Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more intense clinical symptoms than such degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. This is due to the violation of blood circulation in this area, which causes oxygen starvation of the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the degree of the pathological process.

For home treatment, 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. In 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 the same for both men and women:

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal cord injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• hereditary tendency;
• nervous shocks, frequent stresses;
• constant tension of the back muscles in the cervical region.

The mechanics of the formation of osteochondrosis is associated with increased loads on this part of the spine, compensation of neck muscle spasm. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the neck area.

Symptoms

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

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
First	It seems a little. There is usually a mild strain of muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the area of nerve bundles.
Second	There is a protrusion of the discs, as a result of which the intervertebral spaces decrease and the fibrous rings begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes may intensify due to compression of nerve endings
the third	The symptoms become very severe: the pain becomes permanent and begins to spread to the shoulder and upper limbs. During palpation of the affected area, the discomfort increases sharply, there may be numbness and tingling sensations in the fingers due to the formation of tears. The mobility of the neck is disturbed, the joints become stiff
Fourth	It is characterized by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which causes 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 affecting other parts of the spine. This is due to the fact that the vertebrae are located closer to each other in this department. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs causes clinical signs to appear sharply even with small pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is often caused by compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

In this case, the symptoms may vary depending on which vertebra is subjected to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually the main symptom is pain in the neck, which is transmitted to different parts of the body: sternum, arms, jaw, etc. A characteristic crisis may occur when turning the head. Compressed nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndrome can be different:

Syndrome	Description
Root	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is descending, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and fingertips. With radicular syndrome, a feeling of abdominal pain, tingling is possible. Another characteristic is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, light swelling and the appearance of whitening.
Vertebral artery	Occurs when compressing the vertebral artery. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the superciliary region of the head, temple, nape and crown. It is usually stable but may be paroxysmal. After moving for a long time or being in an uncomfortable position, anxiety increases. When the body is weakened, the symptoms can be expanded with manifestations of nausea and loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow to the brain, the symptoms are: Hearing loss; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; Pain in the eyes
cervical migraine	It is provoked by the irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes disturbances in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This causes the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; congestion in the ears; a slight pain in the head, reminiscent of a noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache is explosive in nature and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Exacerbation of the disease causes an increase in body temperature

Treatment

It will not be 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 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 treatment.

It is impossible to self-treat with the pathology of the spine. All therapeutic measures and methods used should be discussed with a specialist, and should be applied at home with his consent. If conservative methods are not effective (if you cannot get rid of the pain), you should consult a doctor, as surgical intervention may be required.

Medicines

Analgesics are used to relieve pain with cervical osteochondrosis. 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.

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

Chondroprotectors are recommended to restore intervertebral discs. They contain substances that replace 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 muscles. They help reduce pain even more. They are used in the form of injections. Preparations containing glycerin and benzimidazole are most effective for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Vitamins are necessary to improve the permeability 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 ointment and gel. There are different types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, pain relievers.

Massage

Massage with cervical osteochondrosis should be done carefully without excessive force loads. The wrong hand therapy can cause complications. When massaging, attention should be paid to the neck area, upper back and collar area.

It is recommended to perform the procedure in a lying position. If the patient cannot take it, the therapy is carried out while sitting. The assistant can use the following techniques and methods:

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. You can apply zigzag strokes from below the neck.
2. Push-up - a blow to the deep layers of the skin with fingers along the neck (thumb and forefinger). This technique is used for tissues located far from the vertebrae.
3. Friction - 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 spine. Friction can be replaced by movements similar to sawing or circular strokes.
4. Kneading - effect on deep tissues. They are of limited use mostly away from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can massage, and most often - in a sitting position. For this, he can use techniques such as stroking the neck and shoulders, circular rubbing. 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 a Kuznetsov applicator, a special device with plastic spikes that move 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 permanently and effectively reduce pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's activity.

However, there are certain contraindications to the use of the medical device. It cannot be used for infectious, skin, tumor and vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, it is recommended that you first consult your doctor about the possibility of its use. If during the treatment with the applicator there are unpleasant feelings, if the health condition worsens, 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 8 hours of rest will help the development of the disease.

The advantage of the orthopedic product is that it is a tool not only for prevention, but also for treatment - this is the so-called position therapy. With the right choice of pillow for sleeping, pain in the neck 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. But it should be done following certain rules. It is desirable to build the training complex by a specialist and conduct the first lessons under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• it is recommended to conduct classes no later than half an hour after meals;
• you need to repeat 4 exercises during the week;
• all movements must be done smoothly, because a quick movement can cause a complication;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• if pain occurs during exercise, you should replace them with stretching and relaxing movements;
• the intensity of classes and loads should be gradually increased;
• It is recommended to replace 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 pronounced both during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to a violation of blood circulation, which is provoked by the instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that appear with symptoms of inflammation.
4. Cancer is diagnosed at any stage.
5. Blood coagulation is impaired, which means 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. High myopia was diagnosed with accompanying pathology of the fundus.

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

Starting position	A set of exercises
Standing	Neck circumference. The hands should be used as collar fasteners. When closing the neck, the thumbs should be on the lower part of the chin, and the rest should be on the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head to the left and right, stay in the prone position for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circuit is stopped and the exercise is performed again. Squat with support in hands. You should rest your palms on the counter and stand with your back to the table. You need to throw your head back a little and stretch your body up, stretch for 2 seconds at the maximum mark, then sit down without letting go of your hands and tilting your head forward. The level of squatting should be comfortable. The book is on the head. The hardcover publication should be placed on the head so that it does not move. In this case, you need to stand for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of anxiety, then the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to return the spine to a physiologically correct position. Flexion of the neck with resistance. You should put your palm on your forehead and press on it from the side of your hand. At this time, the head should hold 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 spasm and stretch the muscles. Neck extension with head resistance. The exercise is similar to the previous one. At this time, the palm is first placed behind the head and pressed on it for 20 seconds without changing the position of the head, after that it is bent, the second palm is drawn to the forehead and bilateral compression is performed 5 times. seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. The neck bends with resistance. As in the previous two exercises, use your palms to create tension. First, the head is tilted to the left, the left palm is placed on the right temple and squeezed a little, 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 while breathing and tighten the muscles. The skin in the temporal region should be pulled up with your hands. During exhalation, the tension stops and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. Hands with palms should be pressed on the cheekbones so that the tips of the spread fingers lightly press on the temples. With a slow movement of the head back and forth, the fingers should be directed smoothly up and down, when the head is bent forward, it should reach the upper part of the head, and when it is thrown back, it should fall on the cheeks. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously tense and relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Both hands should be placed behind the neck, fingers should be crossed, neck and back should be straight. In this case, you should 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 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 engage in sports if he has previously exercised, but only with a full exercise program.

ethnoscience

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the following traditional drugs for external use is recommended:

1. Horseradish leaves are pressed. 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 neck. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is recommended to wrap at night and clean 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 thoroughly mixed together. The gauze is moistened in the resulting solution, applied to the painful neck, covered with polyethylene and a warm scarf is placed 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. A compress from potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato, fried and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. Honey. As a result, the mixture is spread over the cloth attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1 st. l. powder obtained from hop cones, powder with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the painful area and isolated.
5. Decoction of Elecampane. The root of the plant of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tablespoons. l. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes at low heat, then filtered. Elecampane is used for compresses applied to the spine. The app is deleted after 20 minutes. This tool is also used for baths, and the amount of raw materials is increased by 10 tablespoons. l.

The following recipes are recommended for oral administration to relieve pain:

1. Tincture of pine buds. They are collected in the spring, choosing samples of at least 15 mm and no more than 20 mm. The collected raw materials are washed well, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. The ingredients are mixed together and taken out and stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The resulting remedy is taken 1 tsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. 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. They drink in 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes 1 tbsp is mixed. l. water with a glass of boiling water, insist 2 hours. Such a composition is taken 1 tbsp. l. an hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Infusion of celery root. 3 g of raw materials are filled with 500 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools completely and consume 20 ml before eating.
4. Bay leaf decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled containers, 300 ml of cold water is poured, boiled for 5 minutes, then brewed for 3 hours and filtered. The tool is consumed in small sips between meals throughout the day. The rest get drunk before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a break for a week and repeat. As a preventive measure, therapy is carried out every spring.

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

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