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 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 mechanism of development
Osteochondrosis- chronic progressive disease of the spine. During the study there is a gradual destruction of cartilage and deformation of bone segments. The cervical spine consists of six vertebrae - bone segments connected by ligaments. To absorb shocks during movement, rotation and tilting of the head, the intervertebral cartilages are located between adjacent vertebrae. The vertebral arteries and nerves pass through special holes that are directed to the brain, and their protection against damage is one of the functions of the cervical spine.
In osteochondrosis, the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its elasticity. Its main reason is the insufficient supply of blood and nutrients in 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 insufficiently elastic so that they cannot absorb movement. This leads to a decrease in the mobility of the neck, painful sensations, compression of the nerves and blood vessels that pass into this area. The process progresses as 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, as well as acute headache. These symptoms appear in the early stages of the disease and only progress over time.
Headache in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with a number of pathological changes:
- reduction of the lumen between adjacent vertebrae of the cervical vertebrae;
- 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 - the mechanism of adaptation of the body against bone abrasion during movement.
Headache with osteochondrosis can occur only with damage to the cervical spine. 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 region, the headache does not appear. However, the disease is most often diagnosed in this area, as it is the most mobile and the supporting muscular corset is poorly developed. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity or, conversely, too intense exercise without sufficient warm-up contribute to the rapid development of osteochondrosis at any age.
The nature of the pain caused by osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis headache is a symptom by which the disease can be identified even in the absence of neck damage. However, it is not possible 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 spinal artery - the pain resembles a migraine, often extending only to half of the head;
- when pinching the roots of the spinal nerves - pulsating, sharp, increases with rotation and tilting of the head;
- chronic headache - associated with ischemia, lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.
In osteochondrosis, the headache is often accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are stiff neck, muscle spasm and discomfort. In addition, the patient may experience tingling in the hands and tingling in the skin of the palms. In case of insufficient blood supply to the brain, hearing and vision deteriorate and there are difficulties with coordination of movements. There is also 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 that 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. A set of tests is prescribed for this, 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 an easy way to get an accurate picture of all the disorders that occur in this area (thinning and reduced elasticity of the articular cartilage, overgrowth of the articular surfaces of the bones;
- Doppler ultrasonography of the vessels of the neck and head is performed by adding a contrast agent to monitor cerebral blood flow and identify areas of the brain that suffer 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, progressive disease and it is impossible to completely restore the structure of the affected spine. The aim of the therapy is to slow down the further destruction of the vertebrae, to restore the normal blood supply and innervation and to get rid of pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Medication treatment
Most patients are prescribed a comprehensive regimen for the treatment of 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 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, thus improving blood circulation in the spinal artery (tolperisone hydrochloride);
- vasodilators - needed 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, the drugs can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections, as well as in the form of an ointment. Gels with a warming component and anti-inflammatory effect are useful for improving blood circulation and cartilage nutrition. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration, therefore maintaining 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 forming a muscular corset, as well as physical and other methods of impact on the affected area. They are prescribed in combination with drug therapy and are carried out 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. Then you should 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 exercise in the morning and 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 a self-massage in which the muscles of the back and side surfaces of the neck, as well as the trapezius muscles, are kneaded. It is useful to attend therapeutic massage sessions, which are held within 5-10 procedures. The course is repeated every 4-5 months.
- Physiotherapy is a set of techniques that a doctor may prescribe to improve well-being in patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This can be magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, paraffin applications and other methods of exposure. Under external influence, the blood flows faster to the damaged area, improves the nutrition of the damaged intervertebral discs and their oxygenation. In addition, the recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, due to which the disease does not develop further.
Regular exercise, attending massage and physiotherapy sessions will help get rid of severe 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 up to 10 sessions may be needed to achieve maximum effect. In the course of treatment, ease of movement, absence of headache and other symptoms, improvement of concentration and work are noted. However, it is important to remember that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, which is why 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 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 that do not allow them to participate in movement;
- connecting adjacent vertebrae to reduce the compression of 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, this is not done because there is no threat to the patient's health.
Preventive methods
The symptoms and treatment of headache in cervical osteochondrosis are related to the mechanism of development of this disease. Injuries are one of the causes, but the pathological process can also occur in a healthy person. Doctors recommend to instill the right habits from an early age, which will help maintain the health of the cervical spine and prevent the development of dangerous diseases:
- the correct posture both when walking and when working on the monitor is the main condition for even loading of the spine;
- moderate physical activity - even a healthy person can benefit from daily simple exercises to strengthen and increase the elasticity of muscles and ligaments of the neck;
- a properly selected mattress and pillow will help to avoid nerve pinching and ischemia of brain cells during sleep;
- avoid forceful 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 little warm-up;
- in the cold season - wearing a scarf.