Headache with cervical spine osteochondrosis-
is one of the first signs that may indicate the development of the disease. They appear paroxysmal at first, then persistent, 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 develop and lead to dangerous consequences.
Osteochondrosis - the definition and mechanism of development
Osteochondrosis- Chronic progressive disease of the spine. During the examination, there is a gradual destruction of cartilage and deformation of bone segments. The cervical spine consists of six ligaments - bone segments connected by ligaments. The intervertebral cartilage is located between adjacent vertebrae to absorb shock during head movement, rotation, and bending. Vertebral arteries and nerves pass through special holes in the brain, and protecting them from damage is one of the functions of the cervical spine.
With osteochondrosis, the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its elasticity. The main reason for this 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 are thin and not elastic enough, so they cannot be swallowed in motion. This leads to decreased mobility of the neck, painful sensations, constriction of nerves and blood vessels passing through this area. The process progresses because the cervical spine is the most mobile and has a weak muscular corset.
Causes of headaches in cervical spine osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis- a disease common to both the elderly and young people. It is accompanied by limited mobility of the neck as a whole or in a certain direction, hearing or vision impairment, as well as severe headaches. These symptoms are already visible 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 in the lumen between the adjacent vertebrae of the cervical spine;
- constriction of nerves and blood vessels leading to the brain;
- adequate blood supply to brain cells;
- Deformation of bone tissue, the formation of growths, the fusion of vertebrae - the mechanism of adaptation of the body to bone wear during movement.
Headaches with osteochondrosis can occur only with cervical spine injury. In this region, the arteries and nerves that carry blood to the brain and participate in its innervation pass through. Headache does not occur with the defeat of the thoracic and lumbar regions. However, the disease is most often diagnosed in this area because the most mobile and supportive 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
Osteochondrosis headaches are a symptom that can be detected even if there is no damage to the neck. However, it is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis on the basis of examination alone. There are several options for osteochondrosis headaches, depending on the cause:
- when squeezing the vertebral artery - the pain is similar to a migraine, often extending only to half of the head;
- when squeezing the roots of the spinal nerves - pulsating, sharp, increases during dizziness and bending;
- Chronic headaches - ischemia, associated with lack of oxygen and nutrients in certain areas of the brain.
Headaches with osteochondrosis are often accompanied by additional symptoms. The main ones are stiffness in the neck, muscle spasms and discomfort. In addition, the patient may experience numbness in the hands and a tingling sensation in the skin of the palms. When there is not enough blood supply to the brain, hearing and vision are impaired and there are difficulties in coordinating movements. In addition, increased sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds, tactile stimuli. These symptoms disappear after the restoration of blood circulation.
Diagnostic methods
Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a symptom that is difficult to diagnose. 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. To do this, a number of examinations are scheduled, including the following.
- MRI of the head is one of the most informative and accurate diagnostic methods available to assess the condition of brain tissue;
- An MRI of the cervical spine is an easy way to get an accurate picture of all the disorders seen in this area (thinning and loss of elasticity of the intervertebral cartilage, excessive growth of the joint surfaces of the bones;
- Doppler ultrasound of the neck and head vessels 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 will continue to manifest. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is a chronic, progressive disease, and it is not possible to completely restore the affected spinal structure. The goal of therapy is to slow down the further destruction of the spine, restore normal blood supply and innervation, and relieve pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
Drug treatment
Many patients are prescribed 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 kit that will affect not only the symptoms but also the causes of the headache. Starting treatment on time 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 - relieve pain and inflammation in the joints (ibuprofen);
- muscle relaxant - a group of drugs (tolperisone hydrochloride) that relieve muscle spasms and thus improve blood circulation in the vertebral artery;
- vasodilators - necessary for high blood pressure, as well as to relieve vascular spasm (magnesium sulfate);
- Nootropics are an additional category of drugs selected to improve blood circulation in brain cells.
If osteochondrosis affects the head and neck, the drug can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections, as well as ointments. Gels with a warming component and anti-inflammatory effect are useful to improve blood circulation and cartilage nutrition. They stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes, thus maintaining the condition of the spine during periods of disease exacerbation.
Additional techniques
Treatment of headaches in osteochondrosis includes a number of methods that strengthen the cervical spine and prevent significant nerve and vascular constriction. These are special exercises for the formation of a muscle corset, as well as physical and other ways to affect the affected area. It is prescribed in combination with drug treatment and is carried out for several sessions.
- Physiotherapy exercises - simple exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, increase flexibility. The warm-up consists of curves and curves, circular movements of the head. Then, in turn, you should place the palm on your forehead, temple and back of your head. The head is bent to the side of the hand and the palm resists. At home, you can exercise in the morning and evening by exercising at least 20-30 minutes a day.
- Massage is an effective technique to help relieve severe headaches with osteochondrosis and prevent the development of the disease. At home, you can self-massage the muscles of the back and side surfaces of the neck and trapezius muscles. It is useful to participate in therapeutic massage sessions performed in 5-10 procedures. The course is repeated every 4-5 months.
- Physiotherapy is one of a number of methods that a doctor can prescribe to improve the well-being of patients with cervical spine osteochondrosis. These can be magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, paraffin applications and other methods of action. Under external influences, blood flows faster to the injured area, improving the nutrition and oxygenation of damaged intervertebral discs. In addition, recovery processes are activated at the cellular level, so the disease does not develop further.
Regular exercise, massage and physical therapy sessions will help to get rid of severe headaches with osteochondrosis. The main condition is to complete a full course of procedures. They are performed at intervals of several days to a week and can take up to 10 sessions to achieve maximum effect. Ease of movement, absence of headaches and other symptoms, improved concentration and performance are noted during treatment. However, it is important to remember that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, so 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 advanced cases when the patient has a fusion of the adjacent spine or the formation of osteophytes - bone 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 performed in several ways:
- removal of pathological growths that do not allow to participate in the movement of the vertebral surfaces;
- connect adjacent vertebrae to reduce compression of nerves and blood vessels;
- replacement of the damaged segment with an implant.
The decision on surgery 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 performed because there is no danger 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 in a healthy person. Doctors recommend instilling the right habits from an early age to help protect the health of the cervix and prevent the development of dangerous diseases:
- Proper posture, both while walking and working on the monitor, is a prerequisite for a uniform load on the back;
- moderate physical activity - a healthy person can benefit from simple daily exercises to strengthen and increase the elasticity of such neck muscles and ligaments;
- Properly chosen mattress and pillow will help not to compress the ischemia of nerve and brain cells during sleep;
- avoid power loads in daily life - do not try to carry weight in uncomfortable bags and purses;
- for those engaged in sedentary work - regular breaks for a small warm-up;
- In the cold season - wear a scarf.