Osteonecrosis is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic disease of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of stimulating factors and characterized by a number of symptoms of many organs and systems. With osteoarthritis, vertebral cartilage is destroyed, the body and its processes are deformed.
Cervical spondylosis: symptoms and treatment
It is rare today that someone does not experience the manifestations of this common disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffers from some degree of osteoarthritis. different. The main reasons for such widespread popularity are sedentary work and lack of mobility of modern people.
Previously, cervical spondylosis in men often manifested itself at the age of 45-50, in women - a little later - at 50-55 years old. But now there is a rapid rejuvenation: the typical picture is that signs of the disease are easily noticeable in the 30s, and it is not uncommon for the first symptoms to appear in the 20s.
Symptom
With prolonged damage to the vertebral artery, blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the risk of ischemia (reduction of local blood supply), circulatory encephalopathy (damage to the blood vessels of the brain) and stroke increases.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of stroke with cervical spondylosis
Stroke with cervical spondylosis has the following symptoms:
- Visual disorders, eye movement 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 disease.
- Violation of the vestibular apparatus. Then the ability to coordinate movements is impaired, the patient staggers when walking and the tone of the upper limb muscles decreases. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include vertigo (dizziness), hearing disorders (noise, ringing, weakness), disturbances in the perception of objects, etc. v.
- Changes in sleeping and waking patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, the patient feels weak, tired, sleepy during the day and cannot sleep long at night.
- A vegetative vascular syndrome occurs. Sudden onset of weakness, changes in heart rate (increased or slow), high blood pressure, and increased eye pressure.
- Paroxysmal disorder. People with cervical spondylosis may faint after suddenly turning or tilting their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral artery and a sudden decrease in blood flow.
- Psychosis. The patient becomes suspicious, excessively irritable and offended for no apparent reason. His memory and attention deteriorated.
In addition to the symptoms described above, cervical spondylosis is also accompanied by severe headaches (headaches). As a rule, pain starts in the back of the head, but they can spread down the arms. In some patients, sharp pain appears in the temples, which may be accompanied by vomiting. Pain response increases when turning or tilting the head.
With prolonged compression of the vertebral artery, symptoms increase and the pathology progresses. In the absence of appropriate treatment, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term complex treatment is required.
Stages of development of osteoarthritis
In the development of cervical spondylosis, people often distinguish 4 stages. But this is a rather arbitrary division, because most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest in other diseases. In addition, the actual degree of tissue degeneration of the cervical spine may not correspond to the outward symptoms.
First stage (preclinical)
In the early stages, symptoms are mild and are often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You feel uncomfortable and stiff in your neck, pain when moving or bending suddenly. At this stage, it is completely possible to get rid of incipient osteoarthritis with the help of therapeutic exercises or simply moving more and adjusting your diet.
Second stage
The pain increases, becomes constant, and becomes severe with sudden bending or bending. Severe headaches appear, the patient quickly becomes tired and absent-minded, and areas of the face periodically become numb.
Third stage
The formation of a herniated disc often causes dizziness, arm weakness, pain spreading to the back of the head and arms, and a constant feeling in the shoulder.
Fourth stage
Eventually, the discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. Pinched nerves lead to difficulty moving, acute pain, dizziness, and increasing tinnitus.
Causes of stroke in cervical spondylosis
To understand why blood circulation to the brain is impaired during osteoarthritis, you need to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have foramina forming a canal and the veins, nerves and vertebral arteries pass through it. The posterior artery arises from the subclavian arteries, passes through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and ascends superiorly. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join, forming one artery from which the posterior cerebral, internal auditory and cerebellar (anterior and posterior) arteries depart.
Based on what is described above, the arteries passing through the cervical spine, are necessary for normal blood supply to the brain. In addition, veins and sympathetic nerves are also located in the spinal canal.
The transverse foramen is considered narrow but still has enough space for the neurovascular bundle. Blood vessels and nerves are not compressed even when moving the head (rotating, bending).
The cervical vertebrae are connected to each other by elastic discs. This is a type of cartilage cushion that helps reduce shock when running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage.
When cervical spondylosis occurs, the intervertebral discs will lose a lot of fluid and become fragile. Increased load flattens the cartilage pieces and cracks appear on their outer shell. The result is the appearance of bony protrusions (bulging back, herniated disc), bone spurs (bone growth) that damage nerves and blood vessels.
Authority to solve. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of circulatory failure in the cerebral vessels are related to damage to the vertebral artery. In most cases, the disorder occurs against a background of cervical cartilage degeneration and atherosclerosis (overgrowth of connective tissue on the walls of blood vessels).
Cerebral circulation in cervical spondylosis occurs for the following reasons:
- The nerve supplying the vertebral artery is compressed. It causes spasm of the arteries, after which blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
- Long-term compression of the vertebral artery. Due to constant compression, the vessel lumen narrows or becomes completely blocked (occluded). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome will then increase.
- Gross compression of the vertebral artery, blocking blood flow. This can happen when turning the head, after which the person has a severe headache and may lose consciousness.
Compression and dilation of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. When cervical spondylosis occurs, an important vessel is often damaged and dangerous complications will appear.
Causes and risk factors
Oddly enough, the ability to develop osteoarthritis in humans is due to one of its evolutionary advantages - an upright posture: the vertebrae are pressed against each other, and with age, connective tissue degenerates. As a result, in older people this is an almost inevitable process. But there are many factors that contribute to the earlier and more intense development of cervical spondylosis:
- First of all, this is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, which is often found in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" occupations, watching TV, sitting at the computer for long hours), lack of physical activity.
- - Stressful, unnatural posture when working: for example, sitting in front of a computer, people often lean forward and have a tense posture.
- The opposite reason is that the load is too high and unusual for a given person; But even trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are at risk;
- Any reason that disrupts a person's natural posture: wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, incorrect sleeping position, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
- Excess weight is often caused by poor diet
- Constant stress, severe nervous tension, constant overwork
- local hypothermia
Why is cervical spondylosis dangerous?
Many important vessels, arteries and capillaries are concentrated in the neck area, therefore, any disturbance there can cause unpleasant consequences, including hypoxia, hypertension and dystoniaplants.
Cervical cartilage degeneration affects the spinal segments that control shoulder and elbow joints, the thyroid gland, hands and other organs. With osteonecrosis, if not treated, there is a high probability that nerves will be compressed and blood vessels will be compressed, which will certainly affect the functioning of other organs.
Diagnose
Since the symptoms of osteonecrosis are mild and often overlap with other pathologies, it is better to conduct an initial examination with a therapist or another specialist - a neurologist, orthopedistimage. He will ask you about pain and other symptoms, testing your neck mobility, skin condition, balance and reflexes.
If the initial diagnosis is "cervical osteonecrosis, " your doctor will refer you for additional studies. The most effective of them is MRI, 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 vascular damage, you may be offered a duplex angiogram.
Because some symptoms overlap with signs of angina and coronary heart disease, you may need to consult a cardiologist, who will refer you for an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
Characteristics of treatment
Insufficient blood supply to the brain due to cervical spondylosis must be treated comprehensively. The basis of therapy is medication, in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). And in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Doctors have identified the main goals of therapy:
Osteonecrosis and panic attacks
- Restores brain function, improves blood supply, thanks to which this organ is saturated with a large amount of oxygen and nutrients.
- Reduces inflammatory reactions, activates the regeneration process of damaged tissues.
- Some medications help normalize the composition of the blood, make it more fluid, and help improve the quality and speed of blood movement.
- Expands blood vessels, making the damaged area thicker.
- Blood pressure stable.
- Restores the normal structure of the spine, saturates cartilage tissue with useful substances and strengthens it.
It is important to understand that complex therapy will help eliminate circulatory problems in the brain, but will not be able to completely cure osteoarthritis. But with proper treatment, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease over a long period of time.
Careful. You can take any medicine to treat cerebral circulation disorders caused by cervical spondylosis for medical reasons only. Otherwise, your symptoms may get worse or add new symptoms, such as medication headaches. When abusing drugs, blood circulation in the brain will worsen.
Group of drugs that improve cerebral blood flow
The following groups of drugs will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical spondylosis:
- Vasodilators speed up blood circulation and transport nutrients to the brain by increasing the brightness of blood vessels.
- Medicines that prevent blood clots, as well as medicines containing aspirin. They improve blood vessel permeability and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to vessel walls. As a result, the blood thins and flows to the brain faster.
- Diuretic. These medications prevent congestion and swelling. The first drug is used to accumulate excess fluid in brain cells, the second is suitable for eliminating swelling in any location.
- Osmotic diuretics are the only drugs that do not block urine formation. Used to stimulate diuresis in cervical spondylosis.
- Antioxidants. These pills improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in the body's cells.
- Antipsychotic drugs. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, providing long-term pain relief. They help to cope with stress, prolonged pain and improve the condition of spinal nerves.
However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, so taking them without a doctor's permission is prohibited.
The drug improves cerebral circulation
Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in intracranial vessels in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the neck:
- Bronchodilators help eliminate spasms and normalize blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physiotherapeutic procedure in which drugs enter the body through the skin under the influence of an electric current.
- A drug based on theophylline and nicotinic acid that saturates the blood with oxygen and improves its quality. When used, microcirculation will accelerate, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation returns to normal. Medicines can quickly lower blood pressure.
- A medication containing thioctic acid, which helps widen blood vessels. It improves metabolism and eliminates vascular spasms.
- A drug based on cattle blood. It helps to normalize the condition of intracranial vessels, enriching neurons with oxygen and glucose.
- Nicotinic acid helps dilate small blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and restore blood supply to the brain.
- The drug dilates blood vessels, makes blood less viscous, normalizes microcirculation, helps get rid of dizziness.
Authority to solve. In cases of stroke associated with osteoarthritis, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. These drugs help relieve pain that occurs in the later stages of the pathology. However, they should not be used for long periods of time without a doctor's approval because they have many contraindications.
As a rule, certain drugs are used during treatment according to a specific regimen.
Additional treatments
Combined treatment is supplemented by physiotherapy, which affects the cause of the disease. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes and improve the nutrition of the spine. With regular exercise, the muscles surrounding the damaged vertebrae will be strengthened, which will give them some relief. However, to get good results, classes must be done regularly.
In cases of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical spondylosis, special gymnastics are indicated
Patients must follow the following training rules:
- Start with simple movements with slow speed and minimal amplitude, gradually increasing the speed.
- Before exercising, massage your neck or take a warm bath to warm up your muscles.
- During training, pay attention to your emotions. At first there may be a little discomfort, but after 3-4 days the body will adapt and health will improve. If this does not happen or acute pain occurs, see your doctor.
The complex for each patient is compiled by the doctor, taking into account symptoms, severity of pathology, age and general health.
Authority to solve. Exercise therapy should be supplemented in case of cerebral circulatory disorders with walking or cycling, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises and cardiovascular exercises (elliptical, exercise bike).
An auxiliary treatment method is physical therapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture are prescribed.
In order for the spine and blood vessels to function normally, the patient must eat properly. The diet needs to be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, group B elements, tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, patients should eat fatty sea fish, lean meat, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. They should drink at least 2 liters of filtered water per day.
With 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 medication.
Surgery to treat poor circulation in the brain due to cervical spondylosis is performed only in extreme cases. The need for surgical intervention may arise if there is a large bony growth that compresses blood vessels. During the procedure, the bone matrix will be removed. If for some reason this cannot be done, a stent will be inserted into the blood vessel.
How to treat cervical spondylosis
Real, sustainable success in the treatment of cervical spondylosis can only be achieved with a comprehensive approach, including medication, neck massage, therapeutic exercises and physical therapy. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. Naturally, the patient must eliminate or minimize factors that contribute to the development of the disease: exercise more, eat better, etc. v.
We strongly advise you not to resort to self-medication, mainly because the symptoms of osteoarthritis can signal a completely different disease: the drug you choose will not only not help in the treatmentbut can also be harmful. Even if the pain worsens, do not rush to the pharmacy to buy painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with a doctor, and even better - do it before the first symptoms appear.
Acute pain relief
Osteoarthritis, especially in its later stages, is accompanied by severe pain, so the treating doctor's first task is to alleviate your suffering. He will prescribe you painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotective drugs to restore cartilage tissue, drugs that improve blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
In this article we deliberately do not name specific drugs - it is better to leave the choice to doctors who will take into account all possible consequences and evaluate the contraindications. point.
Exercises to treat cervical spondylosis
The simplest and most accessible method, even at home, are therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also quite effective because it strengthens the neck muscles, restores blood circulation in damaged areas and compensates for the lack of movement in everyday life. Physical therapy can be supplemented with swimming and aquatic gymnastics.
There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or any special conditions, but we recommend contacting an exercise therapy office, where they will select the most effective sets of exercises for you and conduct classes under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Physical therapy
Correct and continuous use of physiotherapy methods improves blood circulation in damaged areas, reduces inflammation and pain, and slows down the ossification process.
For cervical spondylosis, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy and other methods are used.
Neck massage treats cervical spondylosis
For osteoarthritis, massage can be very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the likelihood of spasms by reducing muscle tone, reduces pain symptoms and improves the patient's general well-being.
But massage and manual therapy must be used extremely carefully, since rough and inappropriate impact on diseased areas of the body can only cause harm. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor first.
Surgery
In especially severe cases, surgical intervention cannot even be ruled out: narrowing of the spinal lumen, formation of disc herniation or spondylolisthesis.
The decision on the need and method of surgical intervention is made by the surgeon, who also determines the preparatory activities, postoperative period and rehabilitation.
Causes of cerebral circulatory disorders and venous overflow
Impaired venous flow with cervical spondylosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, constant weakness and drowsiness. Stagnation of venous blood leads to effusion into the intercellular space. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The structures of the brain are subjected to great pressure and cannot function normally. Blood pressure levels may then begin to increase. In general, this condition is very dangerous because there can be a risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It has a very high mortality rate even in young patients.
Preventing cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a disease whose negative effects can be minimized if prevented properly and promptly. You need to think about how to prevent this disease at an early age: bad posture and flat feet in children are reasons to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
The basis for preventing osteoarthritis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and periodic exercise during sedentary work, healthy diet, body weight control.
symptoms
Chronic hypoxia quickly leads to disruption of processes in the human body. If not treated promptly and adequately, the above symptoms will gradually get worse. Depending on which brain is most affected by the deficiency of essential substances, there is a possibility of developing a number of complications.
Consequences of stroke due to cervical spondylosis:
- hypertonicity;
- Ischemic;
- arrhythmia;
- problems of direction and coordination;
- changes in the quality and pattern of breathing;
- reduced mobility of the upper limbs.
Even if the listed conditions have begun to appear, this is not a reason to panic. In such cases, there is also a chance of cure and complete recovery of impaired functions. The main thing is not to delay going to the doctor anymore, but to quickly start therapy.