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 permanent, accompanied by a sharp deterioration of well -being, stiffness of movement and fainting. It is important to understand that without proper therapy, the disease can develop and cause dangerous consequences.
Osteochondrosis - definition and mechanism of development
Osteochondrosis- progressive chronic spinal disease. During the examination, there is a gradual destruction of cartilage and deformation of the bone segments. The cervical spine is made up of six vertebral bone segments - bones connected by ligaments. For shock absorption during movement, rotation and tilt of the head, intervertebral cartilage is located between adjacent vertebrae. The arteries and nerves of the vertebrae 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 cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity. The main reason is insufficient blood supply and nutrients to the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc. This process can be associated with age -related changes, inadequate blood supply to cartilage, as well as with the consequences of injuries and inflammatory diseases of the joints. The intervertebral disc becomes thin and not elastic enough, so that it cannot absorb while moving. This leads to decreased neck mobility, painful sensations, compression of nerves and blood vessels that pass through this area. The process goes on, as the cervical spine is the easiest to move and has a weak muscular corset.
Causes of headaches in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis- a common disease among the elderly and young people. It is accompanied by limited neck movement in all or in certain directions, hearing or vision impairment, as well as acute headaches. These symptoms appear in the early stages of the disease and only develop over time.
Headache in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with a number of pathological changes:
- decreased lumen between vertebrae adjacent to cervical spine;
- compression of nerves and blood vessels entering the brain;
- insufficient blood supply to brain cells;
- bone tissue deformation, growth formation, vertebral fusion - the mechanism of the body's adaptation to bone abrasion during movement.
Headaches with osteochondrosis can only occur with damage to the cervical spine. In this area, arteries and nerves pass, which carry blood to the brain and participate in the birth process. 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 the disease is the most contagious, and the corset of its supporting muscles is less developed. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, or conversely, too strong a load without adequate warm -up contribute to the rapid development of osteochondrosis at any age.
The nature of pain caused by osteochondrosis
Headache with osteochondrosis is a symptom in which the disease can be identified even if there is no damage to the neck. However, it is impossible to make a definite diagnosis based on examination alone. There are several options for headaches with osteochondrosis, depending on the cause:
- while squeezing the vertebral arteries - the pain resembles a migraine, often extending only on half of the head;
- during pinching of spinal nerve roots - throbbing, acute, increased during rotation and tilt of the head;
- chronic headaches - related to ischemia, lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.
With osteochondrosis, headaches are often accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are stiffness in the neck, muscle cramps and discomfort. In addition, patients 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 with movement coordination appear. Also, there is an increase in sensitivity to bright light and loud voices, tactile stimuli. These symptoms disappear after the restoration of blood circulation.
Diagnostic methods
Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are symptoms that are difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. To begin treatment, it is necessary to determine the location of the problem area, the degree of the disease and the pathological changes caused by the disease. For this, a set of examinations is set, including:
- MRI of the head is one of the most informative and accurate diagnostic methods, making it possible to assess the state of brain tissue;
- MRI of the cervical spine is a simple method of obtaining an accurate picture of all disorders that appear in this area (thinning and decreased elasticity of inter-articular cartilage, excessive growth of the articular bone surface;
- Doppler ultrasonography of the cervical and head canals is performed with the addition of contrast agents to monitor cerebral blood flow and identify areas of the brain suffering from ischemia.
Treatment of headache with cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of headaches in cervical osteochondrosis is symptomatic. Seizures can be treated at home, but they will continue to manifest. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is a chronic and progressive disease, and it is impossible to fully restore the affected spinal structure. The goal of therapy is to slow further destruction of the spine, restore normal blood supply and dressing, and eliminate pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Drug treatment
A large number of patients are given a comprehensive treatment regimen for osteochondrosis. Painkillers can be taken at home, but the headache will recur. It is important to find an effective medication that not only affects the symptoms, but also the cause of the headache. Timely initiation of treatment will keep the spine at the same level and prevent deterioration of well -being.
Doctors may prescribe several types of medications to relieve headaches in cervical osteochondrosis:
- non -hormonal anti -inflammatory drugs - relieve pain and relieve inflammation in the joints (ibuprofen);
- muscle relaxation - a group of drugs that relieve muscle spasms, thereby improving blood circulation in the vertebral arteries (tolperisone hydrochloride);
- vasodilators - needed for high blood pressure, as well as to relieve vascular spasms (magnesium sulfate);
- nootropics are a category of additional drugs chosen to improve blood circulation in brain cells.
If osteochondrosis is painful in the head and neck, the drug can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections, and in the form of ointments. To improve blood circulation and nutrition of cartilage, gels with warming components and anti-inflammatory effect are useful. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, therefore, maintain the condition of the spine during periods of deteriorating disease.
Additional techniques
Treatment of headaches in osteochondrosis includes a number of techniques that strengthen the cervical spine, preventing compression of vital nerves and arteries. They are special exercises for the formation of muscular corsets, as well as physical and other methods of influencing the affected area. They are prescribed with drug therapy and carried out in several sessions.
- Physiotherapy exercises - simple exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, increase their elasticity. Warm -up consists of rounds and bends, circular movements of the head. Next, you need to place the palms alternately on the forehead, temples and back of the head. The head is tilted to the side of the hand, and the palms push back. At home, you can do exercises in the morning and evening, providing physical education for at least 20-30 minutes a day.
- 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 your own massage, in which the muscles of the back and surface of the neck, as well as the trapezius muscles, are kneaded. It is useful to attend therapeutic massage sessions, which are carried out in 5-10 procedures. The course is repeated every 4-5 months.
- Physiotherapy is a set of techniques that can be prescribed by a physician to improve well -being in patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. These can be magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, paraffin applications and other exposure methods. Under external influences, blood flows faster to the damaged area, nutrition of the damaged intervertebral disc and its oxygenation improve. In addition, the recovery process is activated at the cellular level, as the disease does not progress further.
Regular exercise, attending massage sessions and physical therapy will help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis. The main condition is to complete the procedure completely. They are performed at intervals of a few days to a week, and to achieve maximum effect, it may take up to 10 sessions. During treatment, ease of movement was observed, absence of headaches and other symptoms, increased concentration and performance. However, it is important to remember that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, therefore, the course of the procedure is repeated every 4-6 months.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgery is prescribed only in cases where conservative treatment is ineffective. This occurs in further cases, if the patient has fusion of adjacent vertebrae or the formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the articular surface of the bone. These changes lead to persistent headaches, stiffness in the neck, chronic ischemia in some parts of the brain. The operation can be performed in several ways:
- removal of pathological growths on the surface of the vertebrae, which does not allow them to participate in movement;
- connecting adjacent vertebrae to reduce compression of nerves and blood vessels;
- replacement of the damaged segment with an implant.
Decisions about surgical interventions are made individually. It should be understood that this is a complex operation that requires a long recovery time. In the early stages, it is not done, because there is no threat to the patient's health.
Methods of prevention
Symptoms and treatment of headache in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the mechanism of development of the disease. Injury is one of the causes, but the pathological process can also manifest itself in healthy people. Doctors recommend instilling the right 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 while working on the monitor is the main condition for a uniform load on the spine;
- moderate physical activity - even healthy people can take advantage of moderate daily exercise to strengthen and increase the elasticity of the neck muscles and ligaments;
- Properly selected mattresses and pillows will help prevent nerve traction and brain cell ischemia during sleep;
- avoid power loads in daily life - don’t try to carry loads in uncomfortable bags and bags;
- for those engaged in inactive work - regular breaks for small warm -ups;
- in winter - wear a scarf.