Headache with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.-one of the first signs that may indicate the development of the disease. At first, they seem paroxysmal, then they are permanent, accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being, stiffness of movements and fainting. It is important to understand that without proper therapy, the disease can progress and cause dangerous consequences.

Osteochondrosis: definition and development mechanism

Osteochondrosis- Progressive chronic disease of the spine. During the examination, there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage and a deformation of the bone segments. The cervical spine consists of six vertebrae - bone segments connected by ligaments. For shock absorption during movement, turning and tilting of the head, the intervertebral cartilages are located between the adjacent vertebrae. The vertebral arteries and nerves pass through special holes, which are directed to the brain, and their protection against damage is one of the functions of the cervical spine.

With osteochondrosis, the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its elasticity. Its main reason is the 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 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 cannot be absorbed in motion. This leads to decreased mobility of the neck, painful sensations, compression of the nerves and blood vessels that pass through this area. The process advances, since the cervical spine is the most mobile and has a weak muscular corset.

Causes of headaches in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Cervical osteochondrosis- a common disease among the elderly and the young. It is accompanied by limited mobility of the neck in all or in a certain direction, impaired hearing or vision, as well as a severe headache. 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 decrease in the lumen between the adjacent vertebrae of the cervical spine;
• compression of nerves and blood vessels leading to the brain;
• insufficient blood supply to brain cells;
• deformation of bone tissue, formation of growths, fusion of vertebrae - the body's adaptation mechanism against bone abrasion during movement.

Headaches with osteochondrosis can occur only with damage to the cervical spine. The arteries and nerves pass through this area, which carry blood to the brain and participate in its innervation. With the defeat of the thoracic and lumbar regions, pain in the head does not occur. However, the disease is most often diagnosed in this area, as it is the most mobile and the supporting muscular corset is underdeveloped. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity or, conversely, too intense loads without sufficient warming up contribute to the rapid development of osteochondrosis at any age.

The nature of pain caused by osteochondrosis.

Headaches with osteochondrosis are a symptom by which the disease can be identified even in the absence of damage to the neck. However, it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis based on the exam alone. There are several options for headaches with osteochondrosis, depending on the cause of their appearance:

• when squeezing the vertebral artery - the pain resembles a migraine, often spreading only to the middle of the head;
• when pinching the roots of the spinal nerves - pulsating, sharp, increases during turns and tilts of the head;
• chronic headaches: associated with ischemia, lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.

With osteochondrosis, the headache is often accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are a stiff neck, muscle spasms and discomfort. Also, the patient may experience numbness in the hands and a tingling sensation on the skin of the palms. With insufficient blood supply to the brain, hearing and vision deteriorate and difficulties appear with coordination of movements. In addition, there is an increased sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds, 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 set of examinations is prescribed, which include:

• MRI of the head is one of the most informative and accurate diagnostic methods, thanks to which it is possible to assess the state of brain tissue;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine is an easy way to obtain an accurate image of all disorders that appear in this area (thinning and decreased elasticity of the inter-articular cartilage, excessive growth of the articular surfaces of the bones;
• Doppler ultrasound of the vessels in the neck and head is performed with the addition of a contrast agent to monitor cerebral blood flow and identify areas of the brain that are ischemic.

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 occur. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is a chronic and progressive disease and it is impossible to completely restore the structure of the affected spine. The goal of therapy is to slow further destruction of the vertebrae, restore normal blood supply and innervation, and eliminate pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Drug treatment

Most patients are prescribed a comprehensive treatment regimen for osteochondrosis. Pain relievers can be taken at home, but the headache will return. It is important to find an effective set of medications that 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 can 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, thereby improving blood circulation in the vertebral artery (tolperisone hydrochloride);
• vasodilators - necessary for high blood pressure, as well as to eliminate vascular spasm (magnesium sulfate);
• Nootropics are an additional category of drugs that are selected to improve blood circulation in brain cells.

If osteochondrosis hurts the head and neck, drugs can be prescribed both in the form of tablets or injections and in the form of an ointment. To improve blood circulation and nutrition of cartilage, gels with a warming component and anti-inflammatory effect are useful. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, therefore, maintain the state of the spine during periods of exacerbation of the disease.

Additional techniques

Treatment of headaches in osteochondrosis includes a number of techniques that strengthen the cervical spine and prevent compression of important nerves and arteries. They are special exercises for the formation of a muscular corset, as well as physical and other methods to influence the affected area. They are prescribed in combination with drug therapy and are carried out in a course of several sessions.

1. Physiotherapy exercises: simple exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, increase their elasticity. The warm-up consists of twists and push-ups, circular movements of the head. Next, you need to alternately place the palm of your hand on the forehead, temple, and the back of the head. The head is tilted to one side of the hand and the palm resists. At home, you can exercise in the morning and in the evening, giving physical education at least 20-30 minutes a day.
2. Massage is an effective technique that will help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis, as well as prevent the progression of the disease. At home, you can do a self-massage, in which the muscles of the back and the lateral surfaces of the neck, as well as the muscles of the trapezius, are kneed. It is useful to attend therapeutic massage sessions, which are carried out in a course of 5 to 10 procedures. The course is repeated every 4-5 months.
3. 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 exposure methods. Under external influence, the blood flows faster to the damaged area, the nutrition of the damaged intervertebral discs and their oxygenation are improved. In addition, the recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, so the disease does not develop further.

Regular exercises, attending massages and physical therapy sessions will help to get rid of strong headaches with osteochondrosis. The main condition is to complete the full course of procedures. They are performed at intervals of several days to a week, and to achieve maximum effect, up to 10 sessions may be necessary. In the course of 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.

The operation 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 - bony growths on the articular surfaces of the bones. These changes cause constant headaches, stiff neck, and chronic ischemia of some parts of the brain. The operation can be done in several ways:

• removal of pathological growths on the surfaces of the vertebrae, which do not allow them to participate in movement;
• connect adjacent vertebrae to reduce compression of nerves and blood vessels;
• Replacement of the damaged segment with an implant.

The decision about surgical intervention is made on an individual basis. It should be understood that this is a complex operation that will require a long recovery period. In the early stages, it is not carried out, since there is no threat to the health of the patient.

Prevention methods

The 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 manifest itself in a healthy person. Doctors recommend instilling the proper habits from an early age that will help maintain the health of the cervical spine and prevent the development of dangerous diseases:

• correct posture both when walking and working on the monitor is the main condition for an even 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 selected mattress and pillow will help prevent pinching of nerves and ischemia of brain cells during sleep;
• avoid loads of energy in everyday life - do not try to carry weights in uncomfortable bags and bags;
• for those who do sedentary work: regular breaks for a little warm-up;
• in the cold season - wearing a scarf.