Update: October 2018

In the modern world, almost all people over the age of 25 have this disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is much more common than in other parts of the spine. The relevance of this topic can hardly be overestimated.

In this article, we will look at why this disease occurs, how it manifests itself, how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, what drugs are effective in treating it, what non-drug methods exist, and we will also find out the answers to the most common questions of patients with a similar diagnosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion (progressive) of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. For this reason, changes occur both in the intervertebral discs themselves, and in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical region themselves.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

As a result of the action of the following factors, there is an increase in the load on the cervical spine, the neck muscles try to compensate for the excess load, their spasm occurs, blood circulation in this area is disturbed, which causes degenerative changes. Due to a number of factors, changes occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical region, their structure changes, their nutrition is disturbed, changes occur in the small joints between the vertebrae, bone growths of the vertebral bodies appear, due to the increased load on the altered intervertebral discs.

Click to enlarge - Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of any part of the spine

Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Poor posture and scoliosis
• Overweight
• Hypodynamia, sedentary work
• Previous spinal injuries
• Metabolic disease
• Great physical activity
• Stress and constant nervous tension
• Low fitness level
• hereditary predisposition
• Habitual incorrect body postures, such as holding the handset with the shoulder
• Constant tension of the back, neck due to the peculiarities of work (stress in a sitting position) among drivers, office workers.
• Anomalies of development in the cervical spine

Degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis

The degree of osteochondrosis is determined by the clinical picture and the patient's complaints. The concept of degree should not be confused with the stages of osteochondrosis. The stages will be discussed below.

First degree

clinical manifestations are minimal, the patient may complain of pain in the cervical spine of low intensity, it may increase when turning the head. Physical examination may reveal slight tension in the neck muscles.

Second degree

the patient is concerned about pain in the cervical spine, its intensity is much greater, the pain can be irradiated to the shoulder, to the arm. This occurs due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and infringement of the nerve roots. Pain is aggravated by tilting and turning the head. The patient may notice a decrease in efficiency, weakness, headache.

Third degree

symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis intensify, the pain becomes constant with irradiation to the arm or shoulder. There is numbness or weakness in the muscles of the arm, as herniated discs form (see). Worried about weakness, dizziness. On examination, there is a limitation of mobility in the cervical spine, pain on palpation of the cervical spine.

fourth degree

there is a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and its replacement with connective tissue. Dizziness intensifies, tinnitus appears, and coordination is impaired, since the vertebral artery that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.

Clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - symptoms, signs

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differ from the manifestations of this disease in other parts of the spinal column. This is due to the fact that in the cervical region the vertebrae are located closer to each other, the intervertebral discs have a relatively small height, which leads to the appearance of a clinic even with the most minor pathological processes. Also in the cervical region, compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord occurs more often.

The most common signs of cervical osteochondrosis are symptoms:

• Pain syndrome

pains can have different localization, they can be in the neck, in the occipital region, in the shoulder or upper limb. Pain in the shoulder or arm appears when the nerve root that innervates the upper limb is involved in the process. Pain in the occipital part of the head is caused by a spasm of the neck muscles that attach to the occipital bone and circulatory disorders in this area.

• Weakness in the arms

occurs when the root is damaged, which contains motor nerves that innervate the muscles of the hand.

• Decreased sensation in the hand

occurs when the root is damaged, which contains sensory nerves that innervate the skin of the upper limb.

• Restriction of movements in the cervical spine and crunching during movements

occurs due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, the appearance of bone growths on the vertebral bodies and damage to small joints between the cervical vertebrae.

• Dizziness, incoordination, weakness

all these symptoms are due to the involvement in the process of the vertebral artery, which runs in its own canal, located in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. As a result of the development of cervical osteochondrosis, the formation of fibrous tissue, displacement of the vertebrae, the blood flow in these arteries worsens, which leads to a deterioration in the blood supply to the occipital lobe of the brain and cerebellum.

• Numbness of the tongue, decreased hearing and vision

occur in severe cases with a strong deterioration in the blood supply to the occipital lobe of the brain, cerebellum and trunk.

Symptoms depending on the damaged vertebra

Separately, radicular syndromes can be distinguished, leading to certain sensory and motor disorders. They differ depending on which vertebra compresses the spinal root:

• C1: leads to numbness and impaired sensation in the back of the head;
• C2: pain in the parietal region and the back of the head;
• C3: violation of speech, sensitivity of the tongue, pain and decreased sensitivity in the direction where the spinal nerve is infringed;
• C4: pain in the heart, left hypochondrium, in the shoulder, shoulder blade, respiratory disorders, decreased tone of the neck muscles;
• C5: pain in the shoulder in the outer region;
• C6: pain radiating from the forearm to the thumb, and also from the neck to the shoulder blade;
• C7: pain in the back of the shoulder, from the neck to the shoulder blade, radiates to the forearm up to 2-4 fingers;
• C8: Pain from neck to shoulder, from forearm to little finger.

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis

Main diagnostic methods:

• X-ray of the cervical spine. It is an uninformative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
• CT scan. It shows changes in the vertebrae better, but it is difficult to determine the size and presence of intervertebral hernias, as well as the presence of disc-medullary conflict (compression of the spinal cord by a hernia).
• Magnetic resonance imaging. The most informative method. Not only bone structures are clearly visible, but also intervertebral discs, hernias, their size, direction of their growth.
• If you suspect a violation of blood flow in the vertebral arteries, apply ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method allows you to accurately determine whether there is a decrease in blood flow velocity, whether there are obstacles to normal blood flow.

X-ray stages of cervical osteochondrosis.

• Stage 1 - minimal changes in the configuration of the vertebrae, smoothness of the cervical lordosis (bending).
• Stage 2 - instability between the vertebrae, possible displacement of one vertebra relative to another, torsion (rotation around the axis of the spinal column), a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc.
• Stage 3 - a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc by ¼ relative to the disc located above, changes in the intervertebral joints, posterior osteophytes (bone outgrowths), narrowing of the intervertebral foramina and narrowing of the spinal canal, in which the spinal cord with its membranes is located.
• Stage 4 - a significant decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, significant changes in the intervertebral joints, huge posterior osteophytes, a significant narrowing of the intervertebral foramina and a significant narrowing of the spinal canal with the formation of myelopathy.

Principles of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The main methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage of the cervical-collar zone, and therapeutic exercises are especially effective for cervical osteochondrosis. The main groups of drugs used in this disease include:

Group name	Action	Dosage forms
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)	reduce pain, help relieve aseptic inflammation and swelling of the root of the damaged nerve.	voltaren, nise, movalis, ketonal, ketanov, nimesulide and others (see the full list in the article).
B vitamins	improve metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.	combilipen, unigamma, neurobion (see)
Drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood and blood flow	improve nutrition of damaged nerve roots and improve blood flow to the brain.	eufillin, trental.
Chondroprotectors	drugs that restore cartilage tissue, including in a damaged intervertebral disc.	(glucosamine and chondroitin) artra, teraflex, doppelhertz, toad stone, kondronova, structuvit, alflutop.
Muscle relaxants	drugs that relieve muscle spasm.	, sirdalud, tizalud, tizanidine, etc.

Attention! These drugs are not a prescription, they are presented for information only.

Physiotherapy in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis should be carried out without acute exacerbation. The greatest effectiveness of this technique during the recovery period. During the implementation of the complex there should be no discomfort and pain!

Exercise #1	Lying on your stomach, rest your hands on the floor, raise your head and torso, your back should be straight. Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes. Slowly lower yourself to the floor. Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise #2	Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along the body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head to the right. Repeat 6-7 times on each side.
Exercise #3	In a sitting position, while inhaling, lean forward and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhaling, lean back and throw your head back. Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise #4	While sitting, put your palms on your forehead, apply pressure with your palms on your forehead, and with your forehead on your palms. Continue this exercise for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise #5	Slowly rotate your head first in one direction, then in the other direction. 10 rotations in each direction. Watch out for dizziness. When it appears, the exercise stops.

The most frequent questions of patients with cervical osteochondrosis and answers to them

Can surgery be required for cervical osteochondrosis?

Indications for surgical intervention are the lack of effectiveness of conservative treatment for 6 months, accompanied by constant pain and signs of damage to the nerve roots, as well as myelopathy. In all other cases, the operation is not performed.

How long can NSAIDs be used?

Since most NSAIDs have side effects on the gastric mucosa, prolonged and frequent use of these drugs is not recommended. When taking this group of drugs, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician, the duration of admission can be individual, it depends on the stage of osteochondrosis, the patient's complaints and his concomitant diseases.

How effective is it to take chondroprotectors?

At the moment, there is no evidence of the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of these drugs. In such cases, doctors are of the opinion that the drug is inappropriate to use.

What is the best way to get vitamins - in the form of tablets or injections?

There is no difference in the level of assimilation of drugs with these two routes of administration. Given the pain of injection and the frequency of complications, it is recommended to take B vitamins in tablet form.

What measures should be taken without exacerbation?

It is best to do physiotherapy exercises at home, attend a massage of the cervical-collar zone 2 times a year and limit excessive stress on the cervical spine.

Diseases of the spine are unpleasant in themselves, but they pose the greatest danger if they affect the cervical region.

Even such a seemingly harmless pathology as cervical osteochondrosis, can provoke the appearance of headaches, difficulty in blood circulation, disruption of the internal organs.

If untreated, osteochondrosis can lead to the development of other, more serious diseases.

To avoid such an outcome, you need to carefully monitor your health and consult a doctor when the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear.

Fortunately, modern medicine has methods that allow you to quickly and effectively treat this disease.

What it is

Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology in which soft intervertebral pulp turns into ossified tissue. Moreover, blood vessels and nerve roots are involved in the pathogenesis. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region tends to disguise itself as various disorders.

Clinical picture

A distinctive feature of cervical osteochondrosis is pain in the neck, head, upper back. Patients may complain of dizziness, lack of air, jumps in blood pressure, nausea, numbness of the tongue, loss of consciousness. Often they suspect angina pectoris and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Classification

Cervical osteochondrosis can be classified according to the degree of development of the disease:

• 1 degree - degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the intervertebral discs;
• Grade 2 - the vertebrae themselves undergo changes;
• Grade 3 - intervertebral hernias appear.

Prevalence and Significance

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine "gets younger" literally before our eyes. A survey of patients of different ages who are prone to osteochondrosis showed that today's young people have problems with the spine much earlier (sometimes the first symptoms of the disease appear in adolescence) than in the older generation of the family.

People who were born 60-70 years ago go to clinics for osteochondrosis in adulthood and old age, although people who were born 20-40 years ago get osteochondrosis even at a young age. This trend is evidence of a significant deterioration in the health of the younger generation, caused by a decrease in the quality of nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.

Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis are found in approximately 60 percent of adults living in European countries. It has been noticed that women get cervical osteochondrosis at the age of 50-55, and men at the age of 45-50.

Risk factors

The chances of getting osteochondrosis increase in the presence of:

• anomalies in the development of the spine;
• excess weight;
• prolonged physical activity;
• bad habits (smoking);
• sedentary lifestyle;
• work involving regular exposure to vibration on the spine (for example, for drivers of vehicles);
• prolonged stress, excessive nervous tension;
• local hypothermia;
• previous injuries in the neck and neck;
• autoimmune pathologies, entailing the degeneration of cartilage tissue.

The reasons

The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis include:

• genetic predisposition;
• disturbed metabolic process;
• poor physical development.

It is difficult to establish the exact cause of the appearance and development of cervical osteochondrosis, because. this disease occurs in young and old people involved in sports and leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Psychosomatics

The development of cervical osteochondrosis indicates an inability to competently confront problems. Sometimes people become so strong and confident in their abilities that their resistance to adversity is transformed into rigidity and lack of flexibility. In this case, attempts to turn the head are accompanied by stiffness, convulsions and other unpleasant sensations.

Also, osteochondrosis can develop in people who are afraid of problems and do not know how to cope with them.. In this case, the protective reflex of the mammal is triggered, and the head is literally pulled into the shoulders. This position is considered unnatural, so after a while the muscles of the cervical region begin to hurt and deform.

Effects

Decreased muscle elasticity and joint flexibility are signs of natural aging. However, in patients with osteochondrosis, they appear much earlier than in healthy people. Osteochondrosis can cause the development of migraines, hypertension, diseases of the respiratory system, ischemia of the spinal cord and brain, stroke, etc.

Improper treatment of osteochondrosis is no less dangerous like no treatment. Inept actions of a doctor can lead to a persistent deterioration in well-being or sudden disability.

Symptoms and methods of diagnosis

The main signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:

• pain in the back of the head, neck, arm and shoulder, which is aggravated by sneezing, coughing and minimal stress on the arm;
• burning between the shoulder blades, tingling in the legs or arms, numbness;
• pain and crunching in the neck that occurs when tilting and turning the head;
• fatigue, weakness;
• fainting and dizziness that occur with sharp turns of the head;
• headaches, which usually begin in the occiput, spread to the temples and crown.

Other signs of cervical osteochondrosis include tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased visual acuity. Sometimes the disease makes itself felt with pulling pains in the region of the heart.

At the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to consult a doctor who will conduct a comprehensive examination and make a diagnosis. In this case, such diagnostic methods as MRI, laboratory tests, ultrasound, ECG can be used.

Video: "Cervical osteochondrosis"

Treatment

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease. If at the first stage there will be enough conservative drug-free treatment, then at the second and third stages, the task of the doctor is, first of all, to stop the pain syndrome. Advanced cases may require surgical treatment designed to decompress and stabilize the vertebrae.

Preparations

And did you know that…

Next fact

People with cervical osteochondrosis may be prescribed:

Group	Description	Preparations
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)	Helps relieve swelling and pain. The basis of the most commonly used drugs are active ingredients such as diclofenac sodium.	Ketoprofen ibuprofen Nimesulide Ketorolac Indomethacin
Vasodilator drugs	Helps improve blood circulation.	Eufillin Trental
Sedatives, muscle relaxants	They are prescribed additionally to alleviate the general condition of the patient and reduce the doses of NSAIDs. They simultaneously relieve nervous tension and muscle spasms, help to achieve a better therapeutic effect.	Cyclobenzaprine Sirdalud Baclofen

At the end of the course of therapy, NSAIDs should be purchased for a home first-aid kit, because. pain in the neck can periodically return (with stress, overexertion, change of weather). Consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Surgery

If after six months of conservative treatment there is no positive effect, the doctor may recommend a spinal fusion to the patient. This procedure allows you to immobilize the affected vertebral segment.. Its essence lies in the removal of the intervertebral disc, decompression of the nerve root, the installation of an implant or the creation of a physiological height of the disc space.

The operation has a lot of side effects and contraindications. So, it can cause vertebrogenic disability. That is why surgery is carried out in extreme cases.

Exercise, exercise therapy, massage

• correct posture;
• properly equip the workplace;
• do simple physical exercises, incl. at work.

A positive effect on the musculoskeletal system will have the intake of vitamins and minerals, increased physical activity, as well as swimming.

Prevention

recovery prognosis

The prognosis for qualified and timely treatment is favorable However, much depends on the age of the patient, the severity of the manifestations and the stage of the disease. It is also important to what extent a person fulfills medical recommendations regarding nutrition, lifestyle, and the elimination of bad habits.

Conclusion

Thus, in most cases cervical osteochondrosis manages to be cured. However, it is worth remembering that the disease can return at any time. To prevent this, you need to follow preventive measures and lead a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, it is worth remembering:

• The cause of osteochondrosis is difficult to establish.
• A symptom of the disease is pain in the back of the head and neck.
• Cervical osteochondrosis is treated in a complex way: drugs (mainly NSAIDs), massages, exercise therapy.

The cervical spine is the most vulnerable: the vertebrae are located close to each other and to the arteries that feed the human brain.

With the displacement of the vertebrae, the likelihood of squeezing the arteries and nerve bundles increases, which leads to the occurrence of an intervertebral hernia and protrusion (change in the structure of the spinal disc).

- a fairly serious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to the development of complications.

In advanced cases, not only bone and muscle tissues are affected, but also arteries and the brain.

To avoid these complications, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Comments

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine treatment must be comprehensive.

Particular attention is paid to nutrition.

The diet should be formed in such a way that the patient's nutrition is balanced and low-calorie.

Particular attention is paid to ensuring that a person receives the necessary amount of minerals and vitamins with food..

At the same time, the amount of salt entering the body should be minimized.

Comments

Destructive changes as a result of dystrophic processes developing in the bone and cartilage tissues of the spine are most typically manifested in the cervical region.

According to statistics, pathology in this segment is diagnosed in half of patients suffering from osteochondrosis of the spine.

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine, in which damage to the intervertebral discs is noted in the form of their deformation, decrease in height, and stratification. The manifestations of this pathology are diverse, but they can be combined into several syndromes. Depending on the severity of symptoms, changes in the intervertebral discs, their surrounding structures, several stages of osteochondrosis are distinguished. Before treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to find out why various medications, physiotherapy and surgical methods are needed.

General information

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine most often develops in people over 35 years old, but sometimes its manifestations are observed at the age of 18–30 years.

The cervical spine consists of vertebrae, the most mobile of them are usually affected - the 5th, 6th, 7th.

The structure of the cervical spine.

Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which are a special form of the most durable cartilaginous connection of bones. They provide the ability of the spinal column to withstand significant loads and its mobility.

Each intervertebral disc is made up of:

• Pulpous (gelatinous) nucleus, which is a gel-like mass.
• Fibrous dense ring surrounding the nucleus of the disc.
• Two thin plates of white fibrocartilage covering the discs above and below.

The intervertebral discs are connected to the vertebral bodies by means of a ligamentous apparatus.

The structure of the vertebrae, intervertebral disc.

Causes of osteochondrosis

In people older than 20 years, the vessels that feed the intervertebral discs become overgrown. In the future, these structures receive all the necessary substances by diffusion from adjacent vertebrae, but often these processes are insufficient for normal metabolism in the discs.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine most often develops under the influence of:

• hereditary predisposition.
• Anatomical anomalies of the cervical region.
• Overweight.
• Sedentary lifestyle associated with sedentary work, lack of physical activity.
• Injuries of the spine in the neck, including bruises, fractures.
• Violations of metabolic processes in the body.
• age changes.
• Excessive physical activity.
• Frequent psycho-emotional stress.

These factors exacerbate the impaired nutrition of the intervertebral discs. As a result of this, the nucleus pulposus flattens and becomes less elastic. The load on the fibrous rings increases, which is accompanied by their stretching, exfoliation, and the formation of cracks in them.

Against the background of such degenerative changes, the intervertebral disc may protrude towards the spinal canal. Irritation of the posterior longitudinal ligament, rich in nerve endings, is accompanied by local pain.

With the progression of the disease, the posterior longitudinal ligament is torn, the intervertebral disc protrudes into the spinal canal, this condition is called hernia. At the same time, it develops radicular syndrome caused by irritation of the nearest spinal root, local autoimmune inflammation. If the radicular-spinal arteries are compressed, the blood supply to the spinal cord is disrupted.

Healthy and modified intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is accompanied by the formation - outgrowths from bone tissue on the bodies, processes of the vertebrae. These formations can also compress the roots of the spinal nerves or the spinal cord.

Osteophytes on the vertebral bodies.

First signs

Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region at the initial stage is accompanied by tension, rapid fatigue of the muscles in this area. In the future, discomfort, pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulders, aggravated by bending, turning the head, join.

Dizziness, headaches are another first signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men. Sometimes a person experiences pain, a feeling of numbness, tingling in the hands after a night's sleep.

Main symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is most often characterized by:

• radicular syndrome;
• vertebral artery syndrome;
• cardiac syndrome.

Some people have reflex dystrophic syndromes, discogenic cervical myelopathy. Also, disturbances in the emotional sphere, panic attacks with cervical osteochondrosis are often noted.

radicular syndrome

Manifestations of radicular syndrome are caused by compression (compression) of the roots of the spinal nerves by herniated discs, osteophytes of the bodies, processes of the vertebrae themselves. As a result of compression of nerve fibers, a local inflammatory reaction develops, which is accompanied by pain in the cold of the affected nerve.

Strangulated nerve root.

Therefore, with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, symptoms such as pain in the neck, arms, and back area occur. There may be discomfort in the region of the heart, stomach.

If the pain in the neck persists constantly, aggravated by turning, tilting the head, this condition is called cervicalgia. Also, pain sensations can have the character of backaches, give into the hand, they are called cervicago.

In those areas that the affected nerve innervates, there is a pronounced decrease in sensitivity. Muscles in this area become weaker, their atrophy may be noted, which is accompanied by a decrease in their volume.

vertebral artery syndrome

The vertebral artery is a paired blood vessel that provides blood supply to the brain by 15–30%. When squeezing the vertebral artery by altered intervertebral discs, growths of the vertebrae, various chronic manifestations of oxygen deficiency in the central nervous system are noted.

Compressed vertebral artery.

In the development of this condition, 2 stages are distinguished: functional (vasomotor), organic (ischemic). In the first of these, the main symptoms of the vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis are frequent headaches. They become more pronounced with movements of the head, as well as when maintaining one position for a long time. The pains are baking, aching or pulsating in nature, felt in the occipital, temporal, frontal areas.

Dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis is also characteristic of the functional stage of this syndrome. Its intensity is different: from a feeling of instability to a feeling of a sudden fall or a rapid rotation of the body.

Sometimes hearing is reduced, a person may be disturbed by tinnitus. There are visual disturbances in the form of flies, flashes before the eyes.

With the progression of the pathology, the ischemic stage occurs. It is characterized by temporary disorders of cerebral circulation in the form of transient ischemic attacks, the occurrence of which is often provoked by a rapid tilt or turn of the head.

There are several variants of the vertebral artery syndrome observed in cervical osteochondrosis, the manifestations of which have their own characteristics:

• Drop attacks.
• Barre-Lieu syndrome (posterior cervical sympathetic syndrome, cervical migraine).
• Basilar migraine.
• Vertebral syncopal syndrome.
• ophthalmic syndrome.
• Syndrome of autonomic dysfunction.
• ophthalmic syndrome.
• Cochleo-vestibular syndrome.
• Transient ischemic attacks.

During drop attacks, a person suddenly falls, throws back his head, and cannot move. Loss of consciousness is not noted, the ability to move independently is restored in a few minutes. This condition is caused by insufficient blood flow to the cerebellum, the brain stem.

Cervical migraine syndrome occurs due to compression by altered intervertebral discs or osteophytes of the nerve plexuses surrounding the vertebral arteries. This condition is characterized by dull headaches that periodically become throbbing. They usually occur if you have to maintain a forced head position for a long time, for example, this often happens after sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow, while working at a computer. Such headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical region become stronger when descending, climbing stairs, shaking while riding in transport, walking fast. The pains are located on one side in the occipital region, spread to the anterior parts of the head. They can last from a few minutes to hours.

Also, with Barre-Lieu syndrome, during an attack of pain, there is a violation of the sensitivity of the skin of the neck, head, numbness, a feeling of cold, burning. There may be pain in the eye area, the appearance of a feeling of their "bulging", the appearance of flies, fog in front of them, a transient decrease in vision. Sometimes a person experiences a sensation of a lump in the throat with cervical osteochondrosis against the background of this syndrome. In severe cases, sleep disturbances, fainting, memory impairment are possible.

Vestibulo-atactic syndrome is another cause of dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis. This condition is accompanied by bouts of imbalance, instability, darkening in the eyes. Often this condition is accompanied by shortness of breath, pain, discomfort in the region of the heart.

Vestibulo-atactic syndrome is accompanied by bouts of imbalance, instability, darkening in the eyes.

Manifestations of syncopal vertebral syndrome occur due to insufficient oxygen supply to the reticular formation of the brain. This condition is accompanied by a short-term fainting, which is noted when the head and neck are in a forced position for a long time.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women, men in the form of pain, a feeling of sand in the eyes, sparks in front of them are one of the manifestations of the ophthalmic syndrome. There is a decrease in visual acuity, which is more pronounced with increased eye strain, partial loss of visual fields is possible. There is lacrimation, redness of the conjunctiva is noticeable.

An attack of basilar migraine begins with a decrease in vision in both eyes, tinnitus, gait disturbance, and blurred speech. Dizziness is also noted with cervical osteochondrosis of this variant of the course. Then there is a severe headache in the occipital region, accompanied by vomiting, the attack ends with a loss of consciousness.

With the development of cochleovestibular syndrome, when the vertebral artery is involved in the pathological process, tinnitus appears, a person notices hearing loss, and the perception of whispered speech is especially difficult. A feeling of instability of one's body in space, a feeling of rotation of nearby objects is characteristic.

Autonomic dysfunction syndrome reflects disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system in response to compression of the vertebral artery, the nerve fibers located around it. It is characterized by a feeling of heat, bouts of chills, increased sweating. Feet, palms become cold, wet to the touch, there are stabbing pains in the region of the heart. Vegetative symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women usually accompany manifestations of other syndromes.

Transient ischemic attacks are sudden attacks of incoordination, severe dizziness, speech disorders, nausea, and vomiting. If a person takes a horizontal position, these manifestations usually decrease. After such an attack, headache, weakness, flies, flashes before the eyes, tinnitus persist for some time.

Sometimes there is an increase in blood pressure with cervical osteochondrosis, which is also a consequence of compression of the vertebral artery. As a result, the area of ​​the brain responsible for the regulation of pressure suffers from a lack of oxygen. The same nerve impulses arise in it, as in low blood pressure, under the influence of which it rises sharply.

Cardiac Syndrome

Manifestations of this condition occur with reflex irritation of the phrenic nerve. Suddenly there are pains in the region of the heart, they are aggravated by neck movements, deep breathing, coughing.

Such pains resemble an angina attack, but they do not stop after taking nitroglycerin, they persist for several hours.

Reflex dystrophic syndromes

These conditions are reflex lesions of the joints, muscles of the upper half of the body, developing as a result of osteochondrosis. One of them is pain humeroscapular syndrome (humeroscapular periarthritis), associated with changes in the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. It becomes difficult for a person to raise his hands to take any object, there is discomfort when putting his hands behind his back. There are aching pains around the joint, in the shoulder girdle, sometimes in the region of the scapula, which become shooting when moving.

Shoulder joint tissues involved in the pathological process in case of humeroscapular syndrome.

Shoulder-costal syndrome is characterized by aching, aching pain that occurs when the muscles of the shoulder girdle and chest are stressed. First, discomfort is noted in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blade, then spread to the neck, shoulder girdle, shoulder.

Discogenic cervical myelopathy

This condition develops when the spinal cord, its large vessels are compressed by herniated intervertebral discs, altered structures of the cervical vertebrae.

Spinal cord compression in discogenic cervical myelopathy.

Lower spastic paraparesis occurs - a decrease in the muscle strength of the lower extremities, accompanied by an involuntary increase in the tone of the following muscles: plantar flexors of the foot, extensors of the knee, hip joint, adductors of the thigh. At the same time, upper atrophic paraparesis develops, in which there is a decrease in the strength of the muscles of the upper limbs, a decrease in their volume.

The sensitivity in the hands decreases, there is a feeling of crawling in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe brushes. Sensitivity in the area of ​​the trunk and lower extremities is also often disturbed.

Panic attacks, emotional disturbances

Panic attacks are attacks of severe anxiety or internal tension, accompanied by signs of dysfunction of the autonomic system in the form of:

• rapid heartbeat;
• difficult breathing;
• sweating;
• pain, discomfort in the left half of the chest;
• chills
• nausea.

Sometimes during a panic attack on the background of cervical osteochondrosis, there is a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Also often with cervical osteochondrosis there are dizziness, fears, depression. All of these conditions can occur against the background of compression of the vertebral arteries, nerve fibers that surround them. In some cases, anxiety, depressive disorders occur in osteochondrosis, but develop as independent diseases.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

With the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis goes through several stages in its development.

Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the cervical region (preclinical stage)

At this stage, small cracks appear in the fibrous ring, the intervertebral disc becomes less elastic, its height decreases.

1 degree of osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region at this stage is accompanied by muscle tension, discomfort. There is a slight smoothing of the cervical lordosis(physiological curvature of the spine in the form of its bulge forward). Sometimes there are pains in this area, a temporary decrease in sensitivity in the collar zone is possible.

Osteochondrosis 2 degrees

The fixing ability of the intervertebral disc weakens, resulting in instability (instability) of the vertebra. The roots of the spinal nerves are compressed, which leads to pain of a shooting character. These sensations are aggravated by tilting, turning the head. During the latter, a crunch can also be heard.

Changes in the intervertebral disc with 2 degrees of pathology.

There is a feeling of weakness in the hands, numbness of the skin of the face, neck, and sensitivity in the upper limbs also decreases. Vision deteriorates, tinnitus is noted.

Osteochondrosis 3 degrees

At this stage, there is a rupture of the intervertebral disc with the formation of a hernia or without its formation. Pain in the neck, collar zone become more pronounced, constant, give into the hands.

Changes in osteochondrosis 3 degrees.

Violations of the sensitivity of the skin on the head, neck, upper limbs are intensifying. Movements in the hands are disturbed, which is associated with a decrease in muscle strength as a result of damage to the nervous system.

Osteochondrosis 4 degrees

Usually at this stage, destruction of several intervertebral discs is noted with damage to the vertebrae adjacent to them. Often the pain becomes constant, aggravated by movement.

4 degree of the disease.

Severe headaches, impaired coordination of movements are noted, and sensitivity disorders are intensified.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, not only intervertebral discs, vertebrae, but also nerve fibers, blood vessels are involved in the pathological process, sometimes the spinal cord, muscles, and joints of the upper half of the body are affected. Symptoms of the disease are diverse, reminiscent of signs of other pathological conditions. In the event of manifestations of osteochondrosis, you should immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Before treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to find out why various medications and physiotherapeutic methods are needed. In the presence of certain indications, surgical treatment of this pathology is performed. Compliance with preventive measures will avoid the development of osteochondrosis.

First aid for severe pain

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the event of severe pain should first of all be aimed at their relief. For this, such drugs with analgesic properties as Baralgin, Analgin, Diclofenac, Nise, Movalis are used. They are taken orally, to achieve a faster effect in cervical osteochondrosis, injections of solutions of these drugs are recommended.

Sometimes a pepper patch is used, this remedy irritates skin receptors, improves blood circulation in the area of ​​application. As a result of this distraction, the pain experienced seems to be less pronounced.

Physiotherapy

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women, men with the help of physiotherapy is aimed at:

• elimination of pain;
• reduction of inflammation;
• relaxation of spasmodic muscles;
• improvement of metabolic processes, blood supply in the affected area;
• release of the roots of the spinal nerves, restrained by osteophytes (bone growths on the vertebrae).

In osteochondrosis, physiotherapeutic methods such as electrophoresis, phonophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, balneotherapy, vibration exposure, massage, and physiotherapy exercises are used.

With electrophoresis, drugs penetrate the skin into the tissues of the collar zone under the influence of an electric current. With phonophoresis, drugs are injected into the neck area under the influence of ultrasound. Usually, anesthetic drugs lidocaine, novocaine are used for such procedures.

During magnetotherapy, a magnetic field of constant frequency is applied to the spine. At the same time, its inductors are placed opposite each other in such a way that the cervical region is in the center of the magnetic field.

During laser therapy, a beam with a fixed wavelength is applied to the areas where the inflamed roots of the spinal nerves are located, as well as to the paravertebral zone. This helps to improve metabolic processes in tissues, reduce pain, inflammation.

Ultrasound therapy promotes local improvement of metabolic processes, reduction of inflammatory reactions, pain syndrome.

A special tape massager is used to influence vibration. Due to the effect of mechanical vibrations, this procedure stimulates regional blood circulation, eliminates muscle spasm and pain.

Balneotherapy - treatment with mineral waters in the form of taking baths, showers with them. The procedure improves local metabolic processes, reduces inflammation, helps to reduce pain.

Exercise therapy in the presence of cervical osteochondrosis strengthens muscles, eliminates their spasm, helps to get rid of such symptoms of the disease as pain in the neck, shoulders, dizziness. You can not perform any physical exercises during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis. With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, circular movements of the head, tipping the latter back are contraindicated.

Massage

Many are interested in whether it is possible to do massage with cervical osteochondrosis. This procedure allows you to eliminate pain, strengthen muscles, relieve tension in the neck.

When a therapeutic massage is performed for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a person should be in a prone position, pull his chin to his chest, put his forehead on his hands. During the procedure, the neck muscles should be in a relaxed state.

If pain is noted only on one side, massage begins with a healthy part of the body.

Massage begins with stroking the collar zone in the direction from the spine to the supraclavicular, axillary areas. Then squeezes are performed, for this the masseur puts his hand with an edge perpendicular to the spine, moves it from top to bottom. In the future, in order to warm up the muscles, improve local blood flow, rubbing is used. Fingers perform straight, circular movements, starting from the base of the skull. Then, in a circular motion, knead the muscles in the region of the collar zone. To complete the massage, vibrational movements are used in the form of tapping, shaking, and also stroking.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs

Many are interested in how to treat cervical osteochondrosis with medication. Therapy usually begins with injectable forms of drugs, then therapy is continued with tablets, topical agents.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These drugs are used to treat symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. They reduce inflammation, swelling in the affected area, thereby reducing the severity of pain.

Movalis in the form of injections quickly eliminates pain in osteochondrosis.

Representatives of this pharmacological group include the following active substances:

• Nimesulide, produced in the form of tablets of the same name. It is also contained in granules for the preparation of a suspension in the preparations Nimesil, Nise, Nemulex. The active ingredient is part of the gels Nise, Nimulid.
• Ketoprofen. This active substance is contained in tablets, capsules Ketonal, Flexen, Ketoprofen, Flamax, Artrozilen, Profenid. The following injections are also used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with ketoprofen: Artrosilen, Flamax, Ketonal, Flexen. Gels containing this active ingredient include Flexen, Artrozilen, Fastumgel, Bystrumgel.
• Diclofenac. It is part of the tablets Voltaren, Diclomelan, Diclofen, Veral, gels for external use Diclovit, Voltaren, Dicloran. An ointment is also used for cervical osteochondrosis called Diclofenac, Ortofen. Diclofenac is contained, for example, in injection solutions such as Voltaren, Diclomelan.
• Ketorolac, produced in tablet form and in the form of injection solutions under the names Ketarol, Ketanov. Ketarol gel containing ketorolac is also available.
• Meloxicam, contained in a solution for injection, Movalis tablets.

Ortofen - ointment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which has an analgesic effect.

Muscle relaxants

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women, men with the help of such drugs helps to eliminate spasm from the skeletal muscles, reduce pain. Sirdalud, Tizanidin-Teva, Tizalud - tablets for cervical osteochondrosis containing a centrally acting muscle relaxant tizanidine. This substance inhibits the release of a number of amino acids in spinal cord neurons, which leads to inhibition of the mechanism that increases muscle tone. As a result of this action, a muscle-relaxing effect occurs.

Sirdalud eliminates local muscle spasm, has a local anesthetic effect.

Another drug from this group is Mydocalm, containing a muscle relaxant with a central mechanism of action, tolperisone. This tool slows down the conduction of impulses in nerve fibers, blocks spinal reflexes, thereby reducing excessively increased muscle tone.

In addition to eliminating spasm of the muscles of the cervical region, Mydocalm has a local analgesic effect, improves regional blood supply.

group vitaminsB

These funds are used to improve metabolic processes in the nervous tissue, they also have analgesic properties. Representatives of this group are Milgamma, Neurobion.

Milgamma is available in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection, dragee. The composition of the solution includes thiamine (B 1), cyanocobalamin (B 12), pyridoxine (B 6), as well as the local anesthetic lidocaine. These vitamins, when used together, enhance the beneficial effect of each other on the state of nerve fibers.

Dragee Milgamma Compositum contain pyridoxine, benfotiamine (a fat-soluble analogue of vitamin B1).

Neurobion in the form of a solution also contains a complex of vitamins B 1 , B 6 , B 12 . The composition of the tablets of the same name includes all 3 of these vitamins.

Chondroprotectors

The action of these funds is aimed at stimulating the restoration of damaged cartilage tissue. One of them is Alflutop solution. For the treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, intramuscular injections of this drug are indicated. Its active ingredient is a bioactive concentrate obtained from small marine fish, including chondroitin sulfate, peptides, amino acids, copper, calcium, zinc, sodium, and potassium ions.

Alflutop normalizes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, prevents the destruction of cartilage tissues, stimulates their recovery, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Teraflex is produced in the form of capsules containing chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine. The latter promotes increased production of cartilage matrix, protects cartilage tissue from damage by various chemicals. Chondroitin sulfate is a substrate for the synthesis of healthy cartilage, stimulates the processes of their formation, restoration, inhibits the activity of elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes, which contribute to the destruction of cartilage tissue.

Other drugs that improve the condition of the cartilaginous tissue in the spinal column include Kondronova, Artra, Chondroflex, Tazan.

Orthopedic bandages

The Shants collar with cervical osteochondrosis is used to fix and stabilize this section of the spine. The use of such an orthopedic bandage allows you to provide peace to the neck in case of pain, relieve the load on the muscles, eliminate their spasm, and normalize blood circulation in this area.

You should choose an inflatable Shants collar for cervical osteochondrosis. The product must be worn no more than 2.5-3 hours a day, its longer use during the day can lead to dizziness, headaches. The minimum period during which you need to use the Shants collar is 1 month.

Surgery

Before you cure osteochondrosis of the cervical region with the help of surgery, it is important to understand in which cases surgical interventions are performed. Absolute indications for surgical treatment include:

• Compression (squeezing) of the vertebral artery.
• Compression myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord).
• Compression of the roots of the spinal nerves, accompanied by motor disorders.

Compression of the vertebral artery in osteochondrosis.

Relative indications for surgical treatment of osteochondrosis are:

• Frequent, long-term pain.
• Lack of effect from ongoing conservative therapy.
• Vertebral instability.

Discectomy is an operation to remove a herniated intervertebral disc, for which an incision up to 5 cm long is made on the anterior surface of the neck under general anesthesia. Sometimes the vertebral body is removed along with the intervertebral disc, such a surgical intervention is called corpectomy. The intervertebral disc is replaced with a bone fragment obtained from the patient's own pelvic bone or with an artificial graft. Then stabilization of the spine is performed, during which the connection of the cervical vertebrae is performed ( spinal fusion), as a result of which they grow together in the future. This operation allows you to stop excessive movements between the cervical vertebrae, eliminate compression of the spinal nerves.

If the size of the intervertebral hernia is not more than 0.6 cm, endoscopic discectomy is performed. During such an operation, a skin incision of no more than 1 cm is made, then special instruments are inserted into it, a tube with a video camera, while the surgeon controls the progress of the operation through the monitor.

Endoscopic discectomy.

Prevention of the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis

If you have a sedentary job, it is important to get up several times during the day from a place to do a warm-up. It is necessary to add foods rich in calcium and magnesium to the diet. These include, for example, spinach, nuts, legumes, fish, and dairy products. It is recommended to exclude or reduce the consumption of smoked meats, flour products, sweets, too spicy, salty foods.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis also necessarily includes sports, to prevent the development of this pathology, swimming and yoga are most effective. After the age of 25, it is recommended to avoid shock loads on the spine, which often accompanies running and jumping.

With cervical osteochondrosis, you should not:

• Carry out treatment independently, without the supervision of a doctor.
• Adhere to a sedentary lifestyle.
• Lift weights. If this cannot be avoided, such actions should be performed with a straight back, without tilting the head.

For many, it is important to know how to sleep with cervical osteochondrosis. With this pathology, a soft bed, a high pillow is not suitable. It is recommended to choose a firm mattress, a small pillow, and the angle of neck flexion should not exceed 15 °.

The figure shows how to sleep properly with cervical osteochondrosis.

To reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, muscle spasm, improve local metabolic processes in cervical osteochondrosis, drugs are used in the form of tablets, capsules, injections, ointments, gels. Also, the complex treatment of this pathology includes the use of physiotherapeutic methods, orthopedic bandages, which also reduces the severity of symptoms. In the absence of a sufficient effect of the ongoing conservative therapy, surgical treatment is used.

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

For treatment at home, with the permission of a specialist, you can resort to the use of medications aimed at stopping inflammation and pain. Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective, but they also have their limitations. As an 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 identical 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 occurrence of osteochondrosis is associated with increased loads on this part of the spine, compensation for their spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this zone is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical region.

Symptoms

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

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
First	Appears slightly. Usually there is a slight tension of the muscle ligaments and a mild pain syndrome in the area of ​​the nerve bundles.
Second	There is a protrusion of the discs, as a result of which the intervertebral gaps decrease and the fibrous rings begin to gradually collapse. Pain syndromes may intensify due to pinched nerve endings
Third	The symptoms become much aggravated: the pain becomes permanent, begins to radiate to the shoulder and upper limbs. On palpation of the affected area, discomfort increases sharply, feelings of numbness and tingling of the fingers may occur, as hernias form. The mobility of the neck is impaired, the joints become stiff
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 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 minor pathological changes in their structure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region very often occurs with compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

Symptoms in this case may 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 sternum, arms, chin, etc. When turning the head, a characteristic crunch may occur. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndrome may vary:

Syndrome	Description
Root	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain has a descending, acute character. It extends to the shoulder, forearm and to the fingertips. With radicular syndrome, you may feel goosebumps, tingling. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in elasticity, firmness of the skin, the appearance of slight swelling and blanching.
Vertebral artery	Occurs when squeezing the vertebral artery. The pain has a pulsating or burning character, affects the superciliary region, temple, 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 weakened, the symptoms may 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 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; stuffiness in the ears; mild pain in the head, resembling noise
hypertensive	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache has a bursting character, 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, 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 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 his approval. In the absence of effectiveness from conservative methods (if you can not get rid of the 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. The most popular and effective drugs from this group are Piroxicam and Diclofenac.

To relieve inflammation, steroid, 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 discs, chondroprotectors are recommended. They contain substances that are substitutes for cartilage tissue components - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of these groups of drugs is possible only with long-term use.

Chondroprotectors

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

Vitamins are necessary 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 medication for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home is ointments and gels. There are various types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, painkillers. The most popular drugs are Fastum-gel, Nurofen, Voltaren Emulgel.

Massage

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

1. 1. Stroking - superficial effects on the skin. Performed with hands or fingertips, from the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. From the base of the neck, you can resort to zigzag strokes.
2. 2. Push-ups - impact on the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and forefinger) across the neck. This technique is used for tissues located away from the vertebrae.
3. 3. Rubbing - development of the collar zone in order to warm up the skin and increase blood flow. Should be used with extreme caution, without affecting the spinous processes of the vertebrae. Rubbing can be replaced by movements resembling sawing or circular strokes.
4. 4. Kneading - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in the area remote from the cervical region - the upper back.

The patient can carry out 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.

Applicator Kuznetsov

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 in that it allows you to stimulate skin receptors that are responsible for physiological processes in the body. In certain cases, the applicator can help to permanently and effectively reduce pain, normalize blood circulation and restore the patient's performance.

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

For effective prevention, you can use special orthopedic pillows for sleeping. With 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, 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. However, it must be carried out in compliance with certain rules. It is desirable that the set of exercises be established by a specialist, and the first classes were held under his supervision.

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercises should be performed in a well-ventilated area;
• classes are recommended to be carried out no earlier than half an hour after eating;
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 workouts;
• all movements should be performed smoothly, since a quick action can provoke a complication;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• if pain occurs during exercise, you need to replace them with stretching and relaxing actions;
• the intensity of classes and loads must be increased gradually;
• it is desirable to alternate exercises of physiotherapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

A simple exercise for proper breathing

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is not performed in the following cases:

1. 1. The period of exacerbation of the disease, when pain is pronounced both during movement and at rest.
2. 2. Dizziness occurs due to impaired blood circulation, provoked by instability of the vertebrae.
3. 3. There are acute diseases occurring with signs of inflammation.
4. 4. Diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. 5. Impaired blood clotting, that is, there is a risk of thrombosis or there is a tendency to bleed.
6. 6. Poisoning.
7. 7. There are cardiovascular diseases in the stage of decompensation and arterial hypertension.
8. 8. Diagnosed with high myopia with concomitant pathology of the fundus.

Starting position	A set of exercises
Standing on my feet	1. Neck girth. Hands should be used as a collar fixer. When girthing the neck, the thumbs should be located in the lower part 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 an inclined state for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, the girth is stopped and the exercise is performed again. 2. Squats based on hands. You need to lean your palms on the countertop, standing with your back to the table. It is necessary to slightly throw back your head and stretch your body up, lingering at the maximum mark for 2 seconds, then sit down, without releasing your hands and tilting your head forward. The squat level should be comfortable. 3. Book on the head. It is necessary to place the hardcover edition on top of the head so that it does not move out. In this state, you need to hold out for 3-4 minutes. If there is a feeling of discomfort, then the time is reduced. This exercise is designed to return the vertebrae to a physiologically correct position. 4. Flexion of the neck with resistance. You should put your palm on your forehead and apply pressure on 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 a second palm is placed under the back of the head. Then you need to simultaneously press with both hands, creating tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve spasm and stretch muscles. 5. 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 used to stretch the vertebrae. 6. Neck bends with resistance. Similar to the previous two exercises, use the 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	1. 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 your hands. On exhalation, the tension stops, and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. 2. 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 smoothly direct the fingers up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is tilted forward, and fall to the cheeks when it is thrown back. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously strain and relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. 3. Both hands should be placed behind the neck, fingers crossed, while the neck and back should be straight. In this position, you need to perform sliding movements with your fingers, while tilting your head.

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region

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 an emphasis on the hands and hanging. With the permission of the doctor, the patient can play sports if he has previously practiced training, but only with a complete exercise program.

ethnoscience

1. 1. A compress of horseradish leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves should 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. The compress is kept as long as possible. It is advisable to make a bandage at night and clean it in the morning.
2. 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. 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, since alcohol can provoke irritation of the skin. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. 3. A compress of potatoes and honey. 1 large raw potato, grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. honey. The resulting mixture is spread on the fabric, which is attached to the painful area. The compress is removed after 2 hours.
4. 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 spot and insulated.
5. 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. An 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 tbsp. l.

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

1. 1. Tincture 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 collected raw materials are thoroughly washed, 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 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. 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 for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tbsp. l. an hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. 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 meals.
4. 4. Decoction of bay leaf. 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 throughout the day between meals in small sips. The rest is drunk before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week break and repeat it. 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:

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

If you list the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis - almost every adult will say that he felt them. This disease really has a significant prevalence: in developed countries it occurs in 60-80% of the population. In order to distinguish whether a person really has cervical osteochondrosis or is it a manifestation of another condition, it is necessary to have information about this pathology. The article describes the causes of the disease, its features and manifestations, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Having information about the pathology, patients will be able to recognize it in themselves and seek help in a timely manner.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

The disease is degenerative in nature and damages the structures of the spine through a primary and secondary mechanism. The pathogenetic mechanism of the pathology is that the structure of the connection of the vertebrae is damaged.

Normally, between these areas there is a layer - pulpous tissue. It cushions the spine and optimizes the motor process. With cervical osteochondrosis, this soft substance calcifies and turns into a hard, ossified tissue. This damages the nerve endings and blood vessels, disrupting their function.

Depending on the level of the lesion, osteochondrosis can be manifested by pain or increased pressure, impaired consciousness or numbness of the tongue. It could be chest or back symptoms. This greatly complicates the diagnostic process. Patients may undergo several diagnostic consultations before being referred to a specialized specialist. In the process of making a diagnosis, several methods are used that make it possible to exclude pathology from other organs and systems.

Pathology affects that part of the spine, which is targeted by most of the daily loads of a static and dynamic nature. This is especially true for those who spend a lot of time at the computer or other gadgets. The combination of the mass of the head and the angle of its inclination is about 17 kg of pressure on the cervical region. Add to this the duration and intensity of the load and we get the prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis in patients of middle and older age. This is facilitated by the anatomical feature of the exit of nerve endings from the vertebrae, and the vertical direction of the axis of the spinal column.

Gradually, cervical osteochondrosis “gets younger” and is increasingly common in young patients. today's young people begin to experience problems with the neck much earlier than their parents.

This is also due to the wide spread of various gadgets, a sedentary lifestyle, improper diet and structural features of the musculoskeletal system.

Osteochondrosis is a degeneration of the cervical region, which is usually considered from two positions:

• Physiological changes. Indeed, cartilage degeneration is a natural part of development, which is regulated by neuroendocrine mechanisms and is irreversible. The process starts from the center of the pulp layer and gradually moves to the periphery. The soft tissue is replaced by fibrous fibrous elements. Such a process practically does not bother the patient and manifests itself only when it affects the nerve endings.
• pathological changes. Destruction of the vertebrae as a result of exposure to a complex of factors. This process is ahead of physiological changes and leads to dysfunction of the spine. Symptoms accompany this condition almost always, because they spread beyond the cartilaginous structure and damage the nerve endings and blood vessels.

The course of the disease can be of a different nature: sometimes the pathology is self-compensated, or vice versa - there are periods of exacerbations. Simultaneously with the pathological process, compensation mechanisms are activated that temporarily prolong the function of the vertebrae and eliminate symptoms.

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However, the further course of the disease leads to the destruction of the fibrous ring, the appearance of microcracks. The vertebrae lose stability and fixation, which is manifested by the clinical picture of the disease.

In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is the impregnation of the pulp of the intervertebral space with calcium. This forms a kind of hernia, because the damaged vertebra is pressed into the body of the neighboring one. These structures wear out and, as a result, massive ossification of neighboring structures occurs.

The course of cervical osteochondrosis has several stages:

• Stage 1 - this is the instability of the vertebral structures and the violation of the discs;
• stage 2 - reduced fixation of the spine and disc protrusion;
• Stage 3 - rupture of the fibrous ring, severe symptoms and pain;
• Stage 4 is accompanied by difficulty in movement, acute pain and widespread bone tissue.

Features of the anatomical location of muscles and blood vessels - make the neck a vulnerable part of the body. The long course of osteochondrosis leads to numerous complications, including those of a vascular nature. Many of them can cause significant harm to the health of the patient and constitute a pronounced risk.

Symptoms

The danger of cervical osteochondrosis lies in the fact that it does not show symptoms for a long time. This is facilitated by masking the signs of the disease under another pathology, as well as self-administration of analgesic drugs. This makes the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis lengthy and difficult. It is important not to delay the diagnosis until the vertebral structure has been replaced by bone tissue.

Consider the main groups of symptoms that occur in cervical osteochondrosis and their features.

Dizziness

As mentioned above, most of the symptoms of osteochondrosis can be characteristic of other conditions. So, dizziness is accompanied by vascular pathologies of the central nervous system, damage to the hearing aid, malfunctions of the vestibular apparatus, and cardiovascular diseases. Dizziness is accompanied by intoxication, inflammatory processes. It is important to take into account the whole clinical picture, and not individual symptoms. Also, you should learn to distinguish between the main types of dizziness according to the causes of its occurrence.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical region, a systemic form of dizziness occurs. It seems to the patient that the surrounding objects begin to move. Such a disorder can be observed after a head and neck injury, as well as against the background of diseases of the vestibular apparatus.

A non-systemic kind of dizziness occurs against the background of psychogenic disorders and is combined with poor health, unsteadiness. The sensation of rotation of objects is absent in this type of dizziness.

Headache

Again, it is extremely difficult to call this symptom specific. Pain in the head can accompany overwork, increased pressure, as well as serious acute conditions. With osteochondrosis, a headache occurs as a result of compression of nerve endings. This leads to spasm of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, as well as to an increase in pressure in the central nervous system. The result is a pronounced sensation of headache.

The features of the headache in this case are a dull character and a feeling of pulsation. Sometimes the pain syndrome can be manifested by attacks, and sometimes it is permanent. The parameters of pain in osteochondrosis resemble those in hypertension, angina pectoris. Differences in headache in cardiac pathology are that it is accompanied by pain in the chest, heart rhythm disturbances, changes in the ECG. Therefore, only a doctor can finally determine the cause of the pain.

Pain syndrome of various localization

In addition to headache, the patient is often worried about pain in the neck. This is called cervicalgia and is a complication of osteochondrosis. Pain may radiate to the upper limb. Patients note that pain in the hands occurs after waking up, against the background of sudden movements. The pain goes away on its own after a short rest.

It is important to remember that you should not try to eliminate neck pain with massage. With osteochondrosis, it can be dangerous and sometimes leads to an aggravation of the situation.

The following are the characteristic features of the pain syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis:

• discomfort is localized in the deep tissues of the neck;
• head turns are often accompanied by pain and crunching;
• there is muscle weakness, numbness, cold hands.

Most often, osteochondrosis of the neck affects the two lower vertebrae - 6 and 7. For a small self-diagnosis, this method is recommended. It is necessary to pay attention to the combination of pain in the neck and in the fingers. Most often, if the 6th vertebra is affected, pain will be felt in the thumb, and changes in the 7th vertebra are accompanied by discomfort in the middle finger.

Changes in blood pressure

Such a symptom appears when changes in the vertebrae affect the nerve endings and blood vessels. How to distinguish this phenomenon from hypertension? First of all, hypertension in cervical osteochondrosis is not a constant phenomenon and has its own jumps during the day.

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Also, changes in pressure in case of damage to the cervical region are combined with headache, pain in the hands, and discomfort in the collar zone. Most often, the pressure figures increase after the patient has been in the same position for a long time, experienced stress and muscle tension.

The clinical picture of cervical osteochondrosis fits into several syndromes. A syndrome is several symptoms that occur together.

Osteochondrosis consists of the following syndromes:

• Vertebral. It is also called vertebral, which indicates that bones and cartilage are involved in the pathological process. This leads to the formation of such symptoms: restriction of motor activity of the neck, pain when it turns, radiological changes in the image of the cervical spine. It is the simultaneous appearance of these signs that is the vertebral syndrome. A similar set of clinical signs is observed in myositis (pathology of muscle tissue), and painful movements are a companion of many other pathologies.
• vertebral artery syndrome. It appears when the vascular bundles are involved in the process, which are responsible for the blood supply to the tissues of the central nervous system. Symptoms indicate that the brain tissue has ceased to receive the proper amount of nutrients. How to recognize this syndrome? The first signs are dizziness, a feeling of tinnitus, drops in blood pressure, the appearance of a “veil” before the eyes. This suggests that one of the vertebral arteries is in a compressed state. Each vessel has its own nerve endings. If you squeeze those that innervate the vertebral artery, a migraine, numbness, a short-term decrease in vision on one side will appear. As a result, changes in the vessel lead to the fact that the brain needs oxygen. At this time, a person feels drowsiness, short-term disturbances of consciousness, loses attention and control, works worse and remembers information. With such a clinical picture, it is necessary to differentiate cervical osteochondrosis with atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries, and compression by a tumor or inflammation.
• Cardiac syndrome. Manifested by burning in the chest, the appearance of shortness of breath. A person feels his frequent heartbeat, becomes tired and irritable. This picture is also characteristic of cardiac pathology, for example, for angina pectoris, coronary syndrome, heart attack. An accurate conclusion about the causes of such symptoms can be made after the patient undergoes an ECG.
• radicular syndrome. The cervical region innervates 8 pairs of nerves, each of which has roots - the place where the nerve exits the vertebra. When they are involved in osteochondrosis, the patient feels a decrease in sensitivity, or vice versa - severe pain. There may be numbness of the neck or its soreness, decreased sensitivity of the tongue, behind the ear, pain in the supraclavicular region. Sometimes there are violations of swallowing, movements in the belt of the upper limb, numbness of the fingers.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the incorrect distribution of the load on the spinal column. The reasons may be different - a person may carry a bag or weight in one hand, take the wrong posture when sitting or sleeping on an uneven surface. Increases the load and a high pillow, and shoes that do not correspond to the anatomical features of the foot. Such reasons may seem insignificant, but they act for a long time and, as a result, lead to a logical consequence in the form of osteochondrosis.

Among the risk factors that increase the likelihood of the disease:

• low level of physical activity;
• increased body weight;
• past spinal injuries;
• violation of posture or pathology of the foot;
• reduced blood supply to the cervical spine.

All this leads to the fact that the wrong position of the vertebrae is formed. The weight is not distributed evenly to all parts of the cervical region and some of its departments carry heavy loads. The response is tissue change.

To some extent, the situation can be aggravated by:

1. Suffered a serious illness or injury that led to a debilitated state of health;
2. Frequent stress;
3. Metabolic disorders in the body, reduced consumption of trace elements, their increased consumption or lack of absorption in the intestine;
4. Occupational diseases (in particular, vibration disease);
5. Hereditary tendency to osteochondrosis;
6. Scoliosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
7. Violation of the drinking regime;
8. Poor nutrition and bad habits;
9. Pregnancy.

As you can see, there is no single cause of osteochondrosis. There is only a set of factors that can provoke it. Again, the same cause affects different people differently. The state of health, duration, intensity and number of risk factors, background pathologies, and lifestyle play a role.

Modern methods of treatment

Even before the appointment of therapy, the patient must modify the way of life. to do this, it is necessary to change the level of stress experienced by the cervical region. It is necessary to monitor the quality of nutrition, allocate the necessary time for sleep and rest, and beware of stress. if there is a background pathology in the body that aggravates the course of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment and eliminate it. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of osteochondrosis and the patient's well-being.

Treatment may be:

• non-drug;
• medication;
• surgical.

Separately, folk methods and rehabilitation measures are also considered.

Non-drug methods of treatment consist in the use of therapeutic exercises, special simulators or devices, manual therapy, as well as physiotherapy techniques. The correct appointment helps to improve blood supply to the vertebrae or slow down the process of ossification.

As for manual therapy or massage, be sure to consult your doctor about their appropriateness. You should not prescribe these methods for yourself. At some stages of osteochondrosis, massage can only harm and lead to long-term immobilization. When performed as indicated, manual therapy can relieve symptoms and improve the patient's well-being.

Of the physiotherapeutic methods, with cervical osteochondrosis, the following are used:

1. magnetotherapy;
2. therapeutic baths;
3. healing shower;
4. mud treatment;
5. electrophoresis.

You should undergo physiotherapy in specialized institutions, courses. The attending physician, who will evaluate the effectiveness of a particular method, should monitor the result. If cervical osteochondrosis is running, x-ray changes or severe symptoms are observed, conservative treatment with drugs is necessary.

The use of medications is indicated when the situation worsens. Many of them eliminate inflammation and sharp pain, improve blood circulation in tissues, restore cartilage structures, and provide joint mobility. This is an integrated approach to causes and symptoms, and not a one-sided solution to the problem. After taking the right medicines, the patient regains the ability to move his neck, ceases to experience irritation, worsened mood, and returns to normal work and sleep.

Consider the groups of drugs that are used for cervical osteochondrosis:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

They are used to reduce inflammation in tissues, eliminate pain, relieve compression of roots and blood vessels. With minor symptoms, ointments and gels are used, a more intense pain syndrome is stopped by tablet forms. Injection administration is prescribed for severe pain intensity and its sudden onset.

Preparations:

• diclofenac
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• meloxicam
• nimesulide

They may have different trade names, but the active ingredient remains the same. The patient should take medications in a course, only after the approval of the attending doctor. Please note that these drugs must be taken after meals, as they can irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vasodilators

Their function is the expansion of blood vessels, which are narrowed against the background of the course of osteochondrosis. Preparations - pentoxifylline, actovegin, berlition. These drugs will relieve vertebral artery syndrome, improve blood flow to the vertebrae and the patient's well-being. It is necessary to monitor the absence of contraindications to these substances in the patient, as well as their compatibility with other drugs that the person takes.

Muscle relaxers

The purpose of this group is to reduce spasm of the neck muscles. This speeds up and optimizes the treatment process, since muscle tension acts on both blood vessels and nerve endings. Regular intake normalizes vascular tone, reduces the sensation of pain. Among the drugs are mydocalm, baclofen, sirdalud.

Chondroprotectors

They are taken in order to improve the condition of the cartilaginous elements of the spine and protect their structure from destruction. Long-term use of these substances is necessary, otherwise they will not have the desired effect. Patients may not like that the effect occurs only after 6 months of use. However, if this effect is achieved, it will be persistent and significantly improve the clinical picture.

Here is a list of modern chondroprotectors: glucosamine, chondroitin, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, alflutol. Various combinations of these substances are used, as well as compositions with vitamins.

Sedative drugs

They are used as an auxiliary substance in order to eliminate depressive manifestations and stress. In mild cases, valerian, motherwort, mint and lemon balm are used. If depression progresses, more serious substances are needed: simbalta, donormil. They will improve sleep and mood, help the patient tune in to effective treatment.

vitamins

It is recommended to take B vitamins. They can be obtained from food - this way of administering vitamins is the most physiological and does not carry a special burden on the liver. If vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis is observed, vitamin complexes and preparations can be used. This will improve sensitivity and innervation, speed up the process of tissue repair.

Since the treatment process is long and brings the effect gradually, all stages of taking medications are important. Make sure that the medicines are stored in the correct place, as indicated on the packaging. If the box says that you need to store medicines in a dark or cool place, do so, otherwise the drug will lose its properties. Observe the duration of the course and the frequency of use - some substances tend to accumulate in the body, and only then have the desired effect.

If the route of administration is injection, the procedure should be carried out by medical personnel or a trained person, because correct administration increases efficiency. Tablets should be taken after meals with water. Pay attention to this point, as other liquids are not suitable for this. The combination of grapefruit juice and drugs is especially dangerous - the enzymes that this fruit contains slow down the liver and reduce the delivery of drugs to tissues.

The complex use of drugs will help not only relieve symptoms. but also to stop osteochondrosis. And this is the prevention of complications of cervical osteochondrosis, which are hypertension, heart attack, stroke.

Surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

This method is used when cervical osteochondrosis has led to a narrowing of the lumen of the spinal column. This can happen as a result of a herniated or protruding disc. The narrowing of the canal is accompanied by significant stenosis of the vessels and compression of the nerve bundles. If an isolated hernia of the intervertebral discs is observed, this is also an indication for surgical intervention. The operation is necessary for spondylolisthesis - displacement of the vertebrae from the axis. In addition to these indications, the doctor pays attention to the patient's quality of life, his condition, and the severity of symptoms.

Types of surgical interventions:

• support fusion. The bottom line is to eliminate the damaged disc and replace it with a movable joint, a prosthesis that performs the function of a remote structure;
• dynamic stabilization of the spine. A silicone implant is inserted between the spinous processes along the spine, which correctly distributes the load and stabilizes the vertebrae;
• vaporization of the disc nucleus using a laser beam. This is a modern technique that shows good results. The laser acts on the core of the disc, reducing its size and eliminating the hernia. The intervention is atraumatic, it can be performed under local anesthesia. However, the set of indications for such manipulation is limited, it can only be done at that stage. when the size of the hernia is not more than 6 mm. This once again emphasizes why early contact with a doctor and timely diagnosis is useful.

Surgical interventions take place in a hospital. Depending on the degree of complexity of treatment, the duration of the postoperative period and rehabilitation differs. Surgical intervention implies an additional set of drugs - medicines for patient preparation, analgesics, antibiotic therapy for the prevention of septic complications.

The subsequent period is a long-term recovery of the patient, fixation of the spine, the use of orthoses and corsets. This is necessary in order for the structures to recover and start functioning again. The more innovative the method, the shorter this period and the more comfortable the patient's condition.

The diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" implies that the patient is registered with an orthopedist and a neurologist. It is necessary to regularly undergo diagnostics and courses of treatment that will prolong remission and eliminate exacerbations of the disease. Treatment is indicated even when the symptoms subsided, because this is the prevention of the next stages of cervical osteochondrosis and the occurrence of complications.

Diagnostics

The beginning of the diagnosis is the patient's visit to the doctor and a list of symptoms. The doctor listens to the patient's complaints, details them, forms syndromes from the symptoms. Also, the specialist needs details about the clinical manifestations: the time of occurrence, whether the treatment methods were used and what effect they had, the nature of the pain, periods of increased pressure, and more. Important information is about uncomfortable posture during sleep, work, bad habits, background diseases. All this is revealed in the course of the conversation.

After a thorough collection of anamnestic data, the doctor examines the affected area, applies physical methods. In addition to the cervical region, the orthopedist studies the features of posture, gait, and the position of the foot. if the patient turned to a neurologist, the doctor examines the function of sensitivity and motor activity, checks balance, reflexes.

To confirm or exclude the diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis", the doctor conducts an X-ray examination. However, more accurate data will be given by methods such as magnetic resonance and computed tomography.

Radiography is carried out in frontal and lateral projections. Functional x-ray examination is carried out simultaneously with neck rotations. Contrasting of the spinal canal is used in order to better visualize the affected areas. Contrast can be injected into the vessel or the disc itself, depending on which method is called angiography or discography. in the picture you can see tissue compaction, calcification deposits, displacement of spinal structures.

As for magnetic resonance imaging, this is the most informative method, which is also painless and fast. The doctor can see the damage and determine the severity of the process. Scans of the tomograph will help the surgeon prepare for the operation, determine the hernia, changes in nerve endings and blood vessels.

MRI is performed in the absence of contraindications, which are metal objects in the body, claustrophobia. pregnancy.

Computed tomography also provides an accurate diagnostic picture. The study does not take much time - about 10 minutes and does not require special preparation. The radiation exposure in this study is small, which makes tomography safe for health. Contraindications - pregnancy and lactation, children's age.

Modification of tomography - a study with the introduction of contrast. The patient needs to pass an analysis to check the function of the kidneys, because the contrast agent is excreted by this particular organ. It is also advisable to take an allergy test. On the day of the study, the patient should come on an empty stomach.

In addition to methods that allow visualization of the pathological process, it is necessary to use additional diagnostic manipulations.

These include ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck. Indications for diagnosis are dizziness, headache, pressure drops. the specialist will determine the patency of the vessels and the state of blood flow. The most informative method, in this case, is duplex scanning of blood vessels.

Prevention

As you can see, cervical osteochondrosis has a diverse clinic, many syndromes and requires a serious approach in both diagnosis and treatment. If you pay attention to your feelings, listen to the body and respond to its signals, an early diagnosis is possible. In the first stages of the disease - treatment has a high effect.

To do this, you need to contact a specialized specialist and go through the necessary research methods. High-quality and timely treatment will avoid complications, improve well-being and quality of life, eliminate depression and normalize sleep. Tune in a positive way and you will again be able to feel the freedom of movement.

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