck will be significantly reduced, and there is no need to use 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 training set is established by an expert, and the first class is held under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercise should be done in a well-ventilated area;
• classes are recommended to be conducted no earlier than half an hour after meals;
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 exercises;
• all movements should be done smoothly, because fast actions can cause complications;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• if pain occurs during exercise, you need to replace it with stretching and relaxing actions;
• the intensity of classes and loads must be increased gradually;
• it is desirable to replace physiotherapy 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 the pain is pronounced during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to impaired blood circulation, provoked by the instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that occur with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. Blood clotting is impaired, that is, there is a risk of thrombosis or there is a tendency to bleed.
6. Poisoning.
7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the stage of decompensation and arterial hypertension.
8. Diagnosis with high myopia with concomitant pathology of the fundus.

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

Starting position	A set of exercises
Stand on my feet	neck circumference. The hand should be used as a collar setter. When wrapping around the neck, the thumb should be located at the bottom of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head to the left and to the right, lingering in an inclined state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circuit is stopped and the exercise is repeated. Squat with support on hands. You need to rest your palms on the table, standing with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw your head back and stretch your body, linger at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, then sit down, without letting go of your hands and tilt your head forward. Squat level should be comfortable. Book on the head. It is necessary to place the hardcover edition on the head so that it does not fall out. In this state, you need to hold out for 3-4 minutes. If there is discomfort, then the time is reduced. These exercises are designed to return the vertebrae to their correct physiological position. Neck flexion with resistance. You should place your palm on your forehead and press it from the side of your hand. At this time, the head should maintain its position for 20 seconds, after which it is thrown back, and the 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 spasms and stretch muscles. Neck extension with head resistance. This exercise is similar to the previous one. In this case, the first palm is placed on the back of the head and presses 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 is bent with resistance. Just like the previous two exercises, use the palms of your hands 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.
Sit on the chair	It is necessary to place the bottom of the palm on the temple, close the jaw while inhaling and tighten the muscles. The skin in the temporal area must be pulled up with your hands. While exhaling, the tension stops, and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. The hand with the palm should be pressed to the cheekbone so that the tips of the spread fingers slightly press on the temple. With the slow movement of the head back and forth, it is necessary to smoothly point the fingers up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is tilted forward, and fall to the cheek when it is thrown back. This exercise will allow you to tense and relax the muscles simultaneously 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.

Correct and regular exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can relieve tension, increase blood flow, strengthen neck muscles and improve vertebral mobility.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises with emphasis on hands and hanging. With the permission of the doctor, the patient can play sports if he has trained before, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

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

1. Horseradish leaves compress. This plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Radish leaves must 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. Compressed stored as long as possible. It is advisable to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Compressed alcohol. You 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 thoroughly. 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, because alcohol can cause skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. Compressed potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato, grated and mashed with 2 tbsp. l. love. The resulting mixture is spread on a cloth, which is attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1 st. l. powder obtained from hop cones, triturated with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore and protected area.
5. Boil elecampane. Roots of plants of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tablespoons. l. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution was boiled for 10 minutes over low heat, then filtered. The drug elecampane is used to compress the spine. The application is issued after 20 minutes. This medicine is also used for bathing, while the amount of raw material is increased to 10 tablespoons. l.

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

1. Colored on 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 raw materials collected are washed thoroughly, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. The ingredients are mixed together 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. Colored can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
2. Celery juice. The roots of the plant are ground on a grater and the juice is squeezed out. They drink it in 1 tablespoon. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed 1 tbsp. l. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tablespoon. l. an 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 completely and take 20 ml before eating.
4. Boil bay leaves. 12 g of raw material is placed in an enamel dish, 300 ml of cold water is poured, boiled for 5 minutes, then infused for 3 hours and filtered. This tool is consumed throughout the day between meals in small sips. Drink the rest before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week off and repeat. As a preventive measure, therapy is carried out every spring.

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

• lingonberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• wild rose;
• calendula;
• hypericum;
• Horse tail;
• motherwort.