Poor circulation in cervical osteochondrosis: treatment, symptoms, causes of the disease

Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of provocative factors and characterized by a number of symptoms from various organs and systems. In osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed and their bodies and processes are deformed.

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

It is rare that someone today does not encounter manifestations of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffer from manifestations of osteochondrosis of varying degrees. The main reasons for this widespread prevalence are sedentary work and the lack of movement of modern people.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis in men usually manifested itself from 45-50 years old, in women - a little later - 50-55 years old. But now there is rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is noticeable signs of the disease in people aged 30, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear in the 20s.

Symptoms

With prolonged damage to the vertebral artery, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (local decrease in blood supply), discirculatory encephalopathy (vascular damage to the brain) and stroke increases.

Dizziness is one of the symptoms of stroke with cervical osteochondrosis

Cerebrovascular accident with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:

• Visual disorders, oculomotor disorders. In patients, visual acuity decreases, "fog" appears before the eyes and diplopia (double vision) occurs. These signs appear in the early stages of the pathology.
• Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the coordination of movements is impaired, the patient staggers when walking and the tone of the muscles of the upper extremities decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include vertigo (dizziness), hearing disorders (noise, tinnitus, weakening), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc.
• Change in sleep and wake patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weakness, increased fatigue, becomes drowsy during the day and cannot sleep for a long time at night.
• A vegetative-vascular syndrome occurs. Weakness appears suddenly, heartbeat changes (increases or decreases), spikes in blood pressure and an increase in intraocular pressure are observed.
• Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after turning suddenly or throwing their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and sudden slowing of blood flow.
• Mental problems. The patient becomes suspicious, excessively irritable and takes offense for no apparent reason. Your memory and attention are deteriorating.

In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe cephalgia (headache). As a rule, painful sensations begin in the back of the head, but can spread to the arms. In some patients, throbbing pain appears in the temples, which may be accompanied by a rash of vomiting. The painful reaction intensifies when turning or tilting the head.

With prolonged compression of the vertebral artery, symptoms intensify and the pathology progresses. In the absence of competent therapy, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term complex treatment is necessary.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

In the development of cervical osteochondrosis, 4 stages are usually distinguished. But this is a rather arbitrary division, since most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest themselves in other pathologies. Furthermore, the actual degree of degradation of the cervical spine tissues may not correspond to the externally manifested symptoms.

First phase (pre-clinical)

In the initial phase, symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel unpleasant stiffness in your neck, pain with sudden movements or bending. At this stage, it is quite possible to get rid of incipient osteochondrosis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply move more and adjust your diet.

Second stage

The pain intensifies, becomes constant, and becomes intense with sharp bends or turns. Severe headaches appear, the patient begins to get tired quickly, becomes distracted, and areas of the face periodically become numb.

Third stage

The formation of a herniated disc usually causes dizziness, weakness in the arms, the pain radiates to the back of the neck and arms and is constantly felt in the shoulders.

Fourth stage

Eventually, the intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerves are compressed, which causes movement difficulties, sharp pain, increased dizziness and tinnitus.

Causes of stroke in cervical osteochondrosis

To understand why blood circulation in the brain is impaired during osteochondrosis, it is necessary to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form a channel, through which veins, nerves and vertebral arteries pass. The latter arise from the subclavian arteries, pass through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and rise higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries unite, forming an artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar arteries (anterior and posterior) depart.

Based on what was described above, arteries pass through the cervical spine, which are necessary for normal blood supply to the brain. Additionally, veins and sympathetic nerves are located in the spinal canal.

The transverse foramina are considered narrow, but there is sufficient space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not compressed even when moving the head (turning, bending).

The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. They are a kind of cartilaginous cushions that soften shocks during running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.

In cervical osteochondrosis, the discs lose a lot of fluid and become fragile. The increase in load causes the cartilaginous pads to flatten and cracks appear in their outer shell. As a result, protrusions (bulges, herniated discs), osteophytes (bone growths) appear, which damage nerves and blood vessels.

Reference. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the vessels of the brain are associated with damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis and atheromatosis (excessive growth of connective tissue in the vessel wall).

Cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis occurs for the following reasons:

• The nerve supplying the vertebral artery is compressed. It causes an artery to spasm and blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
• Prolonged compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the lumen of the vessel narrows or becomes completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome then increases.
• Rough compression of the vertebral artery, which prevents blood from escaping. This can happen when turning the head, so the person feels a severe headache and may lose consciousness.

Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, an important vessel is regularly damaged and dangerous complications arise.

Causes and risk factors

Interestingly, the possibility of developing osteochondrosis in humans is due to one of its evolutionary advantages - upright posture: the vertebrae press against each other, and with age, the connective tissue degrades. As a result, in elderly people this is an almost inevitable process. But there are many factors that contribute to the earlier and more intense development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• First of all, this is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, often observed in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" professions, TV, long hours at the computer), lack of physical activity
• Tense and unnatural postures during work: for example, in front of the computer, a person often leans forward, assuming a tense posture
• The opposite reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; but even trained athletes, for example weightlifters, are at risk;
• Any reasons that disrupt a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
• Excess weight, which is often caused by poor diet
• Frequent stress, severe nervous tension, constant overwork
• Local hypothermia

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Many vital vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck region, so any disorder can have unpleasant consequences, including oxygen starvation, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Cervical osteochondrosis affects the segments of the spine that control the functioning of the shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteochondrosis, if left untreated, there is a high probability of compression of nerves and compression of blood vessels, which inevitably affects the functioning of other organs.

Diagnosis

Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is best to undergo an initial examination with a therapist or other specialist - a neurologist, orthopedist. He will ask questions about pain and other symptoms, check neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.

If a primary diagnosis of "cervical osteochondrosis" is made, the doctor will refer you for additional studies. The most effective of these is magnetic resonance imaging, followed by computed tomography. X-ray studies are much less effective than the first two, especially with advanced disease. The condition of soft tissues is checked using ultrasound. If your doctor suspects blood vessel damage, you may be referred for a vascular duplex scan.

Because some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to see a cardiologist who will refer you for an ECG and echocardiography.

Features of treatment

Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical segment must be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is medications, in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.

Doctors identified the main goals of therapy:

Osteochondrosis and panic attacks

• Restoring the functionality of the brain by improving its blood supply, due to which the organ is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
• Relief of the inflammatory reaction, activation of damaged tissue regeneration processes.
• Some medications help to normalize the composition of the blood, making it more fluid, which improves its quality and speed of movement.
• Expand the lumen of blood vessels, make damaged areas thicker.
• Stabilize blood pressure.
• Restore the normal structure of the spine, saturate the cartilaginous tissue with useful substances and strengthen it.

It is important to understand that complex therapy will help eliminate circulatory problems in the brain, but it will not be possible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with adequate treatment, it is possible to delay the development of the pathology for a long time.

Carefully. You can take any medication for cerebral circulatory disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis only for medical reasons. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease may worsen or be supplemented by new ones, for example, medication-dependent headaches. When there is drug abuse, blood circulation in the brain deteriorates.

Groups of medications to improve cerebral blood flow

The following groups of medications will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:

• Vasodilators accelerate blood flow and nutrient transport to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
• Medicines that prevent blood clots, as well as aspirin-based medicines. They improve the permeability of blood vessels and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to the walls. As a result, blood becomes thinner and flows faster to the brain.
• Diuretics. These medications prevent stagnation and swelling. The first medicine is used for excessive accumulation of fluid in brain cells, the second is suitable for eliminating swelling of any localization.
• Osmodiuretics are the only medications that do not block urine formation. Used to stimulate diuresis in cervical osteochondrosis.
• Antioxidants. These tablets improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in the body's cells.
• Antipsychotics. These medications slow the transmission of nerve impulses, relieving pain for a long time. They help to cope with stress, prolonged pain and improve the condition of spinal nerves.

However, it should be remembered that all medicines have contraindications, therefore it is forbidden to take them without the doctor's knowledge.

Medicines to improve cerebral circulation

Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels in osteochondrosis of the neck:

• A bronchodilator that eliminates spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physiotherapeutic procedure during which medicines penetrate the body through the skin under the influence of current.
• A medicine based on theophylline and nicotinic acid saturates the blood with oxygen and improves its quality. When used, microcirculation accelerates, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation normalizes. Medication can quickly lower blood pressure.
• A medicine that contains thioctic acid, which helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels. Improves metabolic processes and eliminates vascular spasm.
• A medicine based on cattle blood. Helps to normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, enriches neurons with oxygen and glucose.
• Nicotinic acid helps dilate small blood vessels, reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol and restores blood supply to the brain.
• Vasodilation medications make blood less viscous, normalize microcirculation and help eliminate dizziness.

Reference. In case of a stroke associated with osteochondrosis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These medications help relieve pain that occurs in the later stages of the pathology. However, it is forbidden to take them for a long time without the doctor's knowledge, as they have many contraindications.

As a rule, several medications are used during therapy according to a specific regimen.

Additional Treatments

Combined treatment is complemented by physiotherapy, which affects the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes and improve spinal trophism. With regular exercise, the muscles around the damaged vertebrae are strengthened, which allows for slight relief. However, to obtain good results, classes must be held regularly.

In case of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis, special gymnastics is indicated

The patient must follow these training rules:

• Start with simple movements, at a slow pace and minimum amplitude, gradually increasing the pace.
• Before exercising, massage your neck or take a warm bath to warm up your muscles.
• During training, be aware of your feelings. At first there may be some discomfort, but after 3-4 days the body will adapt and your health will improve. If this does not happen or sharp pain occurs, consult a doctor.

The complex for each patient is drawn up by a doctor, taking into account the symptoms, severity of the pathology, age and general health.

Reference. It is recommended to complement exercise therapy in case of cerebral circulation disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardiovascular exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).

An auxiliary method of treatment is physiotherapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture are prescribed.

For the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat properly. The diet needs to be replenished with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, it is useful for patients to eat fatty sea fish, lean meat, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of filtered water per day.

With a poor diet, the lack of nutrients can be compensated for with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medicine.

Surgery for poor cerebral circulation due to cervical osteochondrosis is performed only in extreme cases. The need for surgical intervention may arise if there is a large bone growth that compresses the vessel. During the procedure, the osteophyte is removed; if this cannot be done for some reason, a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis

Real and sustainable success in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can only be achieved with an integrated approach, which includes medications, massage of the collar area, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: move more, eat better, etc.

We strongly advise resorting to self-medication, mainly because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the medications you choose not only do not help with the treatment, but can also cause harm. Even during painful exacerbations, do not rush to the pharmacy to buy painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - to do it in advance, at the first symptoms.

Acute pain relief

Osteochondrosis, especially in the later stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the first task of the attending physician is to alleviate your suffering. He will prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, chondroprotectors to restore cartilaginous tissue, medications to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.

In this article, we deliberately do not provide the names of specific drugs - the choice is better to leave to doctors, who will take into account all possible consequences and evaluate contraindications.

Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

The simplest and most accessible method, including at home, is therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also quite effective, as it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physiotherapy can be complemented with swimming and water aerobics.

There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or special conditions, but we advise you to contact the physiotherapy office, where they will select the most effective sets of exercises for you and conduct classes under the guidance from an experienced specialist.

Physiotherapy

Correct and constant use of physiotherapeutic methods improves blood circulation in damaged areas, reduces inflammation and pain, and slows down the ossification process.

For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy and other methods are used.

Neck massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

In osteochondrosis, massage can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the likelihood of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves pain symptoms and improves the patient's general well-being.

But massage and manual therapy must be used with extreme caution, since inept and rude influence on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor first.

Surgery

In particularly advanced cases, even surgical intervention cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the spinal lumen, formation of intervertebral disc herniation or spondylolisthesis.

The decision on the need and method of surgical intervention rests with the surgeon, who also determines preparatory operations, the duration of the postoperative period and rehabilitation.

Causes of cerebral circulatory disorders and venous flow

Impaired venous outflow in cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to the effusion of fluid into the intercellular space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are under enormous pressure and are unable to function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In general, this situation is dangerous because there may be a threat of hemorrhagic stroke. It has a very high mortality rate, even among young patients.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease whose negative impact can be minimized with adequate and timely prevention. It is necessary to think about its prevention from childhood: poor posture and flat feet in children are a reason to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.

The basis for preventing osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy eating, control of body weight.

Complications

Chronic lack of oxygen quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually intensify. Depending on which brain is most affected by the deficiency of necessary substances, there is the possibility of developing a series of complications.

Consequences of stroke in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• hypertonic disease;
• cerebral ischemia;
• heart rhythm disorder;
• orientation and coordination problems;
• change in the quality and type of breathing;
• decreased mobility of the upper limbs.

Even if the listed conditions have begun to appear, this is no reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance of healing and complete restoration of damaged functions. The main thing is not to delay the doctor's appointment any longer, but to quickly start therapy.