Causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause more intense clinical symptoms than degenerative changes of this kind in other parts of the spine. 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 extent of the pathological process.

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

The reasons

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can occur under the influence of various factors. The causes are the same for men and women:

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

The mechanics of the occurrence of osteochondrosis is associated with the increased load 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 neck region.

Symptoms

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

Stage	Typical symptoms
First	It appears slightly. In general, there is a mild tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the region of the nerve bundles.
Second	Protrusion of the discs occurs, as a result of which the intervertebral spaces decrease and the fibrous rings gradually collapse. Pain syndromes may intensify due to pinching of nerve endings
Third	The symptoms intensify significantly: the pain becomes permanent and begins to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. When palpating the affected area, the discomfort increases dramatically, numbness and tingling of the fingers may appear as a hernia develops. The mobility of the neck is impaired, the 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 such changes, a person develops symptoms such as: dizziness; lack of coordination; noise in the ears

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are different from the disease affecting other parts of the spine. This is due to the vertebrae being much closer together in this class. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical symptoms appear acutely, even if minor pathological changes occur in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region very often occurs with compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

In this case, the symptoms may vary depending on which vertebrae are exposed to degenerative-dystrophic changes. Usually, the main symptom is neck pain, which spreads to different areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. A characteristic crack may occur when turning the head. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness in the tongue and fingertips. The pain syndrome can be different:

Syndrome	Description
Root	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain is decreasing, sharp. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and fingertips. With radicular syndrome, goosebumps and tingling are possible. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, the appearance of skin tightness, slight swelling and whitening.
Vertebral artery	It occurs when the vertebral artery is compressed. The pain is throbbing or burning, affects the upper ciliary region, the temples, the back of the head and the top of the head. It is usually constant, but can also be paroxysmal. The discomfort increases after prolonged movement or an uncomfortable position. As the body weakens, symptoms may include nausea and loss of consciousness. If blood flow to the brain is violated, symptoms such as: hearing loss; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; loss of visual acuity; Pain in the eyes
cervical migraine	It is triggered by irritation of the sympathetic nodes, which causes abnormalities in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reactivity and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: tinnitus; tachycardia; swelling in the ear; a slight noise-like pain in the head
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache is explosive and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Aggravation of the disease leads to an increase in body temperature

Treatment

It is not possible to completely cure osteochondrosis and permanently get rid of its manifestations, 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 purpose:

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

It is impossible to self-medicate with spine pathology. All applied therapeutic measures and methods should be discussed with a specialist and should be used at home with his approval. If conservative methods are ineffective (if you cannot get rid of the pain), consult a doctor, as surgery may be necessary.

Medicines

In case of cervical osteochondrosis, pain relievers are used to relieve pain. They can be taken in the form of tablets and capsules. However, long-term treatment with painkillers leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive system, so they should not be taken often.

Steroid and hormonal drugs are used to relieve inflammation. If painkillers do not affect the pathological process itself, these drugs relieve pain. In general, topical agents are used in the form of ointments or tablets based on hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and prednisolone.

Chondroprotectors are recommended for the restoration of 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. Medicines containing glycerin and benzimidazole are the most effective for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Vitamins are necessary 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 most convenient form of medication for treating osteochondrosis at home is ointments and gels. There are various external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving.

Massage

In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, the massage should be performed carefully, without excessive force. Inadequate manual therapy can lead to complications. When massaging, you should pay attention to the neck region, the upper part of the back and the collar area.

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

1. Stroking - surface effects on the skin. Performed with hand 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 movements.
2. Push-up - the fingers (thumb and index finger) affect the deep layers of the skin on the neck. This technique is used for tissues far from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - development of the collar zone to warm the skin and increase blood flow. It must be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced with sawing or circular motions.
4. Kneading - effect on deep tissues. They are used in a limited way, mainly in the area away from the neck region - the upper back.

The patient can perform a massage, and most - in a sitting position. For this, you can use techniques such as stroking, circular rubbing of the neck and shoulders. It is recommended to combine self-massage with rubbing ointments, which aim to increase blood flow and relieve pain.

Manual therapy can also be performed passively using the Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with plastic spikes that act on acupuncture points in the neck region. Acupressure is useful because it allows the stimulation of skin receptors, which are responsible for the body's physiological processes. In some cases, the applicator can help permanently and effectively reduce pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's performance.

However, the use of medical devices has certain contraindications. It cannot be used for infectious, skin, 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 you experience discomfort or your health worsens, you should stop using it.

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic pillows for sleeping. In the case of pathology of the intervertebral discs in the neck region, placing the head in an uncomfortable position for 8 hours of rest contributes to the development of the disease.

The advantage of the orthopedic product is that it is not only a tool for prevention, but also for treatment - this is the so-called position therapy. By choosing the right pillow for sleeping, neck pain is significantly reduced, and there is no need to resort to dangerous self-massage with intense movements.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, this must be done by following certain rules. It is desirable that the exercise sequence be compiled by a specialist, and the first lessons were held under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• the exercises must be done in a well-ventilated place;
• it is recommended to complete the classes no earlier than half an hour after a meal;
• no more than 4 training sessions should be repeated during the week;
• all movements must be performed smoothly, as fast action can cause complications;
• it is necessary to control the impulse;
• if pain occurs during training, they should be replaced by 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.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is not performed in the following cases:

1. The period of aggravation of the disease, when the pain is pronounced both during movement and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to impaired blood circulation caused by instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that present with signs of inflammation.
4. Diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. Blood coagulation is impaired, meaning 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 concomitant pathology of the fundus.

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

Starting position	Practice set
Standing on my feet	Neck circumference. The hand should be used as a collar anchor. When circling the neck, the thumbs should be located on the lower part of the jaw and the rest on the back of the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head to the left and right, staying in an inclined state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the circuit is stopped and the exercise is performed again. Squat supported on hands. You should rest your palms on the counter with your back to the table. You need to throw your head back slightly and stretch your body, lingering for 2 seconds at the maximum mark, then sit down without letting go of your hands and tilting your head forward. The squat level should be comfortable. The book is on the head. The hardcover edition should be placed on top of the head so that it does not move. In this state, it should last for 3-4 minutes. If there is discomfort, then the time is reduced. This exercise serves to restore the vertebrae to a physiologically correct position. Bending the neck with resistance. Place your palm on your forehead and apply pressure from the side of your hand. Then the head should hold its position for 20 seconds, then throw it back and place a second palm under the back of the head. Then you need to press it with both hands at the same time, 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 is first placed on the back of the head and pressed for 20 seconds without changing the position of the head, then it is bent, the second palm is placed on the forehead, and bilateral compression is performed for 5 minutes. for seconds. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. The neck bends with resistance. As with 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	The lower parts of the palms should be placed on the temples, the jaws should be closed during inhalation and the muscles should be tightened. The skin of the temporal region should be pulled up by hand. When exhaling, the tension disappears and the temple relaxes. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. The palms of the hands should be pressed against the cheekbones so that the tips of the spread fingers lightly press the temples. By moving the head slowly back and forth, the fingers should be pointed up and down smoothly, with the head tilted forward they should reach the top of the head, and when folded back they should fall on the face. This exercise allows the muscles to be strained and relaxed at the same time, and improves blood circulation. Both hands should be placed behind the neck with crossed fingers while keeping the neck and back straight. In this position, you need to make sliding movements with your fingers while tilting your head.

Proper and regular exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can relieve tension, increase blood flow, strengthen the neck muscles and improve the mobility of the vertebrae.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and pushing, weight lifting. Also avoid exercises that focus on the hands and hanging. With the doctor's permission, the patient can play sports if he has already exercised before, but only with a full exercise program.

ethnoscience

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

1. Horseradish leaves compress it. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves must be young and fresh. It is dipped in boiling water for a few seconds and then immediately placed on the cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. The poultice should be kept as long as possible. It is advisable to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. Alcohol poultice. You will need 300 ml of medical alcohol, 10 tablets of analgin (powder), 10 ml of iodine and 10 ml of camphor alcohol. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Moisten the gauze in the resulting solution, apply it to the sore neck, cover it with polyethylene and cover it with a warm scarf. The poultice is kept for no more than 2-3 hours, as alcohol can cause skin irritation. This method is contraindicated even for minor injuries.
3. Potato and honey poultice. 1 large raw potato grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. Honey. The resulting mixture is applied to the fabric, which is attached to the painful area. The poultice is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1 pc. l. powder obtained from hop cones, rubbed 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the painful area and insulated.
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. Boil the solution for 10 minutes on low heat and then filter. The remedy elecampane is used for compresses applied to the spine. The app will be removed after 20 minutes. This remedy is also used for baths, while increasing the amount of raw materials to 10 tablespoons. l.

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

1. Tincture on pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, choosing specimens at least 15 mm and at most 20 mm. The collected raw materials are thoroughly washed, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. Mix the ingredients, remove and store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The received medicine should be taken in 1 teaspoon. 3 times a day. The duration of the 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, the juice is squeezed out. Drink in 1 tablespoon. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mixed with 1 tbsp. l. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tablespoon. l. one hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Infusion of celery root. Pour 3 g of raw material with 500 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools completely, and drink 20 ml before meals.
4. Bay leaf decoction. Place 12 g of raw material in enameled containers, pour 300 ml of cold water over it, boil for 5 minutes, then infuse for 3 hours and filter. The device is consumed in small sips between meals during the day. The rest are drunk before bed. The course is 4 days, then take a week off and repeat. As a preventive measure, the therapy is carried out every spring.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you can use medicinal teas with a general strengthening effect. Useful drinks using:

• lingonberry and birch leaf;
• chamomile;
• linden flowers;
• Wild Rose;
• marigold;
• hypericum;
• ponytail;
• pearl lips.