Something the head does not turn or 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 and VVD (vegetative-vascular dystonia) at the same time. These pathologies are closely related to each other, and in view of similar symptoms it is not easy to quickly differentiate them - a full clinical examination and experience is required.

The relationship between VVD and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has been identified for a long time, and it consists 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 malfunctions of the vegetative nervous system responsible for the work of all other human organs and systems.

Causes of the development of pathologies in the spine

Vegetovascular dystonia may be associated with cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis and VVD 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 case of constant muscle strain, inflammatory processes, or insufficient development of the muscular corset in the neck area. Other factors that provoke the development of osteochondrosis include:

sedentary image life, leading to insufficient blood supply to the cervical spine;
excessive physical exercise, negatively affecting the vertebrae and causing their deformation - often, against the background of overloads, herniated intervertebral discs develop;
infections and related intoxications;
violations of metabolic processes;
pronounced obesity;
malnutrition - excess of canned food with food additives leads to 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, neurosis, depression;
addictions - significantly slow down the metabolism, leading to premature aging organism as a whole;
oncological lesions spinal column of any localization;
developmental anomalies;
improperly selected bedding;
long 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 needs the results of studies and consultations of an osteopath or a surgeon.

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

How does osteochondrosis manifest itself?

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

Classic symptoms diseases are:

pain syndrome in the back - at first, the pain does not differ in intensity and clear localization, 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 nerve endings occurs, sensitivity in the limbs is noticeably disturbed, a feeling of numbness, goosebumps appear;
when the nerve that innervates the trapezius muscle is pinched, the patient has difficulty turning the head and moving the shoulder on the side of the lesion.

How does osteochondrosis affect VSD

Since the most important blood vessels that feed the brain pass through the neck, any pathologies here are quite dangerous. VSD in cervical osteochondrosis is due to compression of the brain blood vessels, which develops against the background of narrowing of the intervertebral spaces and the presence of osteophytes. slowdown cerebral blood flow may be accompanied by symptoms classified as in the following way:

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

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

Diagnosis of the disease

Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed primarily by its symptoms

Correct diagnosis of pathology allows you to prescribe adequate treatment and completely get rid of the symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic scheme may differ for each individual patient, but the correct 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 VVD, so the patient needs to be prepared for long-term therapy. Among the laboratories and instrumental methods diagnostics prescribed for suspected VVD 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 scan.

A complete examination helps to pinpoint the source of the problem and determine how much osteochondrosis affects the course of VVD.

Treatment of osteochondrosis and associated VVD

Both diseases should be treated as early as possible. Therapy is not just prescription medicines- are widely used non-drug methods, which, in combination with medicines, can effectively cure VVD and osteochondrosis. Main additional techniques have become massage, reflexology, exercise therapy, physiotherapy. Drug therapy is aimed at achieving the following effects:

anti-inflammatory and decongestant;
painkiller;
muscle relaxant;
improvement of blood circulation;
reduction of tissue hypoxia.

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

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

Gymnastics helps in the complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis and VVD is prescribed in without fail, but a specific set of exercises is selected only on an individual basis. age is taken into account and general state patient, his level physical fitness and other points that affect the course of the disease. The gymnastic complex is initially recommended to be performed under the supervision of a specialist, then classes at home are allowed.

Massage and reflexology bring good results. It includes not only traditional acupuncture, but also intramuscular injections in 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. Complements the treatment of physiotherapy - ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy.

Some 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with people old age whose joints become stiff and ache with every movement. However, times have changed. Everything today more people they change hard physical labor for sedentary work at the computer, monitor the quality of nutrition less and more often, and more often face osteochondrosis of the cervical calving of the spine. It is 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.

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

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Paradoxically, but 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 with the spine is disrupted, in particular, its thinnest and most vulnerable section - the cervical. Second key factor osteochondrosis of the cervical region, originating in early childhood, is insufficient physical preparation, in particular, weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular corset, designed to support the spine.

These are two the most important reasons diseases. All the rest are a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First of all, they include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular, work that is associated with a long stay in one position. This is most typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts 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:

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

The process of development of osteochondrosis

Listed adverse factors ultimately lead to increased stress on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excessive 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 turns into the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the vertebrae begin to become thinner and closer, squeezing their contents (annulus fibrosus) out of the spine. Such a protrusion in the language of physicians is called protrusion.

In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still retains its integrity, but the protrusion is already squeezing the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and feed the brain. Moreover, the approaching and deforming vertebrae begin to compress the roots peripheral nerves, leading to the development of the so-called radicular syndrome”, which manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck. If you do not identify a problem (which will be eloquently signaled unpleasant symptoms) and not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will break 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. Here it should be noted that cervical osteochondrosis differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae are minimal here, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.

1. Osteochondrosis I degree
This is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort during head turns, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back with a long stay in one position (usually in a sitting position). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated with lifestyle changes, dietary changes and regular exercise.

2. Osteochondrosis II degree
At this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae in the neck. A person in this case is faced with intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm. During tilts or turns of the head, the pain increases significantly, because due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, they begin to be infringed nerve endings. The patient begins to tire quickly, his efficiency decreases, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness appear, and headaches torment him.

3. Osteochondrosis III degree
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck decreases markedly, and when the neck is turned, a crunch of the vertebrae can be heard. At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (especially the little finger and ring finger), due to which a person wakes up several times a night. During the day, these patients experience unpleasant heaviness in hand. And even a short conversation on the phone, in which a person is forced to hold the mobile near the ear, turns into 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 region.

4. Osteochondrosis IV degree
At the last stage of the disease, the destruction of the vertebral discs occurs, which cease to perform their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue. A patient in this condition may experience impaired coordination of movement, noise and a maddening pulsation in the ears appear, headaches intensify, visual acuity and hearing decrease. In some cases, there may be numbness of the tongue.

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

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

Diagnosis of the disease

To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his condition to the doctor. 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 on final stages disease development.
2. Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used in cases where a specialist assumes a violation of blood flow in the arteries that feed the brain. The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method more informative in comparison with radiography, as it not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, though with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). To date, the most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, which allows you to see bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Let's say right away that in order to deal with such a serious problem as cervical osteochondrosis, you should contact a neurologist. True, if there is a vertebrologist in the clinic, it is better to contact him first.

It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only in a complex way. The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical-collar zone, exercise therapy, physiotherapy methods, as well as proper nutrition. Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.

Help with severe pain

In case of severe pain syndrome, doctors recommend taking drugs such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin. When these funds cease to bring 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 means:

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 KONDROnova. Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
B vitamins: Milgamma, Neurobion, Unigamma and Kombilipen. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
Muscle relaxants: Sirdalud, Mydocalm, Tizanidin and others. The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
Drugs that improve rheological properties blood: Trental and Eufillin. This improves oxygen supply 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 the treatment with drugs is combined with other methods of therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will give only a temporary effect.

Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to act on the nerve endings faster and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills. However, vitamins are best taken orally. vitamins are well absorbed by the body with any method of administration, but injections with them can be painful.

Physiotherapy treatments

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

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

Diet for osteochondrosis

Recovery of the affected vertebrae includes and special diet, which normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents the deposition of salts, nourishes and restores cartilage, 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;
weakness and muffin;
strong tea and coffee;
pickles and marinades;
canned products.

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

lean meat and fish;
low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
butter (in a small amount);
cereals and soups from whole grains;
jelly, aspic from fish or meat;
vegetables, fruits and berries;
juices, fruit drinks, kissels and compotes.

When localizing osteochondrosis in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to drinking regime by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water a day. If there is overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds that have 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 allowed foods, 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 biscuits 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 it is possible to do gymnastics for the cervical spine only during the recovery period. It is important here that during the massage or gymnastics the patient does not experience discomfort and pain.

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

Exercise #1
Lying on your stomach and resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and torso so that your back remains straight. Hold this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.

Exercise #2
Lying on your stomach and stretching your arms along the body, slightly raise your head and start turning it first to the right, trying to touch the floor with your ear, and then to the left. Perform 6 turns in each direction.

Exercise #3
Sitting on the floor, while inhaling, lean forward, trying to reach your chin to your chest, and as you exhale, return to the starting position and tilt your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.

Exercise #4
Put your palms on your forehead and try to press hard on your head. At the same time, tensing the muscles of the neck, resist the hands, not allowing the head to be tilted. 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
Start slowly turning your head to the right and left, trying to look behind your back. Do 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, he has two articular processes that are attached to the skull in the back of the head.
Secondly, he is involved in turning the head. Instead of a vertebral body, in its anterior part there is a kind of annular 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 the epistrophy (from the Greek epistrepho - “I rotate”). It is he who provides the connection that allows rotation of the atlas and head. This is achieved by an odontoid process in the anterior part of the epistrophy (this process replaces the vertebral body present in the rest of the vertebrae).

The uniqueness of the 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 quite firmly attached to the first cervical vertebra by stiff tendons and ligaments, the connection of the atlas and epistropheus allows it to make nodding movements.

Meanwhile, the mobile 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, poor posture or sudden movements of the neck. This leads to inflammation and sharp pain at the base of the skull. The pain worsens when you try to turn your neck, but usually remains when the head is still. As with all inflamed tendons, they hurt the most when 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 epistrophe moves too abruptly, the third vertebra has little choice but to shift and assume an unfamiliar position.

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

A huge number of nerves depart 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 an injury, a sharp turn of the head, a fall, the use of several pillows during sleep, poor posture, etc. irritation or pinching of an adjacent nerve.

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

In the human neck, unlike other mammals, the flattest and, perhaps, the smallest vertebrae. 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 exerted 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 have troubles that are characteristic of other parts of the spinal column. The layer of cartilage and the liquid part inside is very thin (most often serious problems with intervertebral discs occur in the lumbar region).

Stress

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

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

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

Character neurological symptoms arising from problems in the neck depends on which nerve fibers are pinched or irritated by a displaced vertebra, as well as from 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, then the person experiences severe pain, tingling, burning, stinging, and electric shock-like sensations along the entire length of the affected nerve. These so-called reflected sensations can occur anywhere, even at the fingertips.

At the embryonic stage, when the upper and lower limbs, they pull nerve fibers from spinal cord who associate them with him. It turns out that the nerves are a kind of electrical wiring, which is equipped with the limbs and torso along the entire length. Imagine the person is leaning forward and placing their hands on the table. The nerves in the thumb originate in the region of the third cervical vertebra, since it is closer to the brain. The little finger is provided with nerves that begin 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 departs, which is responsible for any part of the limbs. Our body is divided into sections, each of which is equipped with its own nerve extending from the spinal cord. Thus, by determining the place of numbness or tingling, one can understand at what level of the spine the irritation or pinching of the nerve occurred. There is a simple rule: the thumb corresponds to a higher vertebra, the little finger to the lower vertebra.

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

If pinched motor nerve, this significantly limits the mobility of the corresponding part of the arm. 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 is distinguished by a complex structure. In addition, its damage can negatively affect the functioning of the brain and lead to the appearance a wide range symptoms that, to date, none of the scientists have bothered to combine into one syndrome. Well, this question requires detailed analysis affecting the meaning 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 exerted on the cervical muscles during sleep.

The main method used in the treatment of diseases of the cervical spine is massage. Start it from 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 upper part shoulders on both sides of the body. After that, return to the area of the shoulder blades, and from there continue to the middle part of the back so that a diamond forms. Massage the muscles completely, giving Special attention areas with spasms. You will almost certainly find tight nodules at the top of the shoulders, so work this area carefully to help it get rid of the lactic acid deposits.

Use a special oil for back massage - it will help relieve tension from the sides of the neck.

Massaging the neck on the sides (you need to do this from the back, not the front), you will find very painful places. There are damaged articular joints that can be relaxed. 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 contribute to recovery.

After that, the patient should lie on his back. Take a towel, put it under the patient's neck, and between it and the towel place your hands with interlaced fingers. Your thumbs should be just below the back of your head. Fix this position of the hands. Ask the patient to breathe evenly while their head is resting on your hands, and then begin to pull the neck towards you, as if trying to separate it from the body. Keep pulling for some time. Feel all the muscles of the neck and start massaging those that are too tense or painful.

It will not be difficult for you to find 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 high tide 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 lengthen at the same time, and the pain goes away.

If your neck hurts, take a hot bath with a rock salt solution. While you lie in the water, gently massage the neck area using a small amount of soap. Hot water will relieve tension, and the muscles will relax due to the expansion of blood vessels. This is an easy way to provide problem muscles with an extra portion of oxygen, thanks to which inflammation will pass very fast.

After that, you can do the exercises.

If you are being tormented sharp pains, exercises should be performed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Morning workout is needed in order to rid the muscles of stiffness - so it will be 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 have a massage session twice a week.

When massaging the neck, do not forget about the jaw muscles. Pain often leads to their compaction - relieve them of tension. The more tense the muscles of the jaw, the more tension falls on the share of the muscles of the neck. There is a direct relationship between them. Massage this area, work the joints, including the temporomandibular (TMJ), massage the temples right above the earlobes, where the jaw muscles are also located. When a person experiences significant stress, these muscles also tighten. Remember: spasm chewing muscles is a sign of extreme stress.

The first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are pain

The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis often appear even in young age. Well, tell me, who has not had a neck pain at least once in their life? And we don’t pay attention to this symptom, but find logical explanations: maybe it’s blown, I didn’t sleep properly on the 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 show the doctor - after all, it will pass by itself. Most often, people after forty years of age turn to a doctor for help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and then 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 both constant aching and sharp shooting when turning the head, when the vertebra moves relative to the other along the axis.

If a person long time ignores the emerging syndrome in osteochondrosis of the spine, then the process of degeneration in osteochondrosis of the vertebrae progresses.

There comes such a symptom as restriction of mobility of the vertebrae in the affected section - in this way the body is protected from discomfort. And then the unpleasant symptoms subside, and the person thinks that he got rid of the problem, and this is actually an aggravation of osteochondrosis.
The inability to turn the head left and right to the full extent, as before, does not even bother many. Meanwhile, the pathology can pass into 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 blood vessels that pass through each vertebra. As a result, symptoms high blood pressure: dizziness, headache, flashing "flies" before the eyes.

Severe headaches can be a sign of osteochondrosis

Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine do not have any features characteristic of this pathology. Therefore, with an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the vertebrae, it is sometimes difficult to guess for what reason the malaise occurred. There may be severe headaches in the occipital region, sometimes turning into a migraine, an increase in blood pressure to significant numbers. When coughing, turning the head and sneezing, the symptoms are more pronounced. With exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the spine, there may also be lumbago in the arm or chest. If osteochondrosis of the spine is running, and the tissues of the vertebrae have changed significantly, then spinal or cerebral circulation insufficiency may occur.

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

Do you get very scared?

Often, an increase in blood pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) and cervical osteochondrosis of the spine are best friends.

As a result of compression of the spinal vessels increases 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 an excruciating feeling of fear, anxiety, depression.

How can you tell if you're 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;
an attack of fear.

Other symptoms of a panic attack include:

pain and discomfort in the abdomen;
liquid stool;
frequent urination;
may have a sore throat
trembling in the limbs;
impaired coordination of movements.

Panic attacks - common symptoms this pathology

A panic attack usually lasts no more than half an hour. If the patient first felt all these symptoms of an attack, then there is a fear of death, a fear of the presence of any incurable pathology. Numerous examinations of the pathologies of organs and systems do not reveal, except perhaps the pathology of the vertebrae, which they may not particularly pay attention to, so the person begins to think that his case is severe and unique. However, one should be careful about given 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 disturbing and do not go away for a long time, consult a doctor! Perhaps you have osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Especially if the pain in the affected spine is sharp, it will be difficult to ignore it. The pathologies themselves do not go away, and many patients tend to think that “everything can go away on its own”, but in reality everything is only progressing. Temporary remission turns into another exacerbation of signs of osteochondrosis of the spine. On the early stage it is easier to identify and overcome the problem than to deal with complications!

Osteocondritis of the spine- this is chronic illness, in which degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them. Depending on the location of the lesion of the spine, there are: osteochondrosis of the cervical region, osteochondrosis thoracic and osteochondrosis lumbar. For the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to conduct x-rays, and in case of its complications (for example, hernia intervertebral disc) – MRI of the spine. In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, along with medical methods widely used, reflexology, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.

Osteocondritis of the spine- This 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 of the spine, there are: osteochondrosis of the cervical region, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region and osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.

To some extent, osteochondrosis of the spine develops in all people of age and is one of the processes of aging of the body. Sooner or later in the intervertebral disc, atrophic changes However, injuries, diseases and various overloads spine contribute more early emergence osteochondrosis. The most common osteochondrosis of the cervical 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 complete explanation changes occurring in the spine, rather they are complementary.

It is believed that the main point in the occurrence of osteochondrosis is the constant overload of the spinal motion segment, which consists of two adjacent vertebrae with an intervertebral disc located between them. Such an overload can occur as a result of a motor stereotype - posture, an individual manner of sitting and walking. Postural problems, sitting wrong posture, walking with an uneven spinal column cause additional stress on the discs, ligaments and muscles of the spine. The process can be aggravated due to the peculiarities of the structure of the spine and the insufficiency of the trophism of its tissues, due to hereditary factors. Most often, defects in the structure are found in the cervical region (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 spine is more often associated with its overload during bending and lifting weights. A healthy intervertebral disc can withstand significant loads due to the hydrophilicity of the nucleus pulposus located in its center. The kernel contains a large number of water, and liquids are known to be slightly compressible. Rupture of a healthy intervertebral disc can occur with a compression force of more than 500 kg, while a disc changed 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-kilogram load in a 200 forward torso position. great pressure due to the small size of the nucleus pulposus. With an increase in inclination 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 weights, doing housework, weeding in the garden, etc.

With osteochondrosis, the pulpous nucleus loses its hydrophilic properties. This is due to disturbances in its metabolism or insufficient intake essential 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 occurs in the facet (facet) joints connecting the vertebrae.

Destruction connective tissue annulus fibrous 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 fixes the bodies of neighboring vertebrae so firmly. Instability is forming spinal segment. Due to instability, the spine may be pinched. 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 torso tilts. 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 It is formed when the disc is displaced backward, the posterior longitudinal ligament is torn 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 one. A herniated disc 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 (compression myelopathy) or cause radicular syndrome.

The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the spine is pain. The pain can be acute with high intensity, it increases with the slightest movement in the affected segment and therefore forces the patient into a forced position. So with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the patient keeps 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, get up and walk. This pain syndrome is typical for compression of the spinal nerve root.

In about 80% of cases, there is a dull pain of a constant nature and moderate intensity. In such cases, when examining a doctor, it is necessary to differentiate the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine from myositis of the muscles of the back. Dull pain in osteochondrosis is caused by excessive compensatory tension of the muscles that hold the affected spinal motion segment, inflammatory changes, or significant stretching of the intervertebral disc. In patients with such a pain syndrome, there is no forced position, but limitation of movements and physical activity is revealed. Patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - slowly sit down and stand up, avoid tilting the body.

All symptoms of osteochondrosis, manifesting only in the region of the spinal column, belong to the vertebral syndrome. All changes localized outside the spine form an extravertebral syndrome. It can be pain along the peripheral nerves when their roots are compressed at the exit from the spinal cord. For example, lumboischialgia - pain along the sciatic nerve with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, these are vascular disorders in the vertebrobasilar basin of the brain, caused by compression of the vertebral artery.

Complications of osteochondrosis are associated with a herniated disc. These include compression of the spinal cord (discogenic myelopathy), which is characterized by numbness, weakness of certain muscle groups of the limbs (depending on the level of compression), leading to the appearance of paresis, muscle atrophy, changes in tendon reflexes, impaired urination and defecation. An intervertebral hernia can cause compression of the artery that feeds 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 (disturbance of movement, loss of sensitivity, trophic disorders), corresponding to the level and prevalence of ischemia.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out by a neurologist or vertebrologist. At the initial stage, radiography of the spine is performed in 2 projections. If necessary, they can make a survey of a separate vertebral segment and a survey in additional projections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the spine) is used to diagnose intervertebral hernia, assess the condition of the spinal cord and identify complications of osteochondrosis. MRI plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis and other spinal diseases: 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 study of the affected intervertebral disc is possible with the help of discography. Electrophysiological studies (evoked potentials, electroneurography, electromyography) are used to determine the extent and localization of the lesion neural pathways, monitoring the process of their recovery during therapy.

AT acute period shows rest in the affected spinal motion segment. For this purpose, in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, fixation is used with the help of the Shants collar, in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - bed rest. Fixation is also necessary for osteochondrosis of the cervical region with instability of the spinal segment.

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

When radicular syndrome occurs, the patient is shown hospital treatment. Perhaps local administration of glucocorticoids, decongestant therapy, the use of traction. In the treatment of osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage, 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.

Operations on the spine are indicated primarily for significant compression of the spinal cord. It consists in removing a herniated 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, stabilization of the spinal segment.