Often dizziness, tinnitus, flying in front of the eyes, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head is caused only by fatigue.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine often provoke them. Headaches with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a typical manifestation of the disease. It is impossible to get rid of them for a long time without affecting the root cause.
The mechanism of disease development
Degeneration of intervertebral cartilage and bone tissue in the cervical spine causes clinical symptoms already in the early stages. The proliferation and displacement of vertebral fragments inevitably leads to disruption of blood flow, innervation and adequate nutrition of brain structures. Causes of spinal deformities in the neck:
- congenital disorders of bone structure;
- physical injury;
- incorrect posture;
- hypodynamics;
- obesity;
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar or thoracic regions.
In almost half of the cases, the pathology occurs in middle-aged and young people, mostly women. Development is facilitated by a long-term misalignment of the head during sleep, sitting at a table, talking on the phone and traveling in transport. The development of osteochondrosis is accelerated by the habit of sleeping on high pillows. The mobility of this part of the body, the smaller size of the spine than other parts, the location of a large number of large vessels and nerve trunks determine the early onset of symptoms. Pain syndrome is key.
Fragments of collapsed discs and altered vertebrae compress the spinal artery and surrounding nerve plexuses. Prolonged compression causes narrowing of the vascular lumen, slowing of blood flow and reduced supply of oxygen to the tissues. Nutrition, hypoxia, and subsequent cerebral ischemia are aggravated by compression of the nerve trunks by osteophytes - radiculopathy.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In most cases, headaches and other pathological symptoms are secondary or vertebrogenic in nature - they are caused by pathological processes in the adjacent spine, not in the brain.
- Reflex cephalalgia - dull pain. Occurs when the first three vertebrae are affected. It extends from the upper part of the neck to the occipital and parietal parts, then covers the temples and forehead. More often it is unilateral, resembling a classic migraine. Lasts from half an hour to several days, bends or turns the head, increases with active physical activity.
- If osteochondrosis affects the fourth and fifth vertebrae, cervicobrachialgia develops. The danger is similar to a heart attack. The pain is unilateral, sharp, burning, covers the neck, shoulder, and spreads under the scapula, in the hypochondrium, sometimes in the forearm and hand.
- Myofascial dysfunction causes so-called cervical migraine. The pain, which pulsates or presses on the side of the neck, spreads to one side, covering part of the occiput, crown, temple, and reaches the superxillary arches.
In severe cases, additional symptoms are observed: photophobia, red eyes, nausea, physical weakness.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause various types of vegetative-vascular dystonia:- with frequent headaches;
- thermoregulation, intracranial pressure, respiratory disorders;
- spasmodic changes in mood.
Significant constriction of the spinal nerves reduces speech disorders, numbness of the tongue, sensitivity of the fingers. A person is intoxicated or under the influence of psychotropic drugs: he speaks vaguely, does not respond immediately to the call. In advanced cases, malnutrition and impaired blood supply lead to a persistent increase in intracranial pressure and decreased vision and hearing.
Diagnostics
In case of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to consult a neurologist with poor health complaints. During the examination, the doctor determines the origin of the pain. For this purpose, uses the following methods:
- presses fingers on the cervical vertebrae where the nerve roots come out: the resulting pain reaction indicates cephalalgia;
- presses on the points close to the bone protrusions under the lower edges of the ears: a painful attack then clearly indicates the development of a cervical migraine as a result of mechanical compression.
A number of instrumental studies are prescribed for the accurate diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis. Radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography remain the leaders. With their help, pathological changes in the structure of bone, cartilage and soft tissues are visualized.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The drugs are designed to relieve symptoms, restore normal blood circulation and biomechanics of the entire cervical spine.
- NSAIDs, analgesics, muscle relaxants and antispasmodics are used to relieve pain.
- Vasodilators - vasodilators - help to reduce the manifestations of herbal origin, improve venous flow and prevent edema in the affected area.
- Products containing B vitamins and magnesium help to improve the nutrition of nerve tissue cells and reduce negative symptoms.
- At the same time, patients are prescribed medications to regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
- Many patients are prescribed tranquilizers, antidepressants, sedatives.
The course of treatment is short or long, depending on the severity of the condition. Painkillers are used once or several days. Means that normalize blood flow and vitamins - in courses of 2-3 months. Physiotherapy is prescribed to maintain the effect of the drug:
- electrophoresis;
- balneotherapy;
- darsonvalization;
- collar massage;
- acupuncture and reflexology.
In case of exacerbations, therapeutic dressings supporting the cervical muscles are indicated.
In the absence of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, therapeutic exercises help to stop and prevent the symptoms of VSD. Gymnastics helps to strengthen the neck muscles, relieves spasms, improves the elasticity of blood vessels and the garden apparatus of the vertebral joints. Exercises include soft tissue stretching exercises: deep bowing, turning, rotation.
Patients with osteochondrosis aggravated by VSD should carefully arrange a sleeping area. You should only rest on an orthopedic mattress and pillow, do not drink too much fluid at night to prevent edema. Work and hobbies related to the unfavorable position of the cervical vertebrae should be avoided: throwing backwards or bending the head down.