Headache can be a symptom of many diseases, so it can have a different character. But in this article we will talk about such a reason as cervical osteochondrosis, since it is always accompanied by a headache, which not only complicates the course of the disease, but also creates great discomfort.
What headaches occur with osteochondrosis?
First of all, it is worth investigating what exactly affects the appearance of pain. In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, the headache arises from the fact that the vertebral artery is compressed by the bone processes. Further, the nervous branches swell and become inflamed, resulting in headaches. In this case, the symptom is bursting, and when the head moves or the eyeballs, it can increase, which significantly worsens the general condition of the person. The patient becomes sluggish and does not want to move without good reasons. In addition, there is irritation, since regular pain affects the psychological state of the patient.
The pain can have a completely different character: pressing or dull. In this case, it is constantly present. Complicating the situation is that the headache with osteochondrosis can be accompanied by other symptoms, for example:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- pain in the heart;
- pain under the scapula;
- pain in the forearm;
- numbness and tingling of the hand (in some cases).
Features of headache with cervical osteochondrosis
This symptom, like headaches with osteochondrosis, has a number of characteristics, among which the leading place is that this manifestation can not be stopped with analgesics. Therefore, using all kinds of painkillers is absolutely useless and it is worthwhile resorting to other methods. For example, apply warming ointments , which contribute to increased blood flow to the neck muscles, which helps reduce pain.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical department, a "cervical migraine" may appear. The symptom received its name due to the fact that with it the pain extends only to one side of the head, thereby making it look like a migraine.
But nevertheless the main feature of the headache in the cervical osteochondrosis is that it is impossible to cure it, it is necessary to eliminate the underlying cause - osteochondrosis, and only then will the pain pass.
Treatment of headache with cervical osteochondrosis
Since it is impossible to completely relieve the headache with osteochondrosis without the full treatment of the disease, the process of getting rid of the problem is rather complicated. It is necessary to combine medical therapy, physiotherapy and curative gymnastics, that is, the patient should devote almost all of his time to treatment.
First and foremost, the doctor must prescribe pain medication together with antispasmodics (drugs that are aimed at relieving muscle spasms) and vasodilator drugs. Such a complex of medicines will help to remove an unpleasant symptom and reduce the number of seizures. But, if the attack is all the same, the patient should lie down, it is convenient to put the head and neck, it is advisable to use orthopedic pillows, and lie down for a while, without moving. In this case, others should provide him with complete peace.
Medication can also include:
- vitamins of group B;
- nicotinic acid;
- preparations containing magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.
Physiotherapy involves the use of:
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy ;
- paraffin application;
- medical baths.
These procedures help not only to temporarily reduce pain, but also to eliminate the main cause of the disease - osteochondrosis of the cervical region. In this case, the doctor can prescribe a massage or apitherapy. But keep in mind that if the improvements after visiting these procedures are not noticeable, then it is necessary to inform the doctor about this, since this therapy is not always performed correctly and can only harm the body.