Treatment of a lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

I think there is no need to explain what the “lump in the throat” feeling is. Let's immediately figure out what to do with this feeling. But let's not confuse it with a swallowing disorder.

First of all, it would be good to contact an ENT specialist. We must first look into this throat and see what is inside. Perhaps this sensation is associated with an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx or enlargement/inflammation of the palatine tonsils. In this case, after treatment and the inflammatory process subsides, the feeling of a lump in the throat will pass.

Symptoms that something is wrong with your throat

The feeling of a lump in the throat may be accompanied by a “soreness” in the throat, a feeling of incomplete inhalation, difficulty swallowing, discomfort in the neck and chest, a burning sensation or a sensation of a foreign body, although there are no changes when palpated (nothing is enlarged, not deformed, not inflamed).

A “lump” that appears once should not cause concern, since it is most likely a one-time reaction of the body to stress, overwork, or excitement of the nervous system.

If this phenomenon recurs, you should consult a doctor, as this feeling can become a painful symptom, “overgrown” with other manifestations: a feeling of a foreign body in the oropharynx, sleep disturbances, anxiety, loss of appetite and disruption of normal swallowing, surges in blood pressure and sensations of heart failure , diarrhea or constipation.

As a rule, timely and adequate treatment completely eliminates the unpleasant symptom.

Description of the pathology

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which joints are injured, which entails a decrease in the distance between the intervertebral discs. The result is compression of the nerve endings, neck muscles and nearby vessels. This provokes the appearance of pain and joint stiffness.

Cervical osteochondrosis can provoke this pathology

This pathology appears for these reasons:

• lack of sufficient physical activity;
• obesity;
• scoliosis;
• poor nutrition;
• excessive physical activity;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• disruption of metabolic processes occurring in cells;
• genetic predisposition;
• improper formation of the musculoskeletal system;
• bad habits;
• spinal injuries;
• unstable emotional background.

Causes of an unpleasant lump in the throat

1. Overwork.
2. Severe or long-term stress. Nervous tension.
3. Neuroses and neurotic reactions.
4. Depression.
5. Anxiety disorder (phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.)
6. Psychosomatic diseases.
7. Schizotypal disorder, schizophrenia.
8. Consequences of organic damage to the nervous system after trauma. infections, strokes, heart attacks, etc.
9. Diseases of internal organs (hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, tonsillitis, spinal osteochondrosis, hiatal hernia, obesity or cachexia).
10. Allergic reactions.
11. Poisoning.

Osteochondrosis. Causes and pathogenesis

Osteochondrosis is based on dystrophic and destructive changes in cartilage tissue. Most often, intervertebral discs are affected, which are characterized by hernial protrusion towards the spinal canal or forward towards the anterior longitudinal ligament. Pathological processes in the intervertebral discs lead to local reactive changes in the bone tissue of the vertebrae, which leads to the appearance of bone processes - osteophytes. Protruding discs towards the canal play a role in the formation of compression syndromes, while osteophytes contribute to immobilization of the spine due to ossification of the ligamentous apparatus.

Osteochondrosis correlates with age-related deterioration of blood circulation in the spine, with injuries, heavy loads, poor diet, endocrine disorders and excess weight. There is a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis. The disease is also associated with immunopathological mechanisms (in particular, the production of interleukin 1) and with infections.

It is not always possible to identify cervical osteochondrosis on time and correctly

The causes of cervical osteochondrosis can be sedentary work, birth injuries. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs quite often. The prevalence may be due to evolutionarily acquired upright posture.

Cervical osteochondrosis can easily disguise itself as other diseases, since this section is closer to the vessels that supply the brain and to the nerve plexuses, the area of ​​innervation of which is large enough for radiating pain. Osteophytes (bone processes) and dislocations, which are characteristic of osteochondrosis, can cause compression of the vertebral arteries and the basilar artery (which is created by the fusion of two vertebral arteries). The blood circulation of the medulla oblongata, in which the respiratory center is located, is disrupted. This leads to shortness of breath. Headaches and blood pressure surges are possible. At later stages, cognitive impairment, emotional lability, dysfunction of the vestibular system and irreversible neurological and ischemic syndromes are possible. Tinnitus and dizziness are possible.

Who to contact if you have a lump in your throat

The feeling of a lump in the throat is treated by a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the condition and determine the amount of assistance needed.

Help can be obtained in any clinic where there is a license to provide assistance in psychotherapy, psychiatry and neurology and where a psychiatrist or psychotherapist conducts an appointment.

ROSA Clinic

is a specialized and licensed clinic that provides assistance for all types of disorders accompanied by a feeling of a lump in the throat.
Our specialists
are ready to come to your home for consultation; you can also see a doctor in our clinic.

Treatment is most often carried out at home. If necessary, it is possible to be hospitalized in our own hospital, equipped with modern diagnostic equipment and where it is possible to carry out active treatment.

Prevention of the condition

To avoid a lump in the throat with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to adhere to the following preventive measures:

• avoid hypothermia - for this you should not go outside in the cold season without a scarf;
• proper nutrition - the menu should contain foods rich in vitamins and minerals and should not contain so-called junk food;
• healthy lifestyle;
• sufficient physical activity;
• moderate physical activity;
• Regular visits to the doctor for the purpose of timely detection and treatment of concomitant diseases.

A lump in the throat is one of the secondary symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. This condition cannot be ignored, since the lack of qualified therapy leads to undesirable consequences. To get rid of a lump in the throat, osteochondrosis therapy is prescribed.

How is the feeling of a lump in the throat treated?

Treatment is determined by the causes and mechanism of development of the disease and is selected individually for each patient.

For a recent and non-severe condition

treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis: the doctor conducts a psychotherapeutic session, prescribes medications that the patient takes at home and periodically comes for follow-up consultations.

For moderate severity

- treatment in a day hospital is recommended: daily treatment procedures are carried out (drug infusions, physiotherapy, etc.), which take an hour and a half, but the patient lives at home and goes about his usual business. The average course of a day hospital is about 10 days.

In severe condition

hospitalization in a hospital is recommended. Due to intensive treatment, the condition can be stabilized already in the first hours of stay. The average length of hospital stay is 10 days (from 5 to 30 days depending on the severity of the condition and the body’s recovery abilities).

Main methods of treatment:

• Psychotherapy.
• Drug treatment (pharmacotherapy).
• Physiotherapy.
• Massage and manual therapy.
• Diet therapy.
• Biofeedback therapy.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine can only be used as part of complex therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Before using medications, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Honey compress

Required components:

• honey – 1 large spoon;
• raw mashed potatoes - 2 large spoons.

Both products are combined and mixed. The resulting mixture is fixed on the problem area and left for 60 minutes.

Rye bread compress

A disc is formed from a piece of rye bread and fixed on the problem area. The compress is left for 2-3 hours.

Celery-based infusion

Required components:

• chopped celery leaves - 1 handful;
• water – 1 liter.

An infusion is prepared based on celery leaves.
Celery leaves are poured with boiling water and left to infuse for half an hour. After this, the product is filtered. Drink one sip three times a day.

Lemon based product

To make this remedy, take the following products:

The treatment is prepared using lemon and garlic.

• lemon – 5 pcs.;
• garlic – 5 heads.

The lemon is passed through a meat grinder. Garlic is peeled and passed through a special press or crushed in any other way. Both products are combined and mixed thoroughly. The resulting mixture is consumed 100 grams daily. The product is kept in the refrigerator. The period of therapy is until the mass is completely consumed.

Treatment

Drugs

Treatment is mainly symptomatic. First of all, it is necessary to stop an attack of exacerbation of osteochondrosis. For this purpose, local anti-inflammatory drugs are used, for example, ointments based on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, diclofenac). Systemic NSAIDs, such as oral indomethacin, are also used. Such drugs relieve inflammation, reduce muscle stiffness and relieve pain during exacerbation. Muscle relaxants are also effective for muscle spasms.

Sore throat: possible causes, diagnosis and treatment

Sore throat is a common complaint of patients when visiting an otolaryngologist, therapist, pediatrician and general practitioner. The causes of sore throat can be infectious and inflammatory diseases of bacterial and viral etiology, inflammatory processes in the pharynx, larynx and surrounding organs caused by non-infectious factors, and non-infectious pathology (

). Before proceeding with pharyngoscopy, it is necessary to carefully detail the patient’s complaints and collect an anamnesis. The patient can call a sore throat the unpleasant sensations of scratching, burning, soreness, rawness, the feeling of a “foreign body,” the intensity of which is conveniently assessed on a 10-point scale, where the maximum manifestation of pain is rated at 10 points, the minimum at 1 point.

It is important to determine what, in the patient’s opinion, preceded the onset of pain and what other symptoms it is accompanied by. If there is hyperthermia, then the inflammatory nature of the disease is most likely: pharyngitis, tonsillitis (tonsillitis) [16]. Refusal of food and water can provoke severe pain in aphthous stomatitis (Fig. 2), tonsillitis of the lingual tonsil, paratonsillar and retropharyngeal abscess, Ludwig's angina (phlegmon of the floor of the mouth). With these diseases, drooling is possible, and inflammation of the paramygdaloid tissue and tissues of the floor of the mouth leads to trismus of the masticatory muscles (inability to open the mouth), a forced position of the head tilted to the painful side.

The occurrence of such a condition requires immediate contact with a medical specialist to sanitize the area of ​​inflammation. Epiglottitis, an inflammation of the epiglottis caused by Haemophilus influenzae (more common in young children), gives similar symptoms. Along with refusal to eat, salivation, pain and hyperthermic symptoms, epiglottitis is accompanied by voice disturbance (it becomes dull, hoarse) and difficulty breathing. There is a forced position of the patient in a sniffing position, as if holding porridge in the mouth, the mouth opens freely, but a rough examination of the pharynx with a spatula can lead to laryngospasm and death. Therefore, with the above symptoms, pharyngoscopy is performed carefully; during it, you can see a hyperemic, edematous epiglottis behind the root of the tongue.

Other causes of sore throat accompanied by sore throat and cough can be in children and young people: drainage of discharge from the nasopharynx due to adenoiditis or sinusitis; irritation of the respiratory tract by dry air, smoke, including active and passive smoking; childhood infectious diseases [9]. In adults, a common cause of such complaints, often with a feeling of a lump in the throat, a “foreign body,” is an exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis associated with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, cholecystitis, gastric ulcer. Severe dysphagia, regurgitation and pain when swallowing can be caused by esophageal varices [14].

A carefully collected anamnesis allows us to find out the dynamics of complaints, the time of their appearance, the connection with a previous injury or medical examination (gastroscopy), foreign body entry, contact with an infectious patient, hypothermia (drinking cold beer, ice cream), occupational or household hazards (irritants, dust , hot air, taking concentrated solutions of vinegar, spices, medications: corticosteroids, antibiotics, diuretics, local decongestants and others). Sore throat can occur as a manifestation of sexually transmitted diseases: gonococcal pharyngitis, syphilis, chlamydia of the respiratory tract. Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus contributes to the formation of inflammatory viral, tumor and mycotic lesions of the mucous membranes [3].

Chronic pathology of the kidneys, endocrine system, blood, previous radiation and chemotherapy can lead to the formation of a chronic inflammatory and atrophic process in the pharynx. The first manifestation of hyperglycemia [5] may be thirst and dry mouth, accompanied by catarrhal changes in the pharynx. Similar complaints occur with Itsenko–Cushing syndrome [5]. In patients with hypothyroidism, swallowing is often impaired, speech becomes slurred due to swelling and dryness of the tongue and lips, and it is difficult to perform pharyngoscopy.

Non-infectious pathology of the organs of the neck and chest cavity - angina pectoris, myocardial infarction - can manifest itself as intense pain in the pharynx and behind the sternum. Long-lasting dysphagia and unpleasant sensations in the form of a lump or foreign body in the throat, which are not amenable to anti-inflammatory therapy, can cause [14] tumors of the larynx, laryngopharynx, thyroid gland, and pharyngoesophageal (Zencker) diverticula. Many days of fasting, dieting, dyspepsia and heavy menstruation lead to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A deficiency [5] causes dryness and erosion of the mucous membranes.

Vitamin B2 deficiency produces a triad of symptoms: dermatitis, cheilitis and glossitis (bright red, smooth and shiny dry tongue), accompanied by burning and pain in the mouth when talking and eating. Vitamin C hypovitaminosis occurs with dietary deficiency of ascorbic acid, inflammatory processes in the intestines and is manifested by pain, hemorrhagic and ulcerative-necrotic manifestations in the oral cavity and in the area of ​​the palatine tonsils, mobility and tooth loss. Similar changes in the oral cavity and pharynx give rise to blood diseases (leukemia). Against the background of iron loss (with hyperpolymenorrhea), Plammer-Vinson syndrome is formed, characterized by superficial glossitis, dysphagia, cracks in the corners of the mouth, nail dystrophy, seborrheic dermatitis of the face, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and decreased vision at dusk. B12 deficiency anemia associated with impaired absorption of this vitamin in the stomach due to anacid gastritis, tapeworm infestation, or increased consumption in pregnant women, manifested by Möller-Gunter glossitis (bright red tongue with smoothed papillae) and atrophy of the pharyngeal mucosa, burning pain in the tongue, weakness, crawling sensation in the limbs. A blood test reveals macrocytes, megalocytes, hyperchromic anemia, leukopenia.

Diseases of the spine [2] (cervical osteochondrosis, tuberculous spondylitis, radiculitis) can cause pain in the pharynx. Neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal nerve manifests itself as intense pain in the pharynx, especially against the background of chronic stress in anxious and suspicious patients. Metabolic disorders, intoxication, and trauma contribute to its occurrence. Characterized by unilateral pain in the root of the tongue, tonsil, lasting several minutes, accompanied by dry throat and subsequent hypersalivation. The therapeutic effect is achieved by lubricating the root of the tongue and pharynx with local anesthetics. Neuralgia of the superior laryngeal nerve [1, 6] gives similar symptoms, but also includes a painful dry cough and spasm of the vocal folds during inspiration [6].

Pain in the pharynx can be caused by an odontogenic process: periodontitis, teething pathology, galvanism [4, 17]. Rarely, unilateral pain in the pharynx occurs, the cause of which is the long styloid process (Eagle syndrome), accessible to palpation in the area of ​​the palatine tonsil [15].

Rare causes of pain in the pharynx are ulcerations on the mucous membrane of tuberculous etiology [14]. In this case, there is a prolonged cough, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

A final diagnosis is possible based on oropharyngoscopy. The main differential diagnosis for pain in the pharynx is between its most common causes - acute (or exacerbation of chronic) pharyngitis and sore throats caused by streptococcal infection (group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus - GABHS).

Acute pharyngitis is a viral infection of the pharynx in 90% of cases. Its main symptoms are: increased body temperature, sore throat when the throat is empty, when eating, soreness and a dry cough that does not bring relief. Patients indicate the localization of unpleasant sensations on the back wall of the pharynx. In the pharynx (Fig. 3), hyperemia of all parts is detected: the posterior wall, arches, tonsils, and there may be vesicular rashes (herpes, enterovirus). Plaques are not typical, there is often a runny nose and other catarrhal phenomena - nasal congestion, sneezing. If a rash is detected on the skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to exclude an infectious disease - measles, scarlet fever, rubella [8]. Adenoviral infection manifests itself in the form of conjunctivitis, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, runny nose, and there may be plaque in the throat.

The disease progresses in waves: on the 7th–10th day of illness, a repeated increase in body temperature and a return of symptoms are possible. Enterovirus infection (“summer flu”) manifests itself in the form of dyspeptic, myalgic, and meningeal syndromes. Pharyngoscopy reveals bubbles on the mucous membrane of the oropharynx. In making the diagnosis of viral pharyngitis, the following help: knowledge of the epidemiological situation, dynamic observation of the patient, a variety of clinical manifestations (abdominal pain, vomiting, eye damage, meningeal symptoms, myalgia), lymphocytosis in the blood with normal ESR, lack of effect from antibacterial therapy, serological data research, polymerase chain reaction and others.

Sore throat is a general infectious disease with local manifestations in the form of acute inflammation of one or more components of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring, most often the palatine tonsils (tonsillitis), pharyngeal tonsil (adenoiditis), lingual tonsil, lateral ridges of the pharynx and larynx.

The classification of acute tonsillitis (according to I.B. Soldatov, 1975) involves the division into primary tonsillitis: catarrhal, lacunar, follicular, ulcerative-membranous; and secondary: for acute infectious diseases (diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, tularemia, typhoid fever, infectious mononucleosis) and diseases of the blood system (agranulocytosis, alimentary-toxic aleukia, leukemia). There are special forms of tonsillitis [10]: viral, fungal, syphilitic.

With catarrhal tonsillitis, there is hyperemia and enlargement of the palatine tonsils, regional lymphadenitis, no plaque, a blood test shows slight leukocytosis, increased ESR. Catarrhal sore throat often has to be differentiated from viral pharyngitis, in which there is a cough, there may be a runny nose, and there is no enlargement or tenderness of the lymph nodes.

Follicular tonsillitis is manifested by bright hyperemia and swelling of the tonsils, subepithelial rounded yellowish elevations (follicles).

With lacunar tonsillitis, white-yellow plaques appear at the mouths of the lacunae of the tonsils (Fig. 4), which can merge with each other and cover the entire surface without going beyond the tonsils, being removed without leaving a bleeding surface, rubbing between two spatulas, dissolving in the vessel with water.

It is important to determine the streptococcal etiology of acute tonsillitis. This can be done using the McIsaac screening scale [12], which includes symptoms and their assessment in points (

).

A patient’s symptoms with a score of 3 means the probability of streptococcal etiology is 30%, and a score of 4 means about 70%. If the clinical picture is determined to be 0–1 points, then systemic antibiotic therapy is not indicated. At 2–3 points, antibiotics are necessary only if the infection is bacteriologically confirmed. Antibiotics should be prescribed when symptoms of 4–5 points are detected.

Diphtheria of the pharynx occurs in the form of localized, widespread, toxic I, II, III degrees and hypertoxic forms. With it, gray plaques are detected on the surface of the tonsils, tightly fused with the underlying tissues, they may spread to the arches, the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, the uvula (Fig. 5), and when you try to remove them, the mucous membrane bleeds. Plaques do not rub down and do not dissolve in water. In the toxic form, the neck is noticeably thickened due to swelling of the subcutaneous fat, pressure is painless and does not leave pits.

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, pharyngeal tonsil, liver, and spleen. Plaques on the tonsils, as in lacunar tonsillitis (Fig. 6), but can spread beyond them. A general blood test (the appearance of atypical mononuclear cells), serological research methods (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Paul-Bunnel-Davidson reaction) help in diagnosing the disease.

Fungal infections of the pharynx in the form of curdled films, easily removed when scraped with a spatula, are caused mainly by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (about 90% of cases); less commonly, there are mold fungi of the genus Aspergillus, Penicillium [7]. C. albicans permanently or temporarily lives on human mucous membranes, skin and intestines. Factors contributing to the development of mycoses are: treatment with broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, cytostatics and corticosteroids, diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, vitamin imbalance. Candidiasis of the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus occurs in more than 90% of AIDS patients (Fig. 7) [3].

Diagnosis of sore throats should include throat and nasal swabs for diphtheria (BL). Express determination of streptococcal antigen using test strips from the surface of the tonsils makes it possible to justify antibacterial therapy. A general blood test facilitates the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary acute tonsillitis. Opinions on the question “Should I do a smear?” controversial. It is needed to confirm the GABHS etiology of the disease in doubtful cases [16].

Therapeutic tactics for pain in the pharynx can be presented in the form of a diagram ().

For the treatment of acute pharyngitis, a gentle diet, hot foot baths, warm compresses on the front surface of the neck, warm alkaline drink (mineral water, milk with honey), steam inhalations, and smoking cessation are recommended. The attitude towards gargling is ambiguous [16]. Fresh infusions of mint, chamomile, calendula, eucalyptus, sage, and caragana are effective for relieving sore throat. Antiseptics of artificial origin (dichlorobenzene, metacresol, hexethidine, benzalkonium, thymol, ambazone, chlorhexidine) are bactericidal in their mechanism of action, which can lead to suppression of the normal microflora of the oral cavity, so they should be used with caution in children under 6 years of age [9]. For the treatment of sore throat, the most important painkillers are those containing menthol, tetracaine, lidocaine or flurbiprofen. Children from 6 months of age can use the herbal preparation Tonsilgon, which has an antiseptic and analgesic effect, but does not contain either menthol or lidocaine.

Menthol preparations and any sprays cannot be used before 3 years of age due to the possible development of laryngospasm.

Local combination drugs (antiseptics and painkillers) in the form of finished dosage forms are the most popular for the treatment of sore throat. One of them is TheraFlu LAR, a universal and highly effective local drug with an antiseptic and analgesic effect. TheraFlu LAR contains benzoxonium chloride and lidocaine. Available in the form of a spray and tablets, the content of lidocaine in which is 0–75 mg and 1 mg, respectively.

Recent in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the broad antiseptic spectrum of benzoxonium chloride and its activity against the main pathogens of the most common diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx. At the same time, the balance of the bacterial flora in the mouth is not disturbed, even with prolonged use of benzoxonium chloride.

Benzoxonium chloride has:

• bactericidal effect against aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria;
• fungicidal effect against Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp. and yeast fungi;
• antiviral activity against membrane viruses, including herpes virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza viruses, the causative agent of vesicular stomatitis.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that reduces pain in the throat when swallowing.

Adults should take the drug 1 lozenge every 2–3 hours (no more than 10 tablets per day) or as a spray, 4 sprays 3–6 times a day. Children aged 4 years and older are prescribed 1 lozenge every 2-3 hours (no more than 6 tablets per day) or as a spray, 2-3 sprays 3-6 times a day. The required duration of treatment, as a rule, does not exceed five days. The drug is well tolerated by patients, side effects are recorded extremely rarely. Possible short-term local irritation of the mucous membrane, allergic reactions.

Indications for its use are: pharyngitis, laryngitis, catarrhal tonsillitis, stomatitis, ulcerative gingivitis. Contraindications to the use of TheraFlu LAR: pregnancy (first trimester), breastfeeding, hypersensitivity to lidocaine, children under 4 years of age. TheraFlu LAR can be used by people with diabetes, as it does not contain sugar. Thanks to the combined effect - antibacterial and analgesic, TeraFlu LAR can relieve all symptoms of viral pharyngitis and be used in the complex therapy of bacterial sore throats.

Systemic antibiotic therapy in the treatment of patients with “sore throat” is indicated mainly for acute tonsillitis (angina) of suspected or established streptococcal etiology (GABHS) and is carried out with penicillins, and if they are intolerant, with macrolides; cefuroxime (Axetin) is effective. Clindamycin and lincomycin are reserve drugs [11]. Epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae is effectively treated with protected penicillins.

Literature

1. Alimetov Kh. A. Secondary neuropathy of the upper laryngeal nerve / M materials of the anniversary All-Russian. scientific-practical conf. with international participation “Modern aspects and prospects for the development of otorhinolaryngology. M., September 29–30, 2005. P. 46.
2. Alimetov Kh. A. Spondylogenic pharyngeal dyskinesia / Materials of the anniversary All-Russian. scientific-practical conf. with international participation “Modern aspects and prospects for the development of otorhinolaryngology. M., September 29–30, 2005. P. 22.
3. Bessarab T.P., Yushchuk N.D., Anyutin R.G., Potekaev S.N. HIV infection in otorhinolaryngological practice // Attending Doctor, 2000. No. 1. P. 26–30.
4. Inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, oral cavity and periodontium. Scientific review. Solvay pharma, 2002. P. 2.
5. Diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and lips / Ed. E. V. Borovsky, A. L. Mashkilleyson. 1984. 400 p.
6. Karpova O. Yu. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment of laryngoneurosis / Materials of the anniversary All-Russian. scientific-practical conf. with international participation “Modern aspects and prospects for the development of otorhinolaryngology. M., September 29–30, 2005. P. 53.
7. Kunelskaya V. Ya., Kasimov K. On the issue of the clinic, diagnosis and treatment of candidal tonsillitis in children // Vestn. otorhinolaryngology. 1980. No. 4. P. 50–52.
8. Nisevich N. I., Uchaikin V. F. Infectious diseases in children. M.: Medicine, 1985. 298 p.
9. Acute respiratory diseases in children: treatment and prevention. Scientific and practical program of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia / Ed. A. A. Baranova. M., 2008.
10. Otorhinolaryngology: national guide / Ed. V. T. Palchuna. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2008. 960 p.
11. Rational antimicrobial pharmacotherapy: Hand. for practicing doctors. Under general ed. V. P. Yakovleva, S. V. Yakovleva. M.: Litterra, 2003. 108 p.
12. Sidorenko S.V., Guchev I.A. Tonsillopharyngitis: issues of diagnosis and antibacterial therapy // Consilium medicum. Infections and antimicrobial therapy. 2004. 4: 36–38.
13. Folomeeva O. M., Amirdzhanova V. N., Yakusheva E. O. et al. Incidence of rheumatic diseases in the Russian population (analysis over 10 years) // Ter. Archive. 2002. No. 5. P. 5–11.
14. Shevrygin B.V., Mchedlidze T.P. Handbook of otorhinolaryngology. M.: Triada-X, 1998. 448 p.
15. Shulga I. A., Zaitsev N. V., Zaitseva V. S. Variants of the structure of the stylohyoid complex / Materials of the Anniversary All-Russian. scientific-practical conf. with international participation “Modern aspects and prospects for the development of otorhinolaryngology. M., September 29–30, 2005. P. 75.
16. Etiopathogenetic therapy of diseases of the upper respiratory tract and ear: Methodological recommendations. Compiled by S.V. Ryazantsev, Kotserovets V.I. St. Petersburg: National Register, 2008. 100 p.
17. Yakovleva V.I. Diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic diseases of the maxillofacial region: Textbook. manual for institutes and faculties. improved doctors. Minsk: Vysh. school, 1989. 102 p.

M. V. Subbotina , Candidate of Medical Sciences Irkutsk State Medical University , Irkutsk

Contact information about the author for correspondence

Can a sore throat hurt with cervical osteochondrosis?

Many patients wonder whether a sore throat can occur with cervical osteochondrosis and why this rather specific symptom appears. In order to understand the question of whether a sore throat can occur with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, we suggest first gleaning some information about the physiology and anatomy of the human body. We will consider the cervical spine and laryngeal tissue.

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebral bodies, the first and second of which do not have an intervertebral disc. They are connected to each other using a joint. Responsible for head mobility. The remaining bodies of the cervical vertebrae are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral discs. They are responsible for the uniform distribution of shock-absorbing load and protect the radicular nerves from compression pressure from the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Inside the spine is the spinal cord. This is the most important structural part of the autonomic nervous system. With the help of paired radicular nerves, it provides innervation to all tissues of the human body. In particular, the radicular nerves extending from the cervical spine are responsible for the innervation of the tissues of the larynx, pharynx, and trachea. They ensure the tone of blood vessels, control the process of mucus production, provide primary local immunity, etc.

The radicular nerves leave the spinal cord structure through the lateral foramina in the vertebral bodies. If degenerative dystrophy of the cartilage tissue of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc occurs, then it sags and does not provide full protection of the radicular nerve.

Degenerative dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral disc are osteochondrosis. Protrusion or reduction in the height of the intervertebral disc is the second stage of osteochondrosis. It is with this that a sore throat and other unpleasant symptoms begin to appear, indicating a lack of innervation.

The main reasons why sore throat appears due to the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• spasm of the neck muscles, leading to disruption of blood supply and compression of other soft tissues;
• disruption of the blood supply to tissues, as a result of which the cells of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and larynx begin to experience oxygen starvation and are subject to ischemia, this provokes inflammation, manifested by hyperemia;
• angioedema of soft tissues;
• decreased local immune defense of the mucous membrane;
• irradiation of radicular pain syndrome from the cervical spine.

All these pathological changes lead to disruption of the physiology of the throat tissue. The process of mucus production in cells, which has a protective effect, is disrupted. The level of blood flow decreases and cell atrophy is provoked. Cicatricial ischemic deformations may also occur, which significantly worsen the condition of all tissues of the throat.

If a sore throat occurs against the background of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to take emergency measures to restore normal tissue innervation. Otherwise, serious complications may develop.