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 marked deterioration in well-being, rigidity of movement and fainting. It is important to understand that, without adequate therapy, the disease can progress and cause dangerous consequences.
Osteochondrosis - definition and mechanism of development
Osteochondrosis- chronic progressive disease of the spine. During the examination, there is 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 inclinations 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 cartilaginous 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 may 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. 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 in this area. The process progresses, since the cervical spine is the most mobile and has a weak muscle 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 difficulty in locomotion of the neck in all or in a certain direction, hearing or visual impairment, as well as acute headache. These symptoms appear at an early 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, growth formation, fusion of vertebrae - the body's adaptation mechanism against bone abrasion during movement.
Headaches with osteochondrosis can occur only with lesions in the cervical spine. In this area, arteries and nerves pass, which carry blood to the brain and participate in its innervation. With the defeat of the thoracic and lumbar regions, there is no headache. However, the disease is most frequently diagnosed in this area, as it is the most mobile and the supporting muscle corset is poorly developed. Inadequate posture, sitting for a long time, lack of physical activity or, conversely, very intense loads without sufficient heating 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 any neck injury. 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 occurrence:
- when tightening the vertebral artery - the pain resembles a migraine, often extending only half the head;
- when pinching the roots of the spinal nerves - pulsating, acute, increases during turns and inclinations of the head;
- chronic headaches - associated with ischemia, lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.
In osteochondrosis, headache is usually accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are stiff neck, muscle spasm 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 in coordinating movements arise. In addition, there is an increased sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds, tactile stimuli. These signs disappear after the blood circulation is restored.
Diagnostic methods
Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a symptom for which it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. To start 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 tests is prescribed, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging 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 the disorders that appear in this area (thinning and decreased elasticity of the interarticular cartilage, excessive growth of the articular surfaces of the bones;
- Doppler ultrasonography 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 suffer from ischemia.
Treatment of headaches with cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of headache in cervical osteochondrosis is symptomatic. Seizures can be treated at home, but will continue to manifest. 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 decrease the destruction of vertebrae, restore normal blood supply and innervation, and get rid of pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Drug treatment
Most patients receive a comprehensive treatment regimen for osteochondrosis. Painkillers can be taken at home, but the headache will come back. It is important to find an effective set of medications that affect not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the headache. The timely start of treatment will keep the spine at the same level and prevent further deterioration in well-being.
Doctors can prescribe several types of medication 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 hypertension, as well as to eliminate vascular spasms (magnesium sulfate);
- nootropics are an additional category of drugs selected to improve blood circulation in brain cells.
If osteochondrosis hurts the head and neck, medications can be prescribed in the form of pills or injections and in the form of an ointment. To improve blood circulation and cartilage nutrition, gels with a heating component and anti-inflammatory effect are useful. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, therefore, maintain the condition of the spine during periods of exacerbation of the disease.
Additional techniques
The treatment of headaches in osteochondrosis includes a series 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 performed in 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. Then, you should alternately place your palm on your forehead, temple, and back of your head. The head is tilted to the side of the hand and the palm resists. At home, you can exercise in the morning and evening, giving physical education at least 20 to 30 minutes a day.
- Massage is an effective technique that will help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis, in addition to preventing the progression of the disease. At home, you can do the self-massage, in which the muscles of the back and side of the neck are massaged, as well as the trapezius muscles. 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.
- Physiotherapy is a set of techniques that a doctor can prescribe to improve the well-being of 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, the nutrition of the damaged intervertebral discs and their oxygenation are improved. In addition, recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, due to which the disease no longer develops.
Regular exercise, massages and physiotherapy sessions help to 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, to achieve the maximum effect, can take up to 10 sessions. During the treatment, there is ease of movement, absence of headache and other symptoms, improvement in concentration and performance. However, it is important to remember that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, therefore, the course of the 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 presents with fusion of adjacent vertebrae or formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the articular surfaces of bones. These changes lead to constant headaches, stiff neck, chronic ischemia in 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 the 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 must be understood that this is a complex operation that will require a long recovery period. In the initial stages, it is not performed, as there is no threat to the patient's health.
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 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 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 selected mattress and pillow will help prevent nerve compression and brain cell ischemia during sleep;
- avoiding loads of energy in everyday life - don't try to carry weights in uncomfortable bags and suitcases;
- for those who dedicate themselves to sedentary work - regular breaks for a little warm-up;
- in the cold season - wearing a scarf.