Causes, symptoms and treatment of cervical spondylosis

Cervical osteosarcoma can cause clinical signs more intense than these degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. This is because a violation of blood circulation in this area leads to the brain being starved of oxygen. Symptoms may vary depending on the extent of the pathological process.

To treat it at home, with the permission of a specialist, you can use medicines to suppress inflammation and relieve pain. Therapy and massage exercises are effective, but they also have limitations. In addition to these conservation measures, folk remedies can be used.

The reasons

Cervical osteosarcoma can occur due to a variety of factors. The reasons are the same for both men and women:

• incorrect posture;
• scoliosis;
• overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• spinal cord injury;
• excessive physical activity;
• metabolic disease;
• genetic predisposition;
• nervous shock, frequent stress;
• constant tension of the back muscles in the cervical region.

The mechanism of the occurrence of osteonecrosis is associated with an increased load on this part of the spine, compensating for the spasm of the neck muscles. As a result, blood circulation in this area is disturbed, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the cervical region.

Symptom

Symptoms of the disease depend on the stage of the pathological processes. In total, there are 4 degrees of development of cervical osteonecrosis:

Stage	Characteristic symptoms
The first day	Appear a little. There is usually mild ligamentous tension and mild pain syndrome in the nerve bundle.
Monday	There is disc protrusion, as a result of which the spaces between the discs decrease and the annulus fibrosus begins to collapse. Pain syndromes may be aggravated by pinched nerve endings
The third day	Symptoms become much worse: the pain becomes permanent, begins to spread down the shoulder and upper extremities. When touching the affected area, the discomfort increases suddenly, there may be numbness and tingling in the fingers, like a hernia is formed. Neck mobility is impaired, joints become stiff
Wednesday	It is characterized by complete destruction of the disc, leading to compression of the connective tissues. As a result of such changes, a person develops symptoms such as: dizzy; lack of coordination; noise in the ear

Symptoms of cervical osteosarcoma are different from those that affect other parts of the spine. This is because the position in this part of the vertebrae is much closer together. The relatively small height of the intervertebral discs leads to the fact that clinical signs appear profound even with small pathological changes in their structure. Cervical osteosarcoma very commonly occurs with compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

The symptoms in this case may vary depending on which vertebra has the degenerative-dystrophic change. Usually, the main symptom is pain in the neck, which is transmitted to different areas of the body: sternum, arms, chin, etc. . . When turning the head, a characteristic crunching sound may be heard. Pinched nerves and blood vessels can cause numbness of the tongue and fingertips. Pain syndromes can be different:

Syndrome	Description
Source	Caused by a pinched nerve. The pain subsides, sharper. It extends to the shoulders, forearms and fingertips. With lens syndrome, a sensation of goosebumps and tingling is possible. Another characteristic feature is a decrease in skin elasticity, firmness, and slight swelling and redness.
Life artery	Occurs when squeezing the vertebral artery. The pain is of a vibrating or burning nature, affecting the superciliary region, temples, nape of the neck, and the crown of the head. Usually, it is constant, but it can be paroxysmal. Discomfort increases after prolonged movement or in an uncomfortable position. When the body is debilitated, symptoms can expand to include nausea, loss of consciousness. If there is a violation of blood flow to the brain, symptoms such as: hearing loss; noise in the ears; lack of coordination; vision loss; Eyesore
cervical migraine	It is stimulated by the stimulation of the sympathetic nodes, causing disorders to occur in the brain. These include pathologies of vascular reaction and blood circulation. This leads to the following symptoms: Tinnitus; fast heart beat; stuffiness in the ear; slight pain in the head, like noise
hypertension	It is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. In hypertensive syndrome, the headache is of a flare-up nature, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Exacerbation of the disease leads to an increase in body temperature.

The treatment

It will not be possible to completely cure osteonecrosis and permanently eliminate its manifestations, but the symptoms can be eliminated. With cervical spondylosis, you can use conservative methods aimed at reducing pain syndromes, dysfunction of the spinal roots and preventing complications of the degenerative process in the discs. .

For this use:

• medicines;
• Massage;
• therapeutic exercise (physical therapy exercises);
• folk remedies.

It is impossible to self-medicate with a pathology of the spine. All treatments and methods used should be discussed with a specialist, applied at home with his approval. In the event that there is no effect from conservative methods (if you cannot get rid of the pain), you should consult a doctor, as surgery may be required.

Drugs

With cervical osteochondrosis, analgesics are used to relieve pain. They can be taken as tablets and capsules. However, long-term treatment with analgesics leads to irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, so regular use of the drug is not recommended.

To reduce inflammation, steroids, hormonal drugs are used. If analgesics do not affect the pathological process itself, then these drugs relieve pain. Usually, topical medications are used in the form of ointments or tablets based on hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and prednisolone.

To restore the intervertebral discs, it is recommended to use drugs chondroprotectors. They contain substitutes for cartilage tissue components - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. However, the effectiveness of these classes of drugs can only be achieved with long-term use.

Muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle structures. They provide further pain relief. They are used as injections. For the treatment of osteonecrosis, drugs containing glycerin and benzimidazole are most effective.

Vitamins are needed to improve the conductivity of nerve fibers and the state of the peripheral nervous system. Use water-soluble vitamins B1, B6, B12 and fat-soluble vitamins A, C, and D.

The most convenient form of drugs for the treatment of osteonecrosis at home are ointments and gels. There are many types of external agents: warming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

Massage

With cervical osteosarcoma, the massage should be done carefully, not using too much force. Improper manual treatment can lead to complications. When massaging, pay attention to the cervical area, upper back area and collar area.

The procedure is recommended to be performed in the supine position. If the patient is unable to take it, then therapy is given while sitting. The assistant may use the following techniques and techniques:

1. Stroking - surface impact on the skin. Do it with your hands or fingertips, from the head to the middle 1/3 of the back. From the base of the neck you can use zigzag strokes.
2. Push-ups - push into the deep layers of the skin with the fingers (thumb and forefinger) on the neck. This technique is used for tissues located away from the vertebrae.
3. Rubbing - development of the collar area to warm the skin and increase blood flow. Should be used with extreme caution, does not affect the process of creating spines. Rubbing can be replaced by saw-like or circular motions.
4. Kneading - impact on deep tissues. They have limited use mainly in the distal cervical region - upper back.

The patient can conduct massage and most - in a sitting position. To do this, he can use techniques such as stroking, stroking the neck and shoulders. Self-massage should be combined with a massage ointment to increase blood flow and relieve pain.

Manual therapy can be performed passively using the Kuznetsov applicator, which is a special device with plastic spikes that act on acupuncture points in the cervical region. Acupressure is very useful in that it allows you to stimulate the skin receptors responsible for physiological processes in the body. In certain cases, topical medications can provide permanent and effective pain relief, normalize blood circulation, and restore the patient's activity.

However, there are certain contraindications to the use of medical devices. It cannot be used for infectious, skin, tumor and vascular diseases. Despite the simplicity of the device, you should consult your doctor first about the possibility of using it. If during the course of treatment with the applicator, you feel uncomfortable or your health condition worsens, you should quit.

For effective disease prevention, you can use specialized orthopedic pillows when sleeping. With disc disease in the neck, finding the head in an uncomfortable position when resting for 8 hours will contribute to the development of the disease.

The advantage of an orthopedic product is that it is a tool not only for prevention but also for treatment - this is called position therapy. With the right choice of a pillow for sleeping, the pain in the neck will be greatly reduced and there is no need for dangerous self-massage with intense movements.

exercise therapy

Exercise therapy is one of the most effective methods of conservative therapy. However, it must be done in compliance with certain rules. It is desirable that the set of exercises be established by a specialist, and the first classes are held under his supervision.

Recommendations for therapeutic exercises:

• clothing should not restrict movement;
• exercises should be done in a well-ventilated area;
• classes are recommended to be carried out no earlier than half an hour after eating;
• during the week it is necessary to repeat up to 4 exercises;
• all movements must be performed smoothly, since a quick action can cause complications;
• it is necessary to control the pulse;
• if pain occurs during movement, you need to replace them with stretching and relaxing movements;
• the strength of the layers and the load should be gradually increased;
• It is recommended to alternate physical therapy exercises with gymnastics for proper breathing.

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is not performed in the following cases:

1. The acute phase of the disease, when the pain is pronounced both with exercise and at rest.
2. Dizziness occurs due to impaired blood circulation, stimulated by instability of the vertebrae.
3. There are acute diseases that occur with signs of inflammation.
4. Have been diagnosed with cancer at any stage.
5. Blood clotting is impaired, i. e. there is a risk of thrombosis or a tendency to bleed.
6. Poisoning.
7. Having cardiovascular diseases in the stage of decompensation and arterial hypertension.
8. Was diagnosed with high myopia with concomitant pathology of the orbit.

With degenerative cervical disease, the following exercises are recommended:

Starting point	A set of exercises
Stand on my feet	Nape neck. Use your hands as a tool to fix the collar. When picking the neck, the thumbs should be on the lower part of the jaw, the rest - behind the head. In this position, you need to tilt your head to the left and right, keeping the tilt position for 2 seconds. After 8-10 repetitions, stop the beam and do the exercise again. Squat with hand support. You need to rest your palms on the table, stand with your back to the table. Need to slightly tilt the head back and raise the body, stay at the maximum mark for 2 seconds and then sit down, do not release the arms and tilt the head forward. The level of squatting should be comfortable. The book is on top. It is necessary to place the hardcover edition on top of the head so that it does not move out. In this state, you need to hold out for 3-4 minutes. If there is discomfort, reduce the time. This exercise is designed to bring the vertebrae back into the correct physiological position. Neck flexion with resistance. You should put your palm on your forehead and apply pressure from the edge of your hand. At this point, the head should remain in its position for 20 seconds, then it is thrown back and a second palm is placed behind the head. Then you need to press with both hands simultaneously, creating tension for 5 seconds. This exercise is used to relieve muscle spasms and stretch. Extend the neck with the resistance of the head. The exercise is similar to the previous one. In this case, first place the palm on the back of the head and press it for 20 seconds without changing the position of the head, then bend, the second palm is pressed against the forehead, and perform two compressions. inside 5 seconds. second. This exercise is used to stretch the vertebrae. Neck bends with resistance. Similar to the previous two exercises, use the palms to create tension. First, the head is tilted to the left, the left palm is placed on the right temple and gently presses, thereby stretching the muscles. Then the exercise is repeated on the right side.
Sitting on a chair	It is necessary to place the lower part of the palm on the temples, close the jaw while inhaling and tightening the muscles. You have to use your hands to pull the skin of the temples to get up. On the exhale, the tension stops and the temples relax. The exercise is repeated up to 5 times. Bring your hands to your cheeks so that your fingertips are spread out and gently press your temples. With the slow back and forth movement of the head, it is necessary to direct the fingers rhythmically up and down, they should reach the top of the head when the head is tilted forward and to the cheek when the head is tilted back. This exercise will allow you to simultaneously stretch and relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. The hands should be placed behind the nape of the neck, the fingers should be crossed, and the neck and back should be straight. In this position, you need to perform sliding movements with your fingers, and at the same time tilt your head.

Proper and regular exercise for cervical spondylosis can reduce stress, increase blood flow, strengthen neck muscles, and improve vertebrae mobility.

Prohibited activities such as running, jumping, swinging and push-ups, lifting weights. You should also avoid exercises that emphasize the arms and hang. With the doctor's permission, patients can play sports if they have exercised before, but only with a complete exercise program.

Ethnographic

It is recommended to treat genital warts with the following oriental medicine for external use:

1. Compressed horseradish leaves. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Horseradish leaves should be young and fresh. They are dipped in boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately applied to the cervical spine. From above, the application is covered with cellophane and a warm scarf. Compression is held for as long as possible. It is recommended to bandage in the evening and clean in the morning.
2. Compressed alcohol. You will need 300 ml of medical alcohol, 10 tablets of analgin (powder), 10 ml of iodine and 10 ml of camphor tincture. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. In the resulting solution, gauze is moistened, put on the sore neck, covered with polyethylene and a warm towel on top. Apply for no longer than 2-3 hours as alcohol can irritate the skin. This method is contraindicated even with minor injuries.
3. A compress of potatoes and honey. 1 large potato, grated and diluted with 2 tbsp. l. Honey. The resulting mixture is spread on a cloth, which is glued to the painful area. Compression is removed after 2 hours.
4. Ointment with hops. 1 st. l. powder obtained from hop cones, crushed with 1 tbsp. l. fresh butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the sore and insulated.
5. A decoction of elecampane. Roots of plants of the second year of life in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. pour a cup of boiling water. The solution was boiled for 10 min over low heat, then filtered. The elecampane remedy is used to apply to the spine. The application is removed after 20 minutes. This remedy is also used for bathing, while the amount of raw materials is increased to 10 tbsp. l.

For pain relief, the following recipes are recommended for oral administration:

1. Alcohol on pine buds. They are harvested in the spring, choosing samples that are at least 15 mm and no more than 20 mm. After harvesting, the raw materials are washed thoroughly, put in a coffee grinder and diluted with sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. The ingredients are mixed together and stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The resulting remedy is taken in 1 tsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. Alcohol can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
2. Celery juice. Roots are grated on a juice extractor. They drink it in 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. Sometimes mix 1 tbsp. l. juice with a glass of boiling water, insist for 2 hours. Such a composition is taken in 1 tbsp. l. one hour before meals 4 times a day.
3. Celery root infusion. Ingredients 3 g put in 500 ml of boiling water, wait for it to cool down, then drink 20 ml before meals.
4. A decoction of bay leaves. Ingredients 12 g put in enameled plate, pour 300 ml of cold water, boil for 5 minutes, then let the spices infuse for 3 hours and filter the water. The tool is consumed during the day between meals in small sips. The rest drink before going to bed. The course of treatment is 4 days, then take a week off and repeat. As a preventive measure, therapy is carried out in the spring of every year.

With cervical spondylosis, you can use herbal teas that promote general health. The drink is useful with the use of:

• reishi and birch leaves;
• Chrysanthemum;
• Flower Lagerstroemia;
• Wild roses;
• oil;
• hypericum;
• horsetail;
• pennywort.