Headache with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine-
one of the first signs that may indicate the development of the disease. At first, they appear paroxysmal, then they are permanent, accompanied by a sharp deterioration of well-being, stiffness of movements and fainting. Importers It is important to understand that without proper therapy, the disease can progress and cause dangerous consequences.
Osteochondrosis - the mechanism of determination and development
Osteochondrosis- chronic progressive spinal disease. During the examination, there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage and deformation of the bone segments. The cervical spine consists of six vertebrae - bony segments connected by ligaments. To absorb shocks during movement, bends and tilts of the head, intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebrae. The vertebral arteries and nerves pass through special holes, which are directed to the brain and their protection from damage is one of the functions of the cervical spine.
With osteochondrosis, the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its elasticity. Its main reason is insufficient supply of blood and nutrients to the cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral discs. This process can be associated with age-related changes, insufficient blood supply to the cartilage, as well as the consequences of injuries and inflammatory diseases of the joints. The intervertebral discs become thin and not elastic enough, so they can not suck in motion. This leads to a decrease in neck mobility, painful sensations, compression of nerves and blood vessels passing in this area. The process progresses, since the cervical spine is the most mobile and has a weak muscular corset.
Causes of headaches in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervix- a common disease in both the elderly and the young. It is accompanied by limited neck mobility in all or in a certain direction, hearing or vision impairment, as well as acute headaches. These symptoms appear already in the initial stage of the disease and only progress over time.
Headache in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with a number of pathological changes:
- a drop in the lumen between the adjacent vertebrae of the cervical spine;
- compression of nerves and blood vessels that go to the brain;
- insufficient blood supply to brain cells;
- deformation of bone tissue, formation of growths, fusion of vertebrae - the mechanism of adaptation of the body against the consumption of bone during movement.
Headaches with osteochondrosis can only occur with damage to the cervical spine. In this area, arteries and nerves pass, which bring blood to the brain and participate in its nervousness. With the defeat of the thoracic and lumbar regions, headache does not occur. However, the disease is most often diagnosed in this area, as it is more mobile and the supporting muscular corset is poorly developed. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity or, conversely, very intense loads without sufficient heat contribute to the rapid development of osteochondrosis at any age.
The nature of pain caused by osteochondrosis
Headaches with osteochondrosis are a symptom with which the disease can be identified even in the absence of any neck injury. However, it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis based on examination alone. There are several possibilities for headaches with osteochondrosis, depending on the cause of their occurrence:
- when squeezing the vertebral artery - the pain resembles a migraine, often extending only to half of the head;
- when pinch the roots of the spinal nerves - pulsating, acute, growing during turns and tilting of the head;
- Chronic headache - is associated with ischemia, lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.
With osteochondrosis, headache is often accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are stiffness in the neck, muscle spasms and discomfort. In addition, the patient may experience numbness in the hands and a tingling sensation in the skin of the palms. With insufficient blood supply to the brain, hearing and vision deteriorate and difficulties with coordination of movements appear. Also, there is an increased sensitivity to bright light and loud, tactile stimuli. These signs disappear after the restoration of blood circulation.
Diagnostic methods
Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a symptom for which it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. To begin treatment, it is necessary to determine the location of the problem area, the stage of the disease and the pathological changes caused by the disease. For this, a series of exams has been scheduled, including:
- MRI of the head is one of the most informative and accurate diagnostic methods, thanks to which it is possible to assess the condition of brain tissue;
- MRI of the cervical spine is a simple way to get an accurate picture of all the disorders that appear in this area (thinning and decreased elasticity of the inter-articular cartilage, excessive increase of the articular surfaces of the bones;
- Doppler ultrasonography of the vessels of the neck and head is performed with the addition of a contrast agent to monitor cerebral blood flow and identify areas of the brain suffering from ischemia.
Treatment of headaches with cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of headache in cervical osteochondrosis is symptomatic. Seizures can be treated at home, but they will continue to show up. Importers It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is a chronic, progressive disease and it is impossible to completely restore the structure of the affected spine. The goal of therapy is to slow down further destruction of the vertebrae, restore normal blood supply and nervousness, and get rid of soreness and other unpleasant symptoms.
Medication treatment
Most patients are prescribed a comprehensive treatment regimen for osteochondrosis. Pain relievers can be taken at home, but the headache will recur. It is important to find an effective set of medications that will affect not only the symptoms but also the causes of the headache. Timely initiation of treatment will keep the spine at the same level and prevent further deterioration of well-being.
Doctors may prescribe several types of medications to relieve headache in cervical osteochondrosis:
- non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs - eliminate pain and relieve inflammation in the joints (ibuprofen);
- muscle relaxants - a group of drugs that relieve muscle spasms, thus improving blood circulation in the vertebral artery (tolperison hydrochloride);
- vasodilators - necessary for high blood pressure, as well as to eliminate vascular spasm (magnesium sulfate);
- nootropics are an additional category of drugs that have been selected to improve blood circulation to brain cells.
If osteochondrosis damages the head and neck, medications can be prescribed both in the form of tablets or injections, as well as in the form of an oil. To improve blood circulation and cartilage nutrition, gels with a warming ingredient and anti-inflammatory effect are beneficial. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, therefore, maintain the condition of the spine during periods of disease exacerbation.
Additional techniques
Treatment of headaches in osteochondrosis includes a number of techniques that strengthen the cervical spine, prevent the compression of important nerves and arteries. They are special exercises for forming a muscular corset, as well as physical and other methods to affect the affected area. They are prescribed in combination with drug therapy and performed during several sessions.
- Physiotherapy exercises - simple exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, increase their elasticity. The warm-up consists of twists and turns, circular movements of the head. Next, you need to place your palm on the forehead, temple and back of the head. The head is tilted to the side of the hand, and the palm resists. At home, you can do morning and evening exercises, giving physical education at least 20-30 minutes a day.
- Massage is an effective technique that will help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis as well as prevent disease progression. At home, you can do self-massage, in which the muscles of the back and lateral surfaces of the neck, as well as the muscles of the trapezius are deceived. It is useful to participate in therapeutic massage sessions, which are performed during 5-10 procedures. The course is repeated every 4-5 months.
- Physiotherapy is a set of techniques that a doctor can prescribe to improve well-being in patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This can be magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, paraffin applications and other methods of exposure. Under external influence, blood flows faster to the damaged area, feeding the damaged intervertebral discs and their oxygenation improves. In addition, recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, due to which the disease does not develop further.
Regular exercise, attending massage sessions and physical therapy will help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis. The main condition is the complete completion of the procedures. They are performed at intervals of several days to a week, and to achieve maximum effect, it may take up to 10 sessions. During treatment, ease of movement, absence of headache and other symptoms, improvement in concentration and performance are observed. However, it is important to remember that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, therefore, the course of procedures is repeated every 4-6 months.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgery is prescribed only in cases where conservative treatment is ineffective. This occurs in advanced cases, if the patient has a fusion of adjacent vertebrae or the formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the articular surfaces of the bone. These changes lead to persistent headaches, stiff neck, chronic ischemia of some parts of the brain. The operation can be performed in several ways:
- removal of pathological growths on the surfaces of the vertebrae, which do not allow them to participate in movement;
- attaching adjacent vertebrae to reduce pressure on nerves and blood vessels;
- replacement of the damaged segment with an implant.
The decision for surgical intervention is made individually. It should be understood that this is a complex operation that will require a long recovery period. In the early stages, it is not performed, as there is no threat to the patient's health.
Prevention methods
Symptoms and treatment of headache in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the mechanism of development of this disease. Injuries are one of its causes, but the pathological process can also appear in a healthy person. Doctors recommend the introduction of proper habits from an early age that will help maintain the health of the cervical spine and prevent the development of dangerous diseases:
- correct behavior both while walking and while working on the monitor is the main condition for a uniform load on the spine;
- moderate physical activity - even a healthy person can benefit from simple daily exercises to strengthen and increase the elasticity of the muscles and ligaments of the neck;
- a properly chosen mattress and pillow will help avoid nerve constriction and ischemia of brain cells during sleep;
- avoiding energy loads in everyday life - do not try to carry weights in bags and uncomfortable bags;
- for those engaged in sedentary work - regular breaks for a little warm-up;
- in the cold season - wearing a scarf.