Somehow the head does not turn or there are signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Treatment of diseases of the cervical spine

A large number of people are often diagnosed with osteochondrosis cervical region and VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia) at the same time. These pathologies are quite closely related to each other, and due to similar symptoms it is not easy to differentiate them quickly - a full clinical examination and experience are required.

The connection between VSD and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has been identified for a long time, and it lies in insufficient blood supply to the brain, which develops against the background of inflammatory edema of the arteries of the spinal column. Circulatory failure leads to the development of persistent hypoxia and disruptions in the functioning of the autonomic system. nervous system, responsible for the functioning of all other human organs and systems.

Causes of development of pathologies in the spine

Vegetative-vascular dystonia may be associated with cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis and VSD are most often provoked by disorders of the muscle fibers, which normally provide good support to the spinal column. An imbalance of the musculoskeletal system develops in the case of constant muscle overstrain, inflammatory processes, or insufficient development of the muscle corset in the neck area. Other factors that provoke the development of osteochondrosis include:

sedentary lifestyle life, leading to insufficient blood supply to the cervical spine;
excessive physical exercise, which negatively affect the vertebrae and lead to their deformation - often, against the background of overload, herniated intervertebral discs develop;
infections and related intoxications;
metabolic disorders;
severe obesity;
malnutrition - excess canned food with food additives leads to a lack of fluid and minerals;
traumatic effects on the cervical or thoracic spine;
flat feet, scoliosis and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
frequent and strong stressful situations, neuroses, depression;
addictions – significantly slow down metabolism, leading to premature aging the body as a whole;
oncological lesions spinal column of any location;
developmental anomalies;
incorrectly selected bedding;
prolonged stay in an unnatural (forced) position.

Uncomfortable posture during work is one of the factors provoking the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

Thus, the VSD and the spine are closely related, but it is not easy to see this connection - even an experienced neurologist requires research results and consultation with an osteopath or surgeon.

Constant pain in the neck area, its stiffness, disorders of the internal organs should force a person to urgently consult a doctor. At the initial stages, osteochondrosis and VSD can be cured much easier and faster, avoiding serious complications from both diseases.

How does osteochondrosis manifest?

Osteochondrosis is degenerative disease, with a predominant defeat fibrous tissue intervertebral discs. The process begins to develop with insufficient tissue nutrition, which is caused by the above factors. Despite the fact that signs of osteochondrosis can be present in any region, the development of VSD is influenced only by pathology in the cervical region.

Classic symptoms diseases are:

pain in the back – at first the pain is not intense or clearly localized, but later patients note an increase in its intensity in the neck area;

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are pain in the neck and shoulders

irradiation of pain in the limb, as it spreads along the nerve endings;
if compression of the nerve endings occurs, sensitivity in the limbs is noticeably impaired, a feeling of numbness and goosebumps appear;
when the nerve innervating the trapezius muscle is pinched, the patient experiences difficulty turning the head and moving the shoulder on the affected side.

How does osteochondrosis affect VSD?

Since the neck area contains the most important blood vessels that supply the brain, any pathologies here are quite dangerous. VSD in cervical osteochondrosis is caused by compression of brain nutrients blood vessels, developing against the background of narrowing of the intervertebral spaces and the presence of osteophytes. Slowdown cerebral blood flow may be accompanied by symptoms classified in the following way:

Cardiac. Patients note a noticeable acceleration/deceleration of heart rate, symptoms of arrhythmia, and pain in the heart area may occur. In some cases, there are complaints of a sensation of pulsation of blood vessels in the limbs and neck. A panic attack may develop, accompanied by fear of death or cardiac arrest.
Neurological. Excessive emotionality, irritability, even aggressiveness. Often osteochondrosis and VSD lead to increased weather sensitivity of the patient. There may be daytime drowsiness, depression, insomnia at night, prolonged depressive state.
From the respiratory system. Shortness of breath at rest, feeling of lack of air, inability to do deep breath. IN horizontal position There is often a feeling of heaviness in the chest.
From the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea and vomiting, heartburn and feeling of bloating. Often appear painful sensations in the abdomen without clear localization. Diarrhea or constipation may occur.

Other symptoms may be present, including an increase/decrease in blood pressure, unstable body temperature, sensations of extreme cold or heat in the body, a rush of blood to the limbs and face, sudden and profuse sweating.

Diagnosis of the disease

Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed primarily by its symptoms.

Correct diagnosis of the pathology allows you to prescribe adequate treatment and completely get rid of the symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic diagram may differ for each individual patient, but the correctness of posture, the degree of tension in the muscles of the back and neck are necessarily assessed, and an anamnesis is collected. It is impossible to quickly cure VSD, so the patient needs to be prepared for long-term therapy. Among laboratory and instrumental methods diagnostics prescribed for suspected VSD and osteochondrosis should be noted:

clinical analysis blood;
study cerebrospinal fluid;
CT or MRI of the cervical spine;
contrast angiography of neck vessels;
radiography;
electroencephalography;
rheoencephalography;
Doppler scanning.

A complete examination helps to accurately determine the source of the problem and determine how strongly osteochondrosis affects the course of VSD.

Treatment of osteochondrosis and associated VSD

Both diseases need to be treated as early as possible. Therapy is not just a prescription medicines– widely used non-drug methods, which in combination with medications can effectively treat VSD and osteochondrosis. Main additional techniques began massage, reflexology, exercise therapy, physiotherapy. Drug therapy is aimed at achieving the following effects:

anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous;
pain reliever;
muscle relaxant;
improved blood circulation;
reduction of tissue hypoxia.

All drugs for these pathologies are prescribed only by a doctor - many of them are dispensed from pharmacies with a prescription. You cannot listen to the advice of friends and relatives - you can only trust the treatment of these complex pathologies to a specialist.

Great importance has improvement cerebral circulation. A special place is occupied nootropic drugs. For example, phenibut is almost always prescribed for VSD and cervical osteochondrosis. It not only stimulates blood circulation in the brain, but also has a mild tranquilizing effect, so it is suitable for patients with frequent panic attacks. In addition, phenibut normalizes night sleep, and in some cases helps get rid of urinary incontinence.

Gymnastics helps in the complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis and VSD is prescribed in mandatory, but a specific set of exercises is selected only on an individual basis. Age and general state patient, his level physical fitness and other points that influence the course of the disease. The gymnastic complex is initially recommended to be performed under the supervision of a specialist, then exercises at home are allowed.

Massage and reflexology bring good results. It includes not only traditional acupuncture, but also intramuscular injections into the affected area, warming up. The intensity and duration of the course is selected individually. Osteopathy and manual therapy help in the fight against osteochondrosis. Physiotherapy complements the treatment - ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy.

Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with people old age whose joints become immobile and hurt with every movement. However, times have changed. That's all today more people they exchange heavy physical labor for sedentary work at the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of nutrition, and are increasingly faced with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It’s not for nothing that osteochondrosis is called the “disease of the century,” and almost every person who has reached the age of 25 faces the symptoms of this disease.

This insidious disease, starting with unpleasant pain in the neck area, very quickly leads to severe consequences in the form of weakened hearing and vision, as well as memory deterioration up to its complete loss. That is why every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and promptly consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear. We will talk about them in this article.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather in primary school, where the child’s posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops. It is at this moment that the system of supporting the head by the spine is disrupted, in particular by its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical. Second key factor Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which originates in early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular, weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscle corset, designed to support the spine.

These are two the most important reasons diseases. All the rest fall heavily on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in very young and healthy people. First of all, these include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular work that involves staying in one position for a long time. This is most typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting at the computer. All this is complemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.

Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:

previous spinal injuries;
metabolic disease;
hereditary predisposition;
great physical activity;
permanent nervous tension and stress;
developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
bad habits (holding the handset with your ear and shoulder).

The process of development of osteochondrosis

Listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to increased stress on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excess load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to impaired blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes. All this results in the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the vertebrae begin to thin out and move closer together, squeezing their contents (the fibrous ring) outside the spine. In medical terms, such a protrusion is called protrusion.

In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still retains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and supply the brain. Moreover, the approaching and deforming vertebrae begin to compress the roots peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called “ radicular syndrome", manifesting itself as severe pain in the back and neck. If you do not identify the problem (which will be eloquently signaled unpleasant symptoms) and do not begin to treat osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a vertebral hernia will appear. In this case there will be serious problems with brain nutrition.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

In its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has characteristic features and symptoms. It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.

1. Osteochondrosis degree I
This is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position for a long time (usually in a sitting position). At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting nutrition and regular exercise.

2. Osteochondrosis II degree
At this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae in the neck. In this case, a person faces intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm. When tilting or turning the head, the pain increases significantly, since due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings. The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful, and suffers from headaches.

3. Osteochondrosis III degree
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, neck mobility noticeably decreases, and when you turn the neck, you can hear the crunching of the vertebrae. At night, the patient’s fingers begin to go numb (primarily the little finger and ring finger), which causes a person to wake up several times a night. Throughout the day, such patients experience unpleasant heaviness in hand. And even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the mobile phone near the ear, results in an unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers. All this indicates an increase in protrusion, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.

4. Osteochondrosis IV degree
At the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, which cease to perform their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue. A patient in this condition may experience poor coordination of movement, noise and maddening pulsation in the ears, increased headaches, decreased visual acuity and hearing. In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.

Here it should be said that due to squeezing of blood vessels, the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted. Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and touchiness, frequent changes mood and inability to concentrate. Periodically, outbursts of anger or fear may occur, melancholy and depression may occur.

In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of “floaters” before the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.

Diagnosis of the disease

To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the doctor the unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.

1. Radiography. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in late stages development of the disease.
2. Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a disruption of blood flow in the arteries that supply food to the brain. The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method more informative in comparison with radiography, since it not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to discern bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Let’s say right away that to combat such a serious problem as cervical osteochondrosis, you should contact a neurologist. True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.

Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively. The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical-collar area, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition. Only a combination of all of these methods will help cope with the disease and normalize the patient’s well-being.

Help with severe pain

In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking medications such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin. When these drugs stop bringing relief, you can switch to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketanov, Ketorolac, Nise and Diclofenac gels).

In a general sense, drug therapy includes the following:

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ketonal, Nimesulide, Movalis and others. These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and cope with inflammation of the nerve roots.
Chondroprotectors: Teraflex, Chondroitin + Glucosamine, Alflutop and CONDROnova. Such medications perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
B vitamins: Milgamma, Neurobion, Unigamma and Combilipen. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
Muscle relaxants: Sirdalud, Mydocalm, Tizanidine and others. The action of these medications is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
Drugs that improve rheological properties blood: Trental and Eufillin. Thanks to such means, oxygen supply improves and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings.

It should be noted here that to achieve tangible effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets is possible only if treatment with drugs is combined with other methods of therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will only give a temporary effect.

Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills. However, it is better to take vitamins orally, because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body no matter how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.

Physiotherapeutic treatments

Treatment with drugs must be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy. The most effective for this disease are:

Electrophoresis (in combination with medications). In this case, medications penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current. As a rule, electrophoresis is carried out with Eufillin to improve blood flow, or with Novocaine to reduce pain.
Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to relieve the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
Magnetotherapy. This type physiotherapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
Laser therapy. This is an excellent method of dealing with inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Restoration of affected vertebrae includes special diet, which normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.

To achieve this, first of all, the following should be excluded from the patient’s diet:

alcoholic drinks;
fatty and fried foods;
spicy and too salty dishes;
strong broths;
weaknesses and baking;
strong tea and coffee;
pickles and marinades;
canned products.

The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of following products power supply:

lean meat and fish;
low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
butter (small quantity);
whole grain porridges and soups;
jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
vegetables, fruits and berries;
juices, fruit drinks, jelly and compotes.

When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to drinking regime by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day. If there is overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of those extra pounds that have an additional load on the spine. It is advisable to switch to eating 5 times a day in small portions.

At the same time, as can be seen from the list of foods allowed for consumption, the basis of nutrition should be low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.

A sample menu for the day would look like this:

breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
lunch: baked pear, some oatmeal cookies;
lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
afternoon snack: dry cookies and fruit juice;
dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis

Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although you can only do gymnastics for the cervical spine during the recovery period. It is important here that during the massage or gymnastics the patient does not experience discomfort or pain.

Here are some of the most effective gymnastic exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles and improving blood circulation in this area.

Exercise No. 1
Lying on your stomach and placing your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and torso so that your back remains straight. Stay in this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.

Exercise No. 2
Lying on your stomach and stretching your arms along your body, slightly raise your head and begin to turn it first to the right, trying to touch your ear to the floor, and then to the left. Perform 6 turns in each direction.

Exercise No. 3
Sitting on the floor, while inhaling, bend forward, trying to reach your chin to your chest, and as you exhale, return to the starting position and throw your head back. Repeat the element 10–15 times.

Exercise #4
Place your palms on your forehead and try to press hard on your head. At the same time, straining your neck muscles, resist with your arms, preventing your head from tilting. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your arms and relax. Repeat the element 2-3 times, and then repeat the exercise in reverse side, giving clasped hands to the back of the head.

Exercise #5
Begin to slowly rotate your head to the right and left, trying to look behind your back. Make 10 turns in each direction.
Good health to you!

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae. The first of them (the uppermost), called the atlas, performs two essential functions, which determine its structure.

First, it holds the skull on itself like a bowl of soup. To do this, it has two articular processes that are attached to the skull in the back of the head.
Secondly, it is involved in head turns. Instead of the vertebral body, in its anterior part there is a kind of ring-shaped groove into which the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra. This connection allows the head to rotate in different sides.

The second cervical vertebra is called epistropheus (from the Greek epistrepho - “I rotate”). It is this that provides the connection that allows rotation of the atlas and head. This is achieved by the odontoid process in the anterior part of the epistrophy (this process replaces the vertebral body present in the remaining vertebrae).

The unique structure of the first two vertebrae is due to the fact that they must provide the head with the ability to turn in different directions. Although the skull is fairly firmly attached to the first cervical vertebra by means of rigid tendons and ligaments, the connection of the atlas and epistrophe allows it to make nodding movements.

Meanwhile, the movable connection of the two upper cervical vertebrae is associated with the inevitable increased risk their displacement relative to each other, which is why the notorious pain in the back of the head appears. Strong ligaments located in the occipital region are often damaged due to a fall, accident, incorrect posture or sudden movements of the neck. This leads to inflammation and sharp pain at the base of the skull. The pain intensifies when trying to turn the neck, but usually remains when the head is stationary. As happens with all inflamed tendons, they hurt most when they are relaxed, that is, at night. Because of this, people facing similar problems, often wake up in the middle of the night with pain in the occipital region.

The third cervical vertebra also has special significance, because it is located between a very mobile epistrophy and a column of relatively less mobile vertebrae (from the fourth to the seventh). Every time the epistrophy moves too sharply, the third vertebra has virtually no choice but to shift and take an unusual position.

Any chiropractor or osteopath will confirm that most often the third vertebra is displaced in the cervical spine. A few years ago, a group of chiropractors specializing exclusively in it was even formed in the United States. They believed that this vertebra was the root cause of most neck problems.

A huge number of nerves arise from the cervical spine. They go to the shoulders, neck and arms, reaching the very tips of the fingers. The cervical vertebrae, being flat and relatively vulnerable, are often displaced from their usual place. This can happen due to injury, a sharp turn of the head, a fall, the use of several pillows while sleeping, incorrect posture, etc. Sometimes the displacement of the cervical vertebrae leads to squeezing or even prolapse of the corresponding intervertebral discs, which, in turn, is fraught with excessive irritation or pinching of a nearby nerve.

As a result of the displacement of the vertebrae, all sorts of neurological symptoms appear, ranging from banal pain to numbness of the hands or fingers.

In the human neck, unlike other mammals, the vertebrae are the flattest and, perhaps, the smallest. They are very thin and vulnerable. As you move down the spinal column, the vertebrae become wider and thicker. The intervertebral discs in the cervical region are also thin, because they only need to withstand the weight load of the head and neck. The lower the intervertebral discs are located, the greater the weight load placed on them, so they simply have to be larger. The intervertebral discs in the cervical region are more like thin washers, so, as a rule, they do not experience the troubles that are characteristic of other parts of the spinal column. The layer of cartilage and the liquid part located inside is very thin (most often, serious problems with intervertebral discs occur in the lumbar region).

Stress

Stress and overwork at work inevitably cause stiff neck muscles. Their tension leads to a decrease in the distance between the skull and shoulders, due to which the intervertebral discs are subject to increased pressure, and the vertebrae themselves can shift relative to each other.

Some types professional activity, for example, those associated with constant use of a computer or frequent and long trips behind the wheel of a car, contribute to stiffness of neck movements.

So, due to the fact that the head remains in the same position for a long time, the neck muscles become overstrained and the pressure on the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine increases.

Character neurological symptoms arising from problems in the neck depends on what kind of nerve fibers are pinched or irritated by the displaced vertebra, as well as the degree of impact on these nerves. If the nerves are not affected at all, then the person simply experiences pain in the neck and feels stiffness in the muscles located here. If the nerves are pinched, the person experiences severe pain, tingling, burning, tingling, and electric shock-like sensations along the entire length of the affected nerve. These so-called reflected sensations can occur anywhere, even on your fingertips.

At the embryonic stage, when the upper and lower limbs, they pull nerve fibers from spinal cord that connect them with him. It turns out that nerves are a kind of electrical wiring that is equipped along the entire length of the limbs and torso. Imagine that the person leaned forward and put his hands on the table. The nerves in the thumb originate in the third cervical vertebra because it is closer to the brain. The little finger is provided with nerves starting already at the level of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, since it is located lower, that is, further from the brain. From each part of the spinal cord a nerve arises that is responsible for some part of the limbs. Our body is divided into sections, each of which has its own nerve that extends from the spinal cord. Thus, by determining the location of numbness or tingling, you can understand at what level of the spine the irritation or pinched nerve occurred. There is a simple rule: the thumb corresponds to a higher vertebra, the little finger to a lower vertebra.

Pain, tingling or burning is associated with irritation of the nerve roots by the intervertebral disc or any other skeletal element. Numbness and tingling are caused, in turn, by mechanical pinching of the nerve root, due to which it stops sending the necessary signal to the brain.

If pinched motor nerve, this significantly limits the mobility of the corresponding part of the hand. A person is unable to fully control one or more fingers, wrist, etc.

The neck is very mobile, and therefore the most vulnerable part of the human spine. It itself has a complex structure. In addition, its damage can negatively affect the functioning of the brain and lead to the appearance of wide range symptoms that until now none of the scientists have bothered to combine into one syndrome. Well, this question requires detailed analysis, affecting the significance of the subconscious part of the brain.

Treatment of diseases of the cervical spine

When treating problems with the cervical spine, the first step is to make sure that the person eats properly, that is, avoids citrus fruits and coffee, does not abuse alcohol and sugar, does not take drugs, and also drinks enough water. This is extremely important: excess acid and lack of fluid contribute to the deposition of calcium salts in the cervical region.

You should sleep on a thin pillow, because the higher the neck is raised, the higher the load placed on the neck muscles during sleep.

The main method used in the treatment of diseases of the cervical spine is massage. Start at the top of the patient's shoulders. Work the trapezius muscles, the large rhomboid muscles that extend from the base of the skull and cross top part shoulders on both sides of the body. After this, return to the shoulder blade area, and from there continue to move to the middle part of the back so that a diamond is formed. Massage the muscles completely, focusing Special attention areas with spasms. You'll almost certainly find tight lumps at the top of your shoulders, so work this area carefully to help rid it of lactic acid deposits.

Use special oil to massage your back - it will help relieve tension on the sides of your neck.

By massaging the sides of your neck (you need to do this from the back, not the front), you will find very painful places. There are damaged articular joints that may become loose. By using thumbs rub them in a circular motion in both directions for each of the seven vertebrae. This will not only help relieve pain, but also promote healing.

After this, the patient should lie on his back. Take a towel, place it under the patient’s neck, and place your hands with intertwined fingers between it and the towel. Your thumbs should be just below the back of your head. Fix this position of your hands. Ask the patient to breathe evenly while his head rests on your hands, and then begin to pull his neck towards you, as if trying to separate it from the body. Continue to pull for some time. Feel all the muscles in your neck and begin massaging those that are too tight or painful.

You will not have any difficulty finding tense and painful muscles, and the softer they are, the more they need to be massaged. Start with light movements, gradually moving to more vigorous ones. One of the obvious signs of relief from pain is surge blood to the head and subsequent improvement in the patient’s well-being. Thanks to this, you will be able to understand that muscle tension has disappeared.

When muscles are tense, their length decreases. And when they relax, they simultaneously lengthen and the pain goes away.

If your neck hurts, take a hot bath with rock salt solution. While lying in the water, lightly massage the neck area using a small amount of soap. Hot water will relieve tension and muscles will relax due to the dilation of blood vessels. This is a simple way to provide problem muscles with an additional portion of oxygen, thanks to which the inflammation will go away very fast.

After this you can do the exercises.

If you are tormented sharp pains, exercises should be performed twice a day - morning and evening. Morning warm-up is needed in order to relieve muscle stiffness - this will make it much easier for you to hold out until the end of the day. As for evening exercises, they will help you fall asleep soundly. At chronic pain Do yoga once a day and get a massage twice a week.

While massaging your neck, don't forget about your jaw muscles. Pain often leads to their hardening - relieve them of tension. The more tense the jaw muscles are, the more tension is placed on the neck muscles. There is a direct relationship between them. Massage this area, work the joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), massage the temples directly above the earlobes, where the jaw muscles are also located. When a person experiences significant stress, these muscles also become tense. Remember: spasm masticatory muscles- a sign of very severe stress.

The first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are pain

The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis often appear in at a young age. Well, tell me, who hasn’t had neck pain at least once in their life? And we don’t pay attention to this symptom, but find logical explanations: maybe there was a wind, I slept on the wrong pillow, I spent the whole day at the computer and a lot of others. And since we know the reason that affected the vertebrae, then there is no need to see a doctor - it will go away on its own. Most often, people after the age of forty turn to a doctor for help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and only because of the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Listen to your body

The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis are the occurrence of pain in this part of the spine. Its character can be either constant aching or sharp shooting when turning the head, when a vertebra moves relative to another along the axis.

If a man long time ignores the emerging syndrome in spinal osteochondrosis, the process of degeneration in vertebral osteochondrosis progresses.

A symptom occurs such as limited mobility of the vertebrae in the affected part - in this way the body protects itself from discomfort. And then the unpleasant symptoms subside, and the person thinks that he has gotten rid of the problem, but this is actually a worsening of osteochondrosis.
The inability to turn your head left and right fully, as before, does not even bother many. Meanwhile, the pathology may progress to the stage irreversible changes tissues that make up the vertebrae. With each exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the symptoms return. As a result, a hernia of the spine is formed, which puts pressure on the nerve roots and vessels passing through each vertebra. As a result, the following symptoms arise high blood pressure: dizziness, headache, flashing “flies” before the eyes.

Severe headaches may be a sign of osteochondrosis

Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine do not have any features characteristic of this pathology. Therefore, during an exacerbation of vertebral osteochondrosis, it is sometimes difficult to guess for what exact reason the malaise arose. There may be severe headaches in the occipital region, sometimes turning into migraines, and an increase in blood pressure to significant levels. When coughing, turning the head and sneezing, the symptoms become more severe. When osteochondrosis of the spine worsens, shooting into the arm or chest may also occur. If osteochondrosis of the spine is advanced, and the tissues of the vertebrae have changed significantly, then spinal or cerebral circulation insufficiency may occur.

If the lower segments of the cervical spine are affected, symptoms may appear that mimic heart problems. Is it possible to independently determine whether it is a heart or not? The peculiarity is that the pain in chest with osteochondrosis, it intensifies when turning the body and does not go away after taking nitroglycerin. Sometimes discomfort in the throat area may occur as a result of spinal osteochondrosis, but problems with the throat are extremely rare. It is worth noting that discomfort in the throat may be due to problems with the thyroid gland. Sometimes discomfort in the throat can occur due to emotional and nervous shock. And, of course, the most common reason the appearance of a sore throat and sore throat is inflammation (ARVI, sore throat, pharyngitis, and so on).

Do you ever get very scared?

Often, increased blood pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD) and cervical osteochondrosis of the spine are best friends.

As a result of compression of the spinal vessels, the arterial pressure, which is manifested by headache, visual impairment and coordination. Extreme symptoms This pathology of the spine results in the occurrence of a panic attack - this is a painful feeling of fear, anxiety, depression.

How can you tell if you are having an attack? A panic attack usually occurs suddenly and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

cardiopalmus;
increase in blood pressure indicators;
sweating, chills, trembling in the body;
dizziness and headache;
feeling of lack of air;
attack of fear.

There are other manifestations of a panic attack:

pain and discomfort in the abdomen;
loose stools;
frequent urination;
your throat may hurt;
trembling in the limbs;
impaired coordination of movements.

Panic attacks - frequent symptoms this pathology

A panic attack usually lasts no more than half an hour. If the patient feels all these symptoms of an attack for the first time, then there is a fear of death, a fear of the presence of some incurable pathology. Numerous examinations of pathologies of organs and systems do not reveal, except perhaps pathology of the vertebrae, which may not be paid much attention to, so a person begins to think that his case is severe and unique. However, you should treat it correctly this state. The patient should understand that nothing threatens life.

What to do

If you feel discomfort in the cervical spine, panic attacks occur, blood pressure rises, if the symptoms are already bothering you and do not go away for a long time, consult a doctor! You may have osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Especially if the pain in the affected part of the spine is severe, it will be difficult to ignore it. Pathologies do not go away on their own, and many patients tend to think that “maybe everything will go away on its own,” but in fact, everything just progresses. Temporary remission turns into another exacerbation of signs of spinal osteochondrosis. On early stage It’s easier to identify and overcome the problem than to deal with complications!

Osteocondritis of the spine- This chronic illness, in which degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them. Depending on the location of the lesion of the spine, they are distinguished: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, osteochondrosis thoracic and osteochondrosis lumbar region. To diagnose spinal osteochondrosis, radiography is necessary, and in case of its complications (for example, hernia intervertebral disc) – MRI of the spine. In the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, along with using medicinal methods widely used, reflexology, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and physical therapy.

Osteocondritis of the spine is a chronic disease in which degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them. Depending on the location of the lesion in the spine, they are distinguished: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis and lumbar osteochondrosis.

To one degree or another, spinal osteochondrosis develops in all aged people and is one of the aging processes of the body. Sooner or later, problems arise in the intervertebral disc atrophic changes, however, injuries, illnesses and various overloads spine contribute to more early onset osteochondrosis. The most common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

About 10 theories of osteochondrosis have been developed: vascular, hormonal, mechanical, hereditary, infectious-allergic and others. But none of them gives full explanation changes occurring in the spine, rather they are complementary to each other.

It is believed that the main point in the occurrence of osteochondrosis is the constant overload of the spinal motion segment, consisting of two adjacent vertebrae with an intervertebral disc located between them. Such overload can arise as a result of a motor stereotype - posture, individual manner of sitting and walking. Poor posture, sitting in incorrect posture, walking with an uneven spinal column causes additional stress on the discs, ligaments and muscles of the spine. The process may be aggravated due to the structural features of the spine and insufficient trophism of its tissues, caused by hereditary factors. Most often, structural defects occur in the cervical spine (Kimerli anomaly, craniovertebral anomalies, Chiari anomaly) and lead to vascular disorders and early appearance signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is often associated with its overload when bending over and lifting heavy objects. A healthy intervertebral disc can withstand significant loads due to the hydrophilicity of the nucleus pulposus located in its center. The core contains a large number of water, and liquids, as is known, are poorly compressible. A rupture of a healthy intervertebral disc can occur with a compression force of more than 500 kg, while a disc altered as a result of osteochondrosis ruptures with a compression force of 200 kg. A load of 200 kg is experienced by the lumbar spine of a person weighing 70 kg when he holds a 15 kg load in the position of tilting the body forward by 200. This high pressure due to the small size of the nucleus pulposus. When the inclination increases to 700, the load on the intervertebral discs will be 489 kg. Therefore, often the first clinical manifestations Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs during or after lifting heavy objects, doing housework, weeding in the garden, etc.

With osteochondrosis, the nucleus pulposus loses its hydrophilic properties. This occurs due to disturbances in its metabolism or insufficient intake. necessary substances. As a result, the intervertebral disc becomes flat and less elastic, and radial cracks appear in its fibrous ring under load. The distance between adjacent vertebrae decreases and they shift relative to each other, while displacement also occurs in the facet (facet) joints connecting the vertebrae.

Destruction connective tissue annulus fibrosus disc, ligaments and capsules facet joints causes a reaction of the immune system and the development of aseptic inflammation with swelling of the facet joints and surrounding tissues. Due to the displacement of the vertebral bodies, the capsules of the facet joints are stretched, and the altered intervertebral disc no longer secures the bodies of neighboring vertebrae so firmly. Instability is forming spinal segment. Due to instability, root pinching is possible spinal nerve with the development of radicular syndrome. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, this often occurs during head turns, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - during bending of the body. It is possible to form a functional block of the spinal motion segment. It is caused by compensatory contraction of the vertebral muscles.

Hernia intervertebral disc is formed when the disc moves backwards, the posterior longitudinal ligament ruptures and part of the disc protrudes into the spinal canal. If at the same time the nucleus pulposus of the disc is squeezed into the spinal canal, then such a hernia is called ruptured. The severity and duration of pain with such a hernia is much greater than with an unruptured hernia. A disc herniation can cause radicular syndrome or spinal cord compression.

With osteochondrosis, growth occurs bone tissue with the formation of osteophytes - bone outgrowths on the bodies and processes of the vertebrae. Osteophytes can also cause compression of the spinal cord (compressive myelopathy) or cause the development of radicular syndrome.

The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain. The pain can be acute with high intensity; it intensifies with the slightest movement in the affected segment and therefore forces the patient to take a forced position. So, with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the patient holds his head in the least painful position and cannot turn it; with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the pain intensifies even with deep breathing, and with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, it is difficult for the patient to sit down, stand up and walk. This pain syndrome is characteristic of compression of the spinal nerve root.

In approximately 80% of cases, dull pain of a constant nature and moderate intensity is observed. In such cases, during examination, the doctor must differentiate the manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis from myositis of the back muscles. Dull pain in osteochondrosis is caused by excessive compensatory tension of the muscles holding the affected spinal motion segment, inflammatory changes or significant stretching of the intervertebral disc. In patients with such pain syndrome, there is no forced position, but there is a limitation of movements and physical activity. Patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - sit and stand up slowly, avoid bending the body.

All symptoms of osteochondrosis that appear only in the area of the spinal column belong to vertebral syndrome. All changes localized outside the spine form extravertebral syndrome. This may be pain along the peripheral nerves when their roots are compressed at the exit from the spinal cord. For example, lumbar ischialgia - pain along the sciatic nerve due to osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, these are vascular disorders in the vertebrobasilar region of the brain caused by compression of the vertebral artery.

Complications of osteochondrosis are associated with a herniated intervertebral disc. These include compression of the spinal cord (discogenic myelopathy), which is characterized by numbness, weakness of certain muscle groups of the extremities (depending on the level of compression), leading to paresis, muscle atrophy, changes in tendon reflexes, disturbances in urination and defecation. An intervertebral hernia can cause compression of the artery supplying the spinal cord, with the formation of ischemic areas (spinal cord infarction) with the death of nerve cells. This is manifested by the appearance of a neurological deficit (impaired movements, loss of sensitivity, trophic disorders), corresponding to the level and prevalence of ischemia.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist or vertebrologist. At the initial stage, X-rays of the spine are taken in 2 projections. If necessary, they can photograph a separate spinal segment and film in additional projections. To diagnose intervertebral hernia, assess the condition of the spinal cord and identify complications of osteochondrosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the spine) is used. MRI plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine: tuberculous spondylitis, osteomyelitis, tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatism, infectious lesions. Sometimes in cases of complicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to exclude syringomyelia. In some cases, if MRI is not possible, myelography is indicated.

A targeted examination of the affected intervertebral disc is possible using discography. Electrophysiological studies (evoked potentials, electroneurography, electromyography) are used to determine the extent and location of the lesion nerve pathways, monitoring the process of their recovery during therapy.

IN acute period Rest in the affected spinal motion segment is indicated. For this purpose, for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, fixation using a Shants collar is used, for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - bed rest. Fixation is also necessary for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with instability of the spinal segment.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in drug therapy for osteochondrosis: diclofenac, nimesulide, lornoxicam, meloxicam, ketoralac. With intense pain syndrome analgesics are indicated, e.g. central action flupirtine. To relieve muscle tension, muscle relaxants are used - tolperisone, tizanidine. In some cases, it is advisable to prescribe anticonvulsants– carbamazepine, gabapentin; antidepressants, among which preference is given to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (sertraline, paroxetine).

If radicular syndrome occurs, the patient is advised hospital treatment. Local administration of glucocorticoids, decongestant therapy, and the use of traction are possible. Physiotherapy, reflexology, massage are widely used in the treatment of osteochondrosis. physiotherapy. The use of manual therapy requires strict adherence to the technique of its implementation and special care in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Spinal surgeries are indicated primarily in cases of significant compression of the spinal cord. It consists of removing the herniated intervertebral disc and decompressing the spinal canal. It is possible to perform microdiscectomy, puncture valorization of the disc, laser reconstruction of the disc, replacement of the affected disc with an implant, and stabilization of the spinal segment.