Headache with cervical osteochondrosis - the best methods of treatment!

Osteochondrosis is a disease, the essence of which is reduced to degenerative-dystrophic spinal column affection. The disease has many characteristic symptoms, one of which is intense headaches.

After reading the information below, you will get basic information about osteochondrosis, the peculiarities of accompanying unpleasant sensations and methods of combating it.

General information about the headaches

The disease develops on the background of pathological disruption of normal functionscartilaginous disks because of insufficiently qualitative their nutrition, causing thinning and drying up of bone structures.

As a result, the disc loses its cushioning and supporting functions, becomes weakly resistant to prolonged stay in one position and various loads. A pronounced flabbiness of the annular fibers is noted, because of which the elasticity of fixation of the spinal column decreases. In severe stages, a hernia may form.

may appear. More often, the following factors contribute to the occurrence of the above-described changes.

1. Infringement of nerves. If there is one, cervical radiculitis develops, accompanied by inflammatory processes and very powerful headaches. There may be numbness in the face and other proximal parts of the body.
   

   Nerve Injury

2. Transfusion of the vertebral artery. In this case, the pain sensations extend mainly from the neck and the occiput to the upper and front parts of the head. Characterized mainly by one-way localization. They can have a permanent or paroxysmal character, intensifying during the change in the position of the head. Provoke violations of balance, vision, hearing, respiratory function. The skin of the face and head becomes more sensitive.
   

   The pains are localized in the neck and continue to the nape and above

In the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, often there is a violation of blood circulation processes. This is a very dangerous process - getting an insufficient amount of oxygen, the brain can begin to die.

If you often have a headache, be sure to consult a doctor with this complaint for the timely diagnosis of the problem and its adequate treatment.

In the course of the survey, radiography methods are used, which confirms or refutes the presence of cervical osteochondrosis. Additionally, MRI and / or CT, ultrasound, etc.

Variety of pain sensations

The nature and intensity of the pain sensations vary depending on the existing variety of osteochondrosis. About this in the table.

Table. Possible variations of painful sensations

Diseases	Features
Syndrome of the vertebral artery	This is characterized by the spread of painful sensations from the occiput to the temples and temechku. Often the pain has two-way localization, is pulsating and burning. Characterized by long-term course and lack of response to the reception of pain medications. Often the problem is accompanied by dizziness, visual impairment, nausea.
Cervical migraine syndrome	Develops due to the transmission of vertebral nerves. Despite the name, migraine, in its traditional sense, does not have any common formation scenarios. Unites them only one clinical manifestation - severe headaches of one-sided localization. Appear mainly in the neck and occiput, fairly quickly extending to the temples and crown. Painful sensations have paroxysmal character and are so strong that even elementary movement of the eyes can cause a person to have severe nausea and vomiting. The condition is somewhat easier if you lie down and turn your head in the opposite direction to the affected side.
Occipital neuralgia	Develops against the background of infringement of spinal nerves, displacement of vertebrae, etc. Painful sensations appear in the nape of the occiput, after which they spread to the front side of the head. When you move your head, the pain intensifies. Pathology in many ways is similar to the previously considered spinal artery syndrome, but is not accompanied by dizziness.
Hypertensive syndrome	Occurs because of spasm of blood vessels in the background of displacement of vertebrae. There is a deterioration in the outflow of blood from the brain, which contributes to increased blood pressure. Pain is aggravated by movement of the head and eyes. Sensations are characterized by a sudden occurrence and can persist for up to 10 hours or more. They can be sharp and throbbing. Most often appear in the occipital region, but can spread over the head.
Diencephalic syndrome	Develops when blood circulation processes in the brain tissues are disturbed. The average duration of seizures is up to half an hour. Accompanied by increased heart rate, chills, a sense of fear. Skin pimples and pressure increases.

Treatment options

The procedure for eliminating adverse events may only be determined by a qualified person. Any information is for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate - this can lead to serious complications.

In the presence of intense headaches, provoked by the squeezing of arteries and nerve roots, the patient is assigned bed rest.

The bed should be rigid and as flat as possible. Methods of stretching the neck muscles are applied.

A good therapeutic effect has a good effect.

Anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as drugs designed to improve blood circulation. Usually these are various analgesics, antispasmodics and sedatives. It is very important to understand that many of them simply provide the opportunity to temporarily get rid of discomfort, but do not guarantee full recovery.

In addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, appropriate ointments are prescribed, for example, Nyz, Diclofenac, etc.

For pain relief and additional warming, ointments such as Fastum-gel, Finalgon, etc. can be used.

After their distribution on the surface of the affected area, it is recommended to wrap the neck with a woolen scarf - this will enhance the beneficial effect.

In order to normalize blood circulation and internal metabolic processes in the brain area, a specialist can prescribe injections of B and E vitamins. Additionally, ascorbic acid, mexidol, thiocetam, etc. are used for this purpose.

Cthe purpose of restoring the cartilaginous structure of intervertebral discs and vertebrae, special preparations are prescribed - chondroprotectors.

After the elimination of headaches and the possibility of canceling bed rest, other types of therapeutic effects can be used in addition to medicamental treatment, for example, massages and gymnastic exercises, magnetotherapy, electrostimulation, etc.

In the absence of a significant effect of conservative techniques or the initially understandable inefficiency of such, resort to surgical intervention.

During the recovery period, patients are recommended to resort treatment, taking healing baths, various massages and gymnastic exercises.

For prevention, you can advise you to lead a more active lifestyle, exercise regularly, developing the back and neck muscles in particular and the whole body as a whole, use a hard straight mattress and a small pillow for sleep, do not stay in the same wrong postures for a long time,do a warm-up.

Benefit of therapeutic massage

The greatest effectiveness of massage effect is noted in case of its complex application with the methods of manual therapy. For the massage it is best to contact a professional. A qualified specialist will assess the patient's condition and select a complex that will be most effective in a particular case.

Along with this, basic techniques can be mastered and independently. Before this, you need to consult with your doctor regarding safety and, in general, the advisability of such manipulations. Proper massage helps to eliminate pinching, normalizing blood circulation and improving the general condition of the patient.

Massage can be done exclusively during remission. At the stages of exacerbation, these manipulations will only harm and aggravate the situation. When pain and any other uncomfortable sensations appear, the procedure should be completed immediately and consult a doctor.

At the heart of the technique are light, pleasant stroking, grinding and kneading without rough influences. It is best to massage in the morning. The recommended duration is up to 15 minutes. The patient should take a comfortable sitting position and keep the head turned away from the area being worked.

1. A slight stroking of the back of the neck is performed with a gradual increase in intensity to an average.
2. Circular and longitudinal movements are carried out along the lines going in the direction from the occipital vertebrae. The impact should be easy. It is carried out by pads of fingers.
3. The neck is kneaded by the thumbs and the inside of the palms. To massage the left side of the neck, it is more correct to use the right palm, and vice versa.
4. The performer slightly bends his fingers and continues to make soft circular motions on the neck with four pads, parallel stretching and grinding the work area. First, muscles are kneaded and rubbed, localized next to the spine. Gradually, the effect is transferred closer to the front of the neck.
5. Artist slightly pats his hands on the back and sides of the neck.
6. In the end, light stroking movements are performed.

Now you know why there is a headache with cervical osteochondrosis and how to get rid of it.

Remember: any pathological processes in the body require qualified medical intervention. Do not delay with the reference to the expert and be healthy!

Video - Headache with cervical osteochondrosis