Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: causes, manifestations, treatment

Frequent dizziness, tinnitus, flies in front of the eyes, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head are not only caused by fatigue. Often they are provoked by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine. Headaches in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a typical manifestation of the disease. It is impossible to get rid of it for a long time without affecting the root cause.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

The degeneration of intervertebral cartilage and bone tissue in the cervical spine causes clinical symptoms in the early stages. Growth and displacement of vertebral fragments inevitably lead to impaired blood flow, innervation and malnutrition of brain structures.

The causes of spinal deformity in the neck area are:

• congenital disorders of the structure of bone tissue;
• osteochondrosis of the lumbar or thoracic regions.

In almost half of cases, the pathology is found in people of middle and young age, more often in women. Its development is facilitated by a long-term incorrect position of the head during sleep, sitting at a desk, during telephone conversations and when traveling in transport. The progression of osteochondrosis is also accelerated by the habit of sleeping on high pillows. The mobility of this part of the body, the smaller size of the vertebrae compared to other departments, the location of a large number of large vessels and nerve trunks, provoke the early onset of symptoms. The pain syndrome is the main one.

Fragments of collapsing discs and impaired vertebrae compress the vertebral artery and the plexus of nerves surrounding it. Prolonged compression causes the lumen of the vessels to narrow, slowing blood flow and reducing the supply of oxygen to the tissues. Malnutrition, hypoxia and subsequent cerebral ischemia are aggravated by compression of the nerve trunks by osteophytes - radiculopathy.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

In most cases, headaches and other symptoms of pathology are secondary or vertebrogenic in nature - they are caused by pathological processes not in the brain, but in the adjacent spine.

Reflex headache - annoying pain. Occurs when the first three vertebrae are affected. It begins in the upper part of the neck, spreads to the occipital and parietal parts, then covers the temples and the forehead. It is most often unilateral, resembling a classic migraine. It lasts from half an hour to several days, aggravated by tilting or turning the head, active physical actions.

If osteochondrosis affects the fourth and fifth vertebrae, cervicobrachialgia develops. Its danger lies in the similarity with a heart attack. The pain is one-sided, sharp, burning, covers the neck, shoulder and gives under the scapula, in the hypochondrium, sometimes in the forearm and hand.

Myofascial dysfunction causes the so-called cervical migraine. Throbbing or pressing pain on the side of the neck travels down one side, covering part of the back of the head, top of the head, temples and reaching the brow bones.

In severe cases, additional symptoms are observed: photophobia, redness of the eyes, nausea, physical weakness.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can cause different types of vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• with frequent headaches;
• violations of thermoregulation, intracranial pressure, breathing;
• sudden mood swings.

With severe pinching of the spinal nerves, speech disorders, numbness of the tongue, loss of sensitivity in the fingers occur. A person becomes like a drunk or under the influence of psychotropic drugs: he utters words indiscriminately, does not immediately respond when addressed to himself. In advanced cases, tissue malnutrition and insufficient blood supply lead to a persistent increase in intracranial pressure, a decrease in vision and hearing.

Some facts about the disease:

• Osteochondrosis of the neck occurs in men and women about equally often.
• Most often, people aged 30-60 get sick.
• As a rule, pathology occurs in people who at work constantly have to be in the same position and perform monotonous movements.
• The cervical spine has certain structural features, due to which the disease can have many different manifestations.

What features of the cervical spine cause the symptoms of osteochondrosis?

• There are openings in the lateral processes of the vertebrae - the carotid arteries pass through them to the right and left, which supply the brain with blood.
• In the cervical region passes the initial part of the spinal cord - it contains fibers that carry nerve impulses to all parts of the body, provide movement, sensitivity. If there is compression of the spinal cord in the neck, neurological disorders occur throughout the body.
• This section of the spine has high mobility, which predisposes to the appearance of osteochondrosis (although in most cases the disease still develops in the lumbar region - it not only has high mobility, butalso undergoes the greatest load).
• In the neck, nerve roots emerge from the intervertebral foramina, forming the cervical and brachial nerve plexuses. They are responsible for the movements of the muscles of the neck, arms, shoulder girdle, skin sensitivity, regulation of autonomic functions.
• The first vertebra does not have a massive front part - the body - it is a bone ring that is put on the tooth - a bony outgrowth on the second vertebra. This allows the head to turn from side to side.

Neck pain, headaches, a feeling of weakness, numbness in the hands are symptoms that should prompt you to turn to a neurologist. Examination by a specialist and examination with the help of modern equipment will help to understand the causes of the pathology and to take the most effective measures.

Stages and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The first target of the disease is the intervertebral discs. Each disc consists of a pulpy nucleus enclosed in a dense fibrous ring. The nucleus performs the function of a shock absorber during loads on the spine, and the fibrous ring holds the nucleus pulposus in the spine.

Under conditions of poor blood circulation and poor nutrition, the tissues of the disc begin to break down. The fibrous ring detaches and the core loses some of its moisture, thins and partially loses its shock absorbing properties. As a result of such changes, the ability of the intervertebral disc to withstand loads is reduced and it is damaged.

One of the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is pain in the neck of a throbbing, burning, stabbing nature, similar to "electric shocks". It usually extends to one or both hands.

Some patients complain of constant aches or pains and, in addition to aches, stiffness of movement, dizziness, headaches and memory problems.

In many ways, the nature and severity of pain, as well as accompanying symptoms, depend on the stage of osteochondrosis:

• 1 step.Changes occur inside the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus moves and begins to irritate the nerve endings. But pain at the initial stage usually occurs only during physical exertion, movement, coughing and sneezing, and at rest a person may not feel any discomfort.
• 2 step.The annulus fibrosis loses its ability to hold the nucleus pulposus, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and they move relative to each other. As a result of such changes, pinching of the nerve endings is possible, which causes severe pain. Pain, in turn, forces a person into a forced position.
• 3 step.The fibrous ring is destroyed and an intervertebral hernia occurs. At this stage, the cervical spine is often deformed - its natural curvature decreases. A hernial bulge compresses or irritates the nerve roots, causing severe, constant pain in the neck and arms, often accompanied by numbness and muscle weakness.
• 4 floor.The annulus fibrosis becomes dense and adhesions form between the vertebrae. As a result, immobility occurs in the affected area, while the pain may even decrease.

Diagnostic

With complaints of poor health in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should contact a neurologist. During the examination, the doctor determines the origin of the pain. For this, it uses the following methods:

• presses with fingers on the region of the cervical vertebrae in places where the nerve roots protrude: the emerging pain reaction indicates a headache;
• presses on the points close to the bony prominences under the lower edges of the ears: an attack of pain after this clearly signals the development of a cervical migraine by mechanical compression.

For an accurate diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis, a number of instrumental studies are prescribed. Radiography, magnetic resonance and computed tomography remain the main ones. With their help, pathological changes that have arisen in the structure of bones, cartilage and soft tissues are visualized.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Medications are designed to eliminate symptoms, restore normal blood circulation, biomechanics of the entire cervical region.

To relieve pain, NSAIDs, analgesics, muscle relaxants and antispasmodics are used.

Vasodilators - vasodilators help reduce vegetative manifestations, improve venous outflow and prevent edema in the affected area.

Means containing B vitamins and magnesium help to improve the nutrition of cells of nervous tissue and reduce undesirable symptoms.

At the same time, patients are recommended medications to regulate blood pressure, correct heart rhythm.

Many patients are given tranquilizers, antidepressants, sedatives.

Depending on the severity of the condition, the duration of treatment is short or long. Analgesics are used once or over several days. Means that normalize blood flow and vitamins - 2-3 month course.

To maintain the action of drugs, physiotherapy is prescribed:

• massage of the collar area;
• acupuncture and reflexology.

With exacerbations, the wearing of therapeutic bandages supporting the cervical muscles is shown.

In the absence of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, therapeutic exercises help stop and prevent symptoms of VVD. Gymnastics helps to strengthen the muscles of the neck, relieves spasms, improves the elasticity of blood vessels and the ligamentous apparatus of the vertebral joints. The workout includes soft tissue stretching movements: deep head tilts, bends, rotations.

Patients with osteochondrosis, complicated with VVD, should carefully arrange a sleeping place. You need to rest only on an orthopedic mattress and pillow, do not drink a lot of fluids at night to avoid swelling. Avoid work and hobbies associated with an unfavorable position of the cervical vertebrae: backward tilt or low tilt of the head.

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Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis

Dizziness with cervical chondrosis is common in both sexes, from 30 years and older. The specificity of lifestyle and certain abuses lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in adulthood in almost every second inhabitant of our country. There are patients who already have problems in adolescence.

It is impossible to underestimate the danger of this pathology: it worsens a person's well-being, contributes to the development of dangerous conditions. The symptoms of which are a variety of unpleasant sensations.

Causes of dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis

In the article we will consider whether he can be dizzy and sick for a long time with cervical osteochondrosis, why it happens, because of what the condition worsens and what to do, how to get rid of discomfort forstill.

Due to an unhealthy lifestyle and regular overloading of the neck area, the condition of the spine in this area gradually changes.

Degenerative changes develop in the intervertebral discs, the holes through which the spinal nerves and vessels that supply the brain gradually narrow.

The condition is extremely unpleasant and dangerous. The patient feels pain during sudden movements, in certain positions of the head and neck. The brain receives less oxygen than it needs, which causes the development of regular dizziness.

The main reasons why a person with osteochondrosis may feel dizzy:

1. Compression of the vertebral artery by bony growths. Osteophytes pinch the vessel that supplies the cerebellum and the basal parts of the brain. Its permeability decreases, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen passing through it. In medicine, this phenomenon is called vertebral artery syndrome.
2. Irritation of Frank's nerves. The nerve fibers of the sympathetic system envelop the vertebral artery, feel any impact on it. In response to irritation, the nerve causes the vessel to spasm, impairing its patency. Hernias, formed osteophytes or instability of the cervical vertebrae can cause discomfort.
3. Subluxation of the superior articular process of the underlying vertebra or formation of a herniated disc in the neck region.

With dizziness and nausea due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as the manifestation of other symptoms, such as weakness in women, drug treatment is necessary, but what to take, what pills will help, only the doctorwill decide after a thorough study of the patient's condition. After all, the causes of dizziness are very diverse.

Depending on the specific cause of the development of the pathological condition and negative symptoms, various means and techniques are used.

You need to understand that a dizzy head, if the attacks intensify and become frequent, is a really dangerous condition. A person not only endangers his life while driving or crossing the road, but also causes the risk of developing encephalopathy due to a regular lack of blood and nutrition for neurons.

Additional symptoms

Before deciding what will help with the appearance of dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis, what exercises will stop unpleasant attacks, you should not read reviews from strangers, but assess the accompanying symptoms during the development of the disease.

An experienced doctor, according to such signs, suggests the degree of development of chondrosis. He is also able to assess the danger of the condition, compiling a diagnostic algorithm. And then - to choose an effective and safe treatment.

Symptoms that accompany a decrease in the patency of the cervical artery and signal the need to urgently consult a doctor:

1. Intermittent, possibly pulsatile tinnitus. Then gradually spreads to the whole head. As a rule, an attack occurs after being in an uncomfortable position, physical exertion or against the background of severe fatigue.
2. Cracks, pain when moving the neck.

3. Darkening of the eyes, short faints when the head is thrown back. In advanced cases, even a sharp turn causes such a reaction.
4. Nausea that can go as far as vomiting, accompanying attacks of dizziness.

Can the head spin not because of cervical chondrosis, why it developed and what to do, only a neurologist will tell you after the examination. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the treatment started, the more effective the measures taken will be.

If you seek help early, there is a chance to avoid drug therapy and get rid of the problem that has arisen. By delaying the trip to the doctor, there is a risk of provoking the development of a more dangerous condition.

Diagnostic

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with dizziness, what to do if a violation of coordination of movements has developed and what is prescribed in such cases, you can find out after passing a comprehensive diagnosis, because each caseis unique.

Before deciding on a treatment regimen, it is extremely important for the doctor to find out what influenced the development of the disease. It is necessary to clarify how quickly it worsens and what are the features of its course. Due to these features, when it comes to complaints of regular dizziness, a thorough diagnosis is carried out.

A neurologist performs an initial examination during which:

• determines the range of symptoms accompanying the course of the disease;
• according to the results of a physical examination, find the features of changes in the cervical region;
• collects an anamnesis, a history of the development of the disease;
• asks about the characteristics of the patient's life in order to identify risk factors that affect the development of the disease.

After that, instrumental examinations will be scheduled:

• MRIs of the brain and neck to determine if changes have already occurred and their extent;
• Ultrasound of the vessels passing through the neck will show how much the permeability of blood flow and nutrition of the brain is reduced;
• CT scan of the cervical spine reveals formed deviations from the norm of bone structures;
• electromyography will allow you to record the electrical activity of the muscles in the area being assessed;

The correct answer to the question of what to do if your head is spinning from the neck and hurting is to go to the doctor. The clinic will accurately determine the causes of the poor condition and select the appropriate therapy.

Treatment

After determining the specific stage of the disease, the doctor prescribes individual therapy. After all, you can encounter such a phenomenon as neuralgia of the occipital nerve, and you need to deal with it in your own way.

Preference is given to complex treatment, which includes:

• taking medication (chondroprotectors, anti-inflammatories, etc. );
• physiotherapy techniques;
• various massage techniques;
• specialized complexes of physiotherapy exercises, exercise therapy;
• following a healthy diet.

When you feel dizzy with osteochondrosis of the cervical region, treatment can be carried out both by conservative methods and by surgical intervention.

Operations are performed in situations where the spine is too narrow or persistent hernias have formed.

Effective treatment methods in the early stages are massage and special sets of exercises. Compliance with the doctor's recommendations at the preclinical stage of the development of the disease allows to cure it completely.

The results show physiotherapy methods that can get rid of painful symptoms in a few sessions:

• classic manual therapy;
• methods of influencing the shock waves on the body;
• whirlpool;
• laser therapy.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, when the head is already regularly dizzy, is an urgent necessary step.

This dangerous symptom is an indicator of the development of really dangerous pathologies that can further aggravate the comfort of human life. And even shorten its duration.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the appearance of unpleasant symptoms or significantly reduce their severity with the help of regular preventive actions. Many people wonder whether it can be effective to use painless funds for dizziness from cervical osteochondrosis, how to get rid of it, quickly relieve an attack, rather than treating the disease at home?

Prevention by lifestyle

We list the appropriate measures to prevent the progression of the disease:

• Decrease in time spent in flexed position. For example, in front of a computer, gadgets, or work that requires tension in the neck and a forward tilted head position. Provide an ergonomic workstation.
• Organization of an economical regime of alternating work and rest.

• Rejection of habits, destructive addictions. It is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption and the number of cigarettes smoked.
• Provision of a place to sleep. Get an orthopedic pillow and mattress that takes into account the structural features of your spine.
• Increase the time devoted to physical activity in your daily schedule, avoid physical inactivity.
• Regularly perform a special warm-up during the working day. Ideally, you should set aside 5 minutes per hour for exercise.
• Avoid traumatic activities, extreme sports and excessive physical exertion.
• Watch your body weight. When obesity appears, try to lose excess weight as soon as possible.
• Regularly attend specialized massage courses, learn safe self-massage techniques.

• Use comfortable backpacks to carry things, avoid bags that cause tilting when walking. Use the head restraints when traveling in a seated position.
• If injured, seek help immediately. Start following medical recommendations from the first days.

It is impossible to ignore situations when, against the background of preventive measures, the neck and the back of the head hurt. This is the first symptom of the disease and requires treatment.

Power protection

It is beneficial to follow a special diet that will support medically induced recovery processes in the neck and cervical spine.

Key principles of nutrition in the presence of such a problem or a predisposition to it:

• the use of gelling foods in food, which contribute to the restoration of cartilage in the body;
• maintaining a balance between high protein and high carbohydrate foods, an adequate amount of lean meat and fish in the diet;
• limit excessive consumption of salt and spices;
• reduction in the consumption of pickled and smoked products;
• reduction in the diet of sweets, including rich products;
• limit caffeinated beverages;
• increase the share of fresh vegetables and fruits in the daily menu;
• refusal of fatty and fried foods, fast food.

An important place in the life of a person with a similar disease should be occupied by exercise therapy. They are especially relevant for the elderly or leading a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, a special set of exercises must be repeated daily to achieve the desired result.

Despite the variety of traditional medicine, with dizziness from cervical osteochondrosis, what to do, what to drink, how to deal with seizures, how to cure a deviation or eliminate a specific symptom, does this or that remedy really help, and does it cause further harm, should be decided by a professional physician. An online consultation with a neurologist can help here.

Do not blindly follow the advice of friends and try to eliminate the disease without resorting to the recommendations of a qualified doctor.

In advanced cases, osteochondrosis can not only reduce the quality of life, but also deprive a person of the ability to work. Therefore, try to notice in time the factors that can lead to the destruction of intervertebral discs and, if possible, eliminate or reduce their harmful effects on the spine. If you are concerned about neck pain, be sure to consult your doctor. Only a specialist can determine the stage of the disease, select painkillers and prescribe a course of physiotherapy or physiotherapy exercises.