Osteochondrosis of the cervical region

30 May 2025

Osteochondrosis is a defeat of intervertebral discs of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, and the cervical region is the most vulnerable part of the spinal column, which has anatomically different structure of very close to another vertebrae and weak muscle corset.Therefore, even with small additional loads on the neck, the vertebrae of vertebrae can occur, leading to squeezing blood vessels and nerves.

And since the vertebral arteries involved in the blood supply to the brain pass through the holes in the transverse processes of the vertebrae in this department, the impressions of the vertebrae in this department or squeezing the holes with overgrown osteofites are fraught with very severe consequences.

What is it?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyetiological progressive disease that is manifested by degeneration of the intervertebral discs and the dystrophy of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine.

Causes

The main causes and prerequisites for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra are:

Wending spine, scoliosis.
Stress, nervous stresses negatively affect the general state of the body, can cause cervical osteochondrosis.
Transferred infectious diseases often become the root cause.
The wrong, uncomfortable position of the body during sleep (for example, an uncomfortable pillow).
Congenital problems or the presence of hereditary diseases of the cervical spine.
Violation of posture in young and adolescence.
Excess weight, obesity of different degrees.Extra pounds increase the load on the vertebrae and discs, which leads to degenerative processes.
Back injuries, which may have happened in childhood or adolescence.
Violation of metabolic processes.
Work related to physical labor, which can provoke diseases of the spine in different departments.
Inexpensive lifestyle, sitting work, improper performance of any exercises.

For the successful treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is first necessary to establish the cause of the occurrence, the prerequisites that provoked its development and eliminate them.Until recently, the disease was found only in people aged 45 years.Now young people are subject to her, the age range is 18-25 years old.

Features of the cervical region

Consider how the cervical region differs from the rest of the spine, and that in the process of development of osteochondrosis, it serves as a prerequisite for the development of these syndromes.

In the cervical region, important ganglia (nodes) of the autonomic nervous system are located.
In the transverse processes of the vertebrae, there are holes that form a channel through which the vertebral artery passes that supplies oxygen and nutrients the brain, cerebellum, hearing organs, as well as the vertebral nerve.These are the prerequisites for frequent clamps of the artery and nerve.
The cervical spine is the most mobile.He is characterized by all types of movements in full.These are prerequisites for frequent infringements and subluxations.
The intervertebral holes of the lower three vertebrae are not round, but a triangular shape.These are prerequisites for infringement of nerve roots with bone growths that are formed with osteochondrosis.
The intervertebral discs are located between the vertebral bodies not throughout.In front of them, there are protruding edges of the vertebrae, which are interconnected by joints.These are the prerequisites for the emergence of subluxation of the joints.

Stages of development

The degree of osteochondrosis is determined by the clinical picture and complaints of the patient.The concept of degree should not be confused with the stages of osteochondrosis.The stages will be discussed below.

The first degree.Clinical manifestations are minimal, the patient can complain of pain in the cervical spine of low intensity, it can intensify when the head is rotated.During a physical examination, a slight tension of the neck muscles can be detected.
The second degree.The patient is concerned about the pain in the cervical spine, its intensity is much larger, there may be radiation in the shoulder, in the hand.This arises due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and infringed on the roots of the nerves.Pain intensifies when tilted and turning of the head.The patient may note a decrease in performance, weakness, headache.
The third degree.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are enhanced, the pain becomes constant with radiation in the arm or shoulder.Numbness or weakness in the muscles of the hand appears, since hernias of intervertebral discs are formed.Concerned to weakness, dizziness.On examination, the limitation of mobility in the cervical spine is revealed, pain on palpation of the cervical spine.
The fourth degree.There is a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and its replacement with connective tissue.Dizziness intensifies, noise in the ears appears, a violation of coordination, since the vertebral artery is involved in the process that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital fraction of the brain.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of destruction of the structures of the vertebrae.The symptoms are aggravated with the growth of bone tissue with the formation of osteophytes, radicular syndrome (root pain when pinched the nerve), intervertebral hernia (protrusion of the disk in the spinal canal).

The first signs of the disease are periodic headache in the nape, soreness in the neck, crunch and clicks in the vertebrae when turning the head, sometimes a slight tingling shoulders.Over time, the symptoms grow, and the intensity of pain intensifies.

Pain syndrome is the main manifestation of osteochondrosis.The pain in the neck is stupid permanent or sharp with bastards below the back of the back of the head when turning the head.The entire cervical compartment or projection zone can hurt a modified vertebra, as well as a collar, shoulder, spatula, heart area.The irradiation of pain in the lower jaw, teeth, arm, ear, eye area is not excluded.The muscles of the neck and shoulders are tense, painful on palpation.It is difficult to raise the hand from the side of the defeat - immediately there is a shot in the shoulder or neck.The restriction of head movements due to pain often occurs in the morning after sleep in an uncomfortable position.

The ailment leads to squeezing the roots of the peripheral nerves (roying syndrome) and causes pain along these nerves.It is possible to numb the hands or fingers, a violation of the sensitivity of certain skin areas innervated by a pinched nerve.

For some characteristic symptoms, we can assume which vertebrae are affected:

C1 - impaired sensitivity in the occipital region;
C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal areas;
C3-a decrease in sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerve is infringed, a violation of the sensitivity of the language, speech impairment due to loss of control over the language;
C4 - impaired sensitivity and pain in the shoulder -pavement region, a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the head and neck, respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart are possible;
C5 - pain and impaired sensitivity in the outer surface of the shoulder;
C6 - pain spreading from the neck to the shoulder blade, forearm, the outer surface of the shoulder, the radial surface of the forearm to the thumb of the hand;
C7 - pain spreading from the neck to the shoulder blade, the rear surface of the shoulder, the forearm to the II - IV fingers of the hand, impaired sensitivity in this area.
C8 - pain and impaired sensitivity spread from the neck to the shoulder, the forearm to the little finger.

Cervical osteochondrosis is always accompanied by a headache.Strong, persistent pain intensifies when turning the neck or sudden movements.Some patients complain about the severity in their heads.Compression of the vertebral artery leads to bouts of dizziness, nausea.There is a noise, ringing in the ears, flickering black dots in front of the eyes.The deterioration of cerebral circulation provokes a progressive decrease in hearing and vision, numbness of the language, a change in taste sensations.

Clicks or crunching with a neck almost always accompany cervical osteochondrosis, observed in each patient.A crunch appears during a sharp turning of the head or its backing back.

Syndromes caused by cervical osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are formed in certain groups called syndromes.Their presence and severity may indicate a pathology in the cervical spine with an updated localization.

A group of frequently found syndromes:

Vegetative-diabolical syndrome.Subluxus the first vertebra of the cervical departure with a displacement can lead to the development of vegeto-vascular dystonia.It is not a certain diagnosis of VVD, since it does not have pronounced symptoms.There may be neurological signs, symptoms of impaired cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, muscle cramps.As a result, the patient's complaints come down to dizziness, a decrease in visual acuity, loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea.
Irritatively reflex.Burning and acute pain in the back of the head and neck, sometimes with the return in the chest and shoulder, which occurs at the moment of changing the position of the head and neck, when sneezing and a sharp turn of the head.
Koreshka.Otherwise, called cervical radiculitis, it combines the symptoms associated with the infringement of the nerve roots of the cervical vertebrae.The “goosebumps” in the affected area, tingling in fingers, forearms, pastiness of the skin, spread to certain fingers are characteristic.
Cardiac.Almost the same picture with angina pectoris often leads to improper diagnosis and treatment.The syndrome appears due to irritation of the receptors of the diaphragmatic nerve, partially captivating the pericardium and a large chest muscle.Thus, cramps in the heart region are more reflex, as a review of the irritation of the cervical nerves.
Vail artery syndrome.It develops directly both with compression of the artery itself and with irritation of the sympathetic nervous plexus, which is located around it.The pain in this pathology is burning or pulsating in the occipital region with spread to whiskey, tutorial arcs, crows.It arises on both one and on both sides.Patients usually associate aggravation with a condition after sleep in non -violeological pose, trips in transport, walking.With pronounced symptoms, hearing loss, dizziness, noise in the ears, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and increasing blood pressure are possible.

Diagnostics

Like any diagnosis in medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis is established on the basis of patient complaints, anamnesis of the disease, clinical examination and auxiliary research methods.X -ray of the cervical spine in direct and lateral projections is performed, if necessary in special positions (with an open mouth).At the same time, experts are interested in the height of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteofites.

Of modern research methods, IAMR and CT research are used, which make it possible to verify the diagnosis most accurately.In addition to the listed methods of additional research, consultations of related specialists (cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon) may be needed, and the examination of the neurologist is simply vital.The neurologist is engaged in the treatment of osteochondrosis, so after examining the patient, he will prescribe the necessary minimum examination at his discretion.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

The complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non -traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies, etc.

The main treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is the same for all localizations of this disease:

First you need to remove the pain syndrome.
Then the edema will be removed.
At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
Strengthening the muscle corset.
Improving nutrition and tissue regeneration.

The list of drugs and drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is very extensive:

Anti -inflammatory (steroid).These are hormonal drugs that relieve inflammatory phenomena and, thereby, eliminate pain;
Analgesics (non -steroidal drugs that relieve pain).Usually they are prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules.It should be remembered that most of these drugs cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract;
Musorelaxants are drugs that relax muscle tone.They are used in surgery and orthopedics as auxiliary remedies for stopping pain.Such drugs are administered parenterally, and therefore always under the supervision of a doctor.There is an extensive list of contraindications;

Chondroprotectors are drugs containing substances that replace the components of cartilage.To achieve a persistent positive effect, such drugs must be taken for a very long time;
Ointments and gels for external use.This is the most affordable group of drugs in home atmosphere.They are divided into relieving inflammation, warming and painkillers.Such funds are often advertised.With cervical osteochondrosis, not all ointments are effective, in addition, due to accessibility, they are sometimes used unreasonably and without taking into account the characteristics of pathogenesis.
Vitamins.With osteochondrosis, vitamins are prescribed that have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system and improve conductivity.Water -soluble vitamins: B1, B6, B12, fat -soluble vitamins: A, C, D, E. In recent years, combined drugs containing both painkillers and vitamin components more often.

Only the team of good specialists, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur, surgeon, vertebroneurologist, can choose the most suitable therapy.

Medical physical education

LFK for cervical osteochondrosis should be carried out outside acute exacerbation.The greatest effectiveness of this technique during the recovery period.During the implementation of the complex, there should be no discomfort and pain!

Exercise number 1.Lying on your stomach, rest your hands on the floor, raise your head and a torso, your back should be straight.Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes.Slowly sink to the floor.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2.Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along the body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head to the right.Repeat 6-7 times in each direction.
Exercise number 3.In a sitting position, lean forward, and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhale, lean back and throw your head.Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4.When sitting, put your palms to your forehead, put pressure on your palms on your forehead, and your forehead is on your palm.Continue this exercise for 30 seconds.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 5.Slowly rotate your head first in one direction, then in the other direction.10 rotations in each direction.Make sure that there is no dizziness.When it appears, the exercise stops.

Therapeutic massage

Massage can be performed at home, but very carefully so as not to cause exacerbation and not harm the patient.The patient must take the position of lying down, put his forehead on the hands and stretch the chin to the chest.In this case, the neck muscles should be completely relaxed.

Stroking.It is necessary to start massage with these movements: stroking the collar zone in the direction of the lymph to the supraclinking and axillary nodes.Then flat and cresting strokes are used.
Squeezing.To perform squeezing, the masseur puts the hand across the neck (the index and thumb should be together) and moves down the spine.Squeezing can also be performed by the edge of the palm to the joints of the shoulder.

Therapeutic massage for cervical chondrosis

Trituration.Rubbings are carried out in order to warm up the muscles, relax them and improve blood flow in this area.Massage should begin from the base of the skull, performing with fingers circular and straightforward movements.You can also perform sawing movements by setting your palms in parallel on the ribs.
Kneading.The neck should be kneaded in circular movements.
Vibration.The massage is completed by stroking and vibration, which is performed using concussions and strokes.

Massage is necessary to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain.Depending on what stage is osteochondrosis, the massage technique is selected.Nevertheless, when making the neck massage, experts use all the techniques of classic massage: rubbing, stroking, kneading, etc.In cases where the patient hurts only on one side, the massage begins in the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving to that part of the collar zone where pain occurs.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy helps to cope with both acute and chronic pains, also increases the volume of movements and improves posture well.The main techniques of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Relaxing and segmental massage.It is used to warm up the muscles and relieve tension.
Mobilization.Impacts aimed at restoring joint functions by traction.
Manipulation.A sharp impetus aimed at the pathological zones of the patient.The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (the return of the joint to a normal position).

A specialist practicing manual therapy must own these techniques perfectly.Otherwise, any mistake can lead to injuries.

Orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic pillows for sleeping are an effective means of prevention.In many cases, osteochondrosis is aggravated due to additional transmission of the cervical artery and nerve roots during sleep on an uncomfortable pillow.The orthopedic product provides a uniform horizontal position of a person during sleep and, thereby, guarantees physiologically full blood supply to the brain.

When choosing a pillow, the individual anatomical characteristics of a person should be taken into account and they should be correlated with the volume and characteristics of the filler.A properly selected pillow brings tangible benefits to the patient with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures for osteochondrosis of the cervical region:

Electrophoresis.It should be used using painkillers (anesthetics), which are introduced under the skin through electronic pulses.
Ultrasound.It favorably affects metabolic processes in the fabrics of the cervical region, due to which swelling is removed, pain leaves.
Magnetotherapy.A safe treatment technique, which consists in the effect of damaged cells of a low -frequency magnetic field.This gives an analgesic effect, acts as an anti -inflammatory agent.
Laser therapy.Improves blood circulation in the damage zone, relieves swelling of tissues, pain.

Physiotherapeutic procedures favorably affect discs and vertebrae with cervical osteochondrosis.In combination with medication, combined treatment helps to get rid of the symptoms of the disease.Procedures are carried out in a hospital or specialized offices in clinics.Before starting the course, it is necessary to consult a doctor, determine the duration of physiotherapy, types.It is strictly forbidden to pass it during exacerbation.

Shanza collar

Shantsa collar is a soft and convenient device, fastening behind a Velcro and used for cervical osteochondrosis.But not for treatment, but for temporary relaxation and removal of fatigue.It cannot be worn without removing, otherwise the neck muscles will stop working and soon atrophy.If a chantza collar is selected correctly, the patient feels comfortable and secure.

A collar is selected strictly in size in a pharmacy or an orthopedic store.Better in the store, because people who work there, as a rule, know their business and characterization of goods well, and, therefore, can help in each particular case.

Folk remedies

If pain from osteochondrosis of the spine becomes unbearable and regular, then you will agree to everything, if only to stop it, and here traditional complex treatment will successfully complement folk methods.

Insist the root of the celery (5 gr. per 1 liter of boiling water) for 4 hours, drink a tablespoon before each meal;
Honey compress, for which we take 2 tsp.honey and 1 tablet mummy.We heat the components in a water bath, spread on the fabric and apply to the cervical region, that is, the neck, at night;
In acute pain, the hell growing in the country helps me.Its sheet is simply mine, I dial me with boiling water, cool it a little, put it to my neck and hide it with a thin scarf at night - in the morning you can already live and work;
We insist chamomile flowers in vegetable oil for two days, after heating to a boil (30 ml of oil is needed for 30 grams of plant), rub into sore areas;
The honey-cartel compress also helps, for this, the root crop must be rubbed and mixed with honey in the same amount, attach to the sore neck at night, use it regularly, at least once a week.

Prevention

As usual, proper prevention will help to avoid osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but, of course, all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise there will be not many benefits from “periodic” classes.

It remains to remember simple rules:

Eat more products with a large amount of calcium and magnesium.These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, greens, but from sugar, flour, smoked, acute it is better to refrain.
Regularly playing sports, especially swimming, aquaerobics, also to prevent osteochondrosis, gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of the vertebrae is suitable, which can be practiced at home.
When sitting work at least a couple of times a day, perform a special set of exercises.
Choose a good orthopedic mattress and a pillow, perfect for the neck, supporting the head in a dream in the correct anatomical position (yes, your favorite huge down pillows with problems with the spine will not pass!).

If you already have such a diagnosis, then the patient must spare his spine, namely:

To be very careful with lifting and carrying weights, it is better to go to the store twice than to pull unbearable bags in both hands, incredibly straining the neck and shoulder stream;
Do not overcool, avoid drafts and cold air from the air conditioner (some love to cool on a hot day, becoming their back to the fan);
When tilting the body forward - remember osteochondrosis;
Avoid local muscle overheating, which can happen among lovers of an excessively hot bath;
Do not forget to periodically break away from the monitor, change the position of the body, do not sit down for hours, or even days;
Give rest to the neck, for which it is necessary to purchase a chantsis collar;
If possible, if the state of the cardiovascular system allows, steamed in the bath.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the child who threatens osteochondrosis (father and mother already have it) and an adult who has acquired the disease in the process of life, simply must take preventive measures so as not to become disabled and not to be on the operating table, because this operation is quite complicated and requires long -term rehabilitation.In addition, it is not always possible, because there are inoperable cases, so it is better to protect health with a younger, while the discs are intact, and unnecessary growths do not squeeze blood vessels.