Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

For home treatment, with the permission of a specialist, it is possible to 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 due to various factors. The reasons are the same for both men and women:

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

The mechanics of the onset of osteochondrosis is associated with an increase in loads on this part of the spine, compensating for their spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this area is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical region.

Symptoms

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

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
First	It appears slightly. There is usually a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the region of the nerve bundles.
According to	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 can intensify due to pinched nerve endings
Third	Symptoms are very aggravated: the pain becomes permanent, begins to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. On palpation of the affected area, the discomfort greatly increases, there may be sensations of numbness and tingling in the fingers, while hernias are formed. The mobility of the neck is reduced, the joints stiffen
Fourth	It is characterized by complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, which leads to pinching 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 location in this department of the vertebrae much closer to each other. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical signs appear acutely even with slight pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region most often occurs with compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord.

The symptoms in this case can vary depending on which vertebrae are subject to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually the main symptom is pain in the neck, which is transmitted to various areas of the body: the breastbone, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, a characteristic crunch may occur. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness in the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndrome can vary:

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 goosebumps, tingling is possible. Another feature is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, the appearance of a slight swelling and discoloration.
Vertebral artery	It occurs when the vertebral artery is squeezed. The pain has a throbbing or burning character, it affects the brow region, the temple, the nape of the neck and the crown of the head. It is usually constant, but it can be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or 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; Pain in the eyes
cervical migraine	It is provoked by irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes disorders that occur in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; choking in the ears; mild pain in the head, resembling a noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, headache has an explosive character, it can 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, it is possible to 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;
• physical therapy (physiotherapy exercises);
• folk remedies.

It is impossible to self-medicate with a pathology of the spine. All therapeutic measures and methods used should be discussed with a specialist, applied at home with her approval. In the absence of effectiveness from conservative methods (if you can not get rid of pain), you should consult a doctor, as surgery may be required.

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 frequently.

To relieve inflammation, steroids and 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.

Chondroprotectors are recommended to restore the intervertebral discs. They contain substances that replace the components of cartilage 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 reduce pain further. 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 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 the drug for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home are ointments and gels. There are various types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, painkillers.

Massage

With cervical osteochondrosis, massage should be carried out carefully, without excessive force loads. Improper manual therapy can lead to complications. During the massage, pay attention to the cervical region, upper back and neck area.

It is recommended to perform the procedure in the supine position. If the patient is unable to take it, the therapy is performed while sitting. The assistant 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 back. From the base of the neck, you can resort to zigzag strokes.
2. Push-up: impact on the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and index finger) on the neck. This technique is used for tissues located away from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing: developing the collar area to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It should be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced by saw-like movements or circular strokes.
4. Kneading - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in the remote area from the cervical region - the upper back.

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

However, there are some contraindications to the use of a 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 using it. If unpleasant sensations occur during treatment with the applicator, the state of health worsens, then it should be abandoned.

For effective prevention, special orthopedic pillows for sleeping can be used. 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 - this is the so-called position therapy. With the correct selection of a pillow for sleeping, neck pain will be significantly reduced and it will not be necessary to resort to dangerous self-massage with intense movements.

physical therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, it must be carried out in compliance with some rules. It is desirable that the set of exercises be established by a specialist, and the first lessons be held under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• it is advisable to take lessons 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 quick action can provoke complications;
• it is necessary to check the pulse;
• if pain occurs during exercise, it is necessary to replace it with stretching and relaxation actions;
• the intensity of classes and loads must be gradually increased;
• it is desirable to alternate physiotherapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is not done 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 impaired blood circulation, which is caused by the instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that occur with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosis of 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 phase of decompensation and arterial hypertension.
8. Diagnosis of high myopia with concomitant fundus pathology.

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

Starting position	A series of exercises
Standing	Neck circumference. Hands should be used as collar fixers. When circling the neck, the thumbs should be placed at the bottom of the jaw, the rest - behind the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head left and right, lingering in a tilted state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the girth is stopped and the exercise is repeated. Squat with support on the hands. You need to rest your palms on the work surface, standing with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw your head back and stretch your body, lingering for a maximum of 2 seconds, then sit down, without releasing your hands and tilt your head forward. The squat level should be comfortable. The book is in the lead. It is necessary to put the hardcover edition over your head so that it does not move. In this state, you need to hold out for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, the time is reduced. This exercise aims to bring the vertebrae back to a physiologically correct position. Resistance neck flexion. You should put the palm of your hand on your forehead and put pressure on it from the side of the hand. At this time, the head should 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 with both hands at the same time, creating tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve spasm and stretch muscles. Neck extension with head resistance. The exercise is similar to the previous one. In this case, the palm is first placed on the back of the head and presses on 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 for 5 seconds. This exercise is for stretching 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 left palm is placed on the right temple and slightly pressed, thereby 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 while inhaling and tighten the muscles. The skin in the temporal region must be pulled up with the hands. As you exhale, the tension stops and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. Hands with palms should be pressed to 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, 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 on the cheeks when thrown backwards. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously strain and relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Both hands must be placed behind the neck, fingers crossed, while the neck and back must be straight. In this position, you need to perform sliding movements with your fingers, 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, swinging and pushing, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises with an emphasis on hands and hanging. With the permission of the doctor, the patient can play sports if he has previously practiced a workout, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

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

1. Horseradish leaf pack. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. The 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 cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is recommended to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Alcoholic pack. You will need 300 ml of medical alcohol, 10 tablets of analgin (powder), 10 ml of iodine and 10 ml of camphor alcohol. All the ingredients are carefully mixed together. In the resulting solution, gauze is moistened, applied to the sore neck, covered with polyethylene and on top of a warm scarf. The compress is stored for no more than 2-3 hours, as alcohol can provoke skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. A potato and honey wrap. 1 large raw potato, grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. L. Honey. The resulting mixture is spread over the tissue, which is attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. Hop ointment. 1st l. powder obtained from hop cones, grinded with 1 tbsp. L. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore spot and isolated.
5. Decoction of elecampane. The root of the plant of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tbsp. L. pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled for 10 minutes over low heat, then filtered. The elecampane remedy 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 tablespoons. L.

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

1. Dyeing on pine buds. They are harvested in spring, choosing specimens of not less than 15 mm and not more than 20 mm in size. The collected raw materials are carefully washed, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a 2: 1 ratio. The ingredients are mixed together, 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 it in 1 tbsp. L. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed 1 tbsp. L. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tbsp. L. one hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Celery root infusion. 3 g of raw materials are filled with 500 ml of boiling water, wait for it to cool completely and consume 20 ml before meals.
4. Laurel decoction. 12 g of raw materials are placed in enameled dishes, 300 ml of cold water is poured, boiled for 5 minutes, then infused for 3 hours and filtered. The tool is consumed during the day away from meals in small sips. The rest are drunk before bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, so 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 a general strengthening effect. Useful drinks with the use of:

• cranberry and birch leaves;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• Wild rose;
• calendula;
• hypericum;
• horsetail;
• mother.