Headache with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine-
one of the first signs that can indicate the development of the disease. At first they appear 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 adequate therapy, the disease can progress and cause dangerous consequences.
Osteochondrosis - definition and development mechanism
Osteochondrosis- chronic progressive disease of the spine. During the examination there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage and deformation of the bone segments. The cervical spine consists of six vertebrae - bone segments connected by ligaments. For shock absorption during movement, turns and tilts of the head, the intervertebral cartilages are located between the adjacent vertebrae. Vertebral arteries and nerves pass through special holes 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 discs loses its elasticity. Its main reason is the insufficient supply of blood and nutrients to the cartilage 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 cannot absorb on the go. This leads to a decrease in the mobility of the neck, painful sensations, compression of the nerves and blood vessels passing into this area. The process progresses, since the cervical spine is the most mobile and has a weak muscular corset.
Causes of headache in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis- a common disease among both 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, and acute 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 that go to the brain;
- insufficient blood supply to brain cells;
- deformation of bone tissue, formation of growths, fusion of the vertebrae - adaptation mechanism of the body against bone abrasion during movement.
Headache with osteochondrosis can occur only with damage to the cervical spine. In this area pass arteries and nerves, 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 muscle corset is poorly developed. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity or, conversely, too intense loads without sufficient warm-up contribute to the rapid development of osteochondrosis at any age.
The nature of the pain caused by osteochondrosis
Headache with osteochondrosis is 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 examination alone. There are several options for headache with osteochondrosis, depending on the cause of their occurrence:
- when squeezing the vertebral artery - the pain resembles a migraine, often extends 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 headache - 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 neck stiffness, muscle spasms and discomfort. In addition, 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 in coordination of movements appear. 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
Headache with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is 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 number of examinations are prescribed, including:
- 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 the 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 interarticular cartilage, overgrowth 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 suffering from ischemia.
Treatment of headache 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 down the further destruction of the vertebrae, restore normal blood supply and innervation, and eliminate pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Pharmacological 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 medicines 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 headaches 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 hypertension, as well as to eliminate vascular spasm (magnesium sulfate);
- nootropics are another category of drugs 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 an anti-inflammatory effect are useful. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, so they maintain the condition of the spine during periods of exacerbation of the disease.
Additional techniques
Treatment of headache in osteochondrosis includes a number of techniques that strengthen the cervical spine, prevent compression of important nerves and arteries. They are special exercises for the formation of a muscle corset, as well as physical and other methods of influencing the affected area. They are prescribed in combination with drug therapy and are performed in several sessions.
- Physiotherapy exercises - simple exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, increase their elasticity. The warm-up consists of turns and turns, circular movements of the head. Next, you should alternately place the palm of your hand on your forehead, temple and the back of your head. The head is tilted to the side of the hand and the palm resists. At home you can do exercises in the morning and in the evening, 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 the progression of the disease. At home, you can do self-massage, in which the muscles of the back and lateral surfaces of the neck are kneaded, as well as the trapezius muscles. It is useful to participate in therapeutic massage sessions, which are carried out in a course of 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 the external influence, blood flows faster to the damaged area, nutrition of damaged intervertebral discs and their oxygenation are improved. In addition, the recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, due to which the disease does not develop further.
Regular exercises, participation in massages and physical therapy sessions will help get rid of severe headaches with osteochondrosis. The main condition is to complete the entire course of the procedures. They are performed at intervals of several days to a week, and up to 10 sessions may be required for maximum effect. In the course of treatment, ease of movement, absence of headaches and other symptoms, improvement in concentration and performance are noted. 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 - bone growths on the articular surfaces of the bones. These changes lead to constant headaches, neck stiffness, chronic ischemia of certain parts of the brain. This 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 on 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 carried out, as 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 this disease. Injuries are one of its causes, but the pathological process can manifest itself even in a healthy person. 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 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 to avoid pinching of the nerves and ischemia of brain cells during sleep;
- avoid energy loads in everyday life - do not try to carry weights in uncomfortable bags and purses;
- for those who are engaged in sedentary work - regular breaks for a small warm-up;
- in the cold season - wear a scarf.