Can blood pressure increase with cervical osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that requires qualified comprehensive treatment. At the Yusupov Hospital, leading neurologists, vertebrologists, physiotherapists and other Russian doctors treat this pathology, quickly and efficiently solving the problem of each patient.

In the absence of treatment, the patient's blood pressure increases due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. High blood pressure in this case is a very dangerous symptom, since most people deal with it incorrectly. Instead of treating the true cause of hypertension, people diagnosed with osteochondrosis try to eliminate its manifestation, that is, reduce high blood pressure, thereby further aggravating the situation and harming their body.

Osteochondrosis leads to deformation of the intervertebral discs, loss of elasticity and changes in the natural position of the vertebrae. In this case, there are clamps on the arteries that ensure normal blood circulation in the head. To saturate the brain with oxygen, the body increases blood pressure. Patients, as a rule, take all measures to lower this pressure. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients.

It is important to understand that osteochondrosis and high blood pressure must be dealt with comprehensively. At the Yusupov Hospital, doctors develop an individual treatment program for each patient, taking into account the stages of development of osteochondrosis, the age factor, the presence of concomitant pathologies, the severity of the clinical picture, etc.

Cervical osteochondrosis and blood pressure

It has been scientifically proven that osteochondrosis has an adverse effect on blood pressure levels. It may remain elevated for several days. In this case, the patient experiences severe headaches, dizziness, numbness in the shoulders and arms.

With osteochondrosis, pressure may increase to provide the brain with the necessary amount of oxygen. The brain is the most important organ, so in no case should its cells be exposed to oxygen starvation.

An increase in pressure may also be observed with osteochondrosis in case of problems in the thoracic spine. There is an artery here, the clamping of which can affect the pressure.

The most common causes of thoracic osteochondrosis are:

scoliotic deformity and postural disorders;
long-term static load (at the computer, while driving);
weak muscle corset;
improper lifting of weights;
spinal injuries.

It is important that the correct diagnosis and adequate treatment be determined by a qualified specialist. After all, this disease is easily confused with angina pectoris, heart attack, renal colic, pathology of the mammary glands, lungs, and stomach.

Self-medication can also lead to complications - intercostal neuralgia, protrusions and herniations of intervertebral discs, problems with the heart and other internal organs.

In the First Neurology pain clinic you will find the most modern methods of treating thoracic osteochondrosis. Neurologists and vertebrologists will be able to competently understand the essence of the problem, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Risk factors for increased blood pressure in osteochondrosis

Headache and other signs of hypertension can develop due to many pathologies, but how can you understand that they are caused by osteochondrosis? The same people are at risk for developing osteochondrosis and hypertension. Consultation with a vertebrologist, orthopedist and neurologist is necessary in the following cases:

when leading a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle;
after reaching the age of forty;
if there have been bruises or injuries to the spine in the past, professional sports or excessive physical labor;
when diagnosed with scoliosis;
if you are overweight;
for diseases associated with metabolic disorders.

If at least one of the above factors occurs, then surges in blood pressure may be a consequence of osteochondrosis. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an examination. At the Yusupov Hospital, pathology is treated by highly qualified doctors, whose professionalism and extensive experience make it possible to “get the patient back on his feet” in a short time and relieve him of the symptoms of the disease.

Why does osteochondrosis provoke a rise in blood pressure?

Many people know what leads to hypertension. But sometimes even doctors, when making a diagnosis, miss unobvious causes that complicate the course of arterial hypertension. Which, naturally, patients often don’t know either.

Photo: hypertonia.guru

Anything can lead to a surge in pressure. Including excessively fatty or salty foods, a huge amount of sweets eaten at once, high physical activity, stress and even osteochondrosis, the leading researcher of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center “Cardiology”, Candidate of Medical Sciences Igor Kozlov makes clear:

Hypertension in cervical osteochondrosis: treatment

Osteochondrosis as a cause of hypertension requires timely and adequate treatment. On the other hand, treatment of osteochondrosis involves physical therapy, physiotherapeutic and thermal procedures on the collar area, neck massage, which in turn are contraindicated for high blood pressure.

There is a way out of this vicious circle. At the beginning of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, accompanied by hypertension, the blood pressure level is first stabilized. This is achieved through the following activities:

lifestyle corrections:

a person should sleep at least 6 hours a day. This allows you to relieve the spine, which has been under tension all day.
You should take leisurely walks in the fresh air every day for about one hour;
the room in which a person is located must be regularly ventilated - at least five times a day;
It is important to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

nutrition correction. First of all, nutrition should be balanced. With cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to avoid spicy, fatty, fried foods, as well as pickles and smoked foods. You should also reduce your salt intake;
drug treatment. In order to reduce blood pressure with cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is shown:

drugs that dilate blood vessels and also reduce pressure at the “chemical level”;
diuretics;
agents that improve microcirculation in brain tissue, as well as normalize metabolic processes;
drugs that relieve vasospasm.

At the Yusupov Hospital, doctors prescribe a course of treatment for each patient individually, based on the results of examinations and tests obtained. Doctors conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to rule out the presence of other diseases and prescribe optimal treatment.

You can make an appointment with a specialist by calling the Yusupov Hospital.

Two “markers” of osteochondrosis: dorsago and dorsalgia

One of the most striking manifestations of the disease. Dorsago is also called thoracic lumbago. This is a shooting pain in the chest that occurs suddenly, especially after being in one position for a long time. The sensation makes it difficult for a person to breathe. If you try to turn your torso to the side, the pain will intensify.

Dorsalgia, on the contrary, is characterized by mild pain. Localized at the site of the affected intervertebral disc. It is more dull in nature and differs in duration (2-3 weeks). When you take deep breaths and bend over, the pain intensifies. If you walk for a short time, the pain goes away. At night they intensify.

Features of the treatment of hypertension

Treatment of hypertension with osteochondrosis requires a special approach. It must be taken into account that pathology of the cervical spine:

Complicates the treatment of the underlying disease, reducing susceptibility to drugs,
Contributes to more frequent crises.

Treatment of hypertension against the background of osteochondrosis with medications alone is unacceptable. This is explained by constriction of the vertebral artery and small blood flow in the vessels of the brain. When taking antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure decreases and blood flow becomes even slower. As a result, severe dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness may occur. Treatment methods should be aimed at normalizing blood flow in the area of the vertebral artery and restoring normal function of the cervical vertebrae. Medication and treatment options include physical therapy, exercise therapy, and surgery in severe cases.

Methods of treating the disease

Based on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor may prescribe:

Medicines aimed at preventing high blood pressure (lisinopril),
Vascular medications to normalize the functioning of cerebral vessels,
Neuroprotectors that protect brain cells from the effects of insufficient blood flow (piracetam),
Medicines to relieve inflammation and swelling of the neck muscles, and restore the cartilage tissue of the vertebrae.

Treatment of osteochondrosis includes the use of corticosteroids and chondoprotectors, vasodilators. Regular sessions of manual therapy and osteopathy are required. Physiotherapeutic procedures that help in the treatment of this disease are:

Electrophoresis,
Magnetotherapy,
Reflexology.

Sometimes acupuncture is prescribed to relieve muscle spasms. It is effective in combination with the drug muscle relaxant. Additionally, therapeutic exercises and massage may be prescribed to eliminate curvature of the spine.

Set of exercises

Gymnastic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis are aimed at:

elimination of spasm;
improved coordination;
strengthening the spine, chest muscles, back, neck;
at the beginning of gymnastics, regardless of the chosen technique, you need to prepare and warm up the muscles.

Warm-up and its importance

If you suddenly start the exercises directly, neglecting the preparation of the body, there is a risk of damaging the ligaments, getting a sprain, and increasing the pain syndrome. Warming up for cervical osteochondrosis is simple and does not take much time. Approximate algorithm of actions:

Walking in place for 2-3 minutes.
Turn the body to the sides. Raising and spreading your arms to the sides. If you can’t lift it all the way right away, don’t be discouraged. Gradually, as you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis, the range of movements will increase.
Slow circular movements of the shoulders.
Smooth turns of the head left and right.
Warm-up takes 7-10 minutes. It can be done before gymnastics, as well as during the day, to disperse the blood and eliminate congestion in the spine and muscles.
Next, you should move on to the selected complex of therapeutic exercises.

Exercises according to Bubnovsky

Features of performing gymnastics using this method:

the complex varies depending on the condition of the spine and the physiological characteristics of the patient;
it is permissible to move through pain if it is moderate;
It is allowed to do gymnastics for hypertension and headaches;
general exercises for cervical osteochondrosis;
lower your chin to your chest. Then straighten your neck and slightly pull your head forward;
from the previous position, stretch your beard towards the armpit. Then do the same, but in the other direction;
Turn your neck to the left, look at the ceiling. Then to the right and to the ceiling;
First, bring your hands together above your head, then spread them to the side. Turn your neck so that you can see the hand of one or the other hand;
stretch, pointing your palms towards the ceiling. The chin moves forward, parallel to the floor;
strength exercises in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis;
Usually you need exercise equipment, but for home gymnastics you can get by with improvised means. Do it during remission of cervical osteochondrosis and for its prevention;
push-ups on chairs. In this case, the hands are placed on 2 chairs standing nearby, and the feet are placed on the sofa or bed;
gymnastic exercises with dumbbells from a lying position. Instead of dumbbells, you can take bottles of water or sand. As you inhale, place your arms in front of you; as you exhale, throw them behind your head;
similar to exercise 2, but we direct our hands not behind the head, but to the sides;
being between 2 chairs, lift your body, resting your hands on the seat;
Do each exercise 10 to 15 times.

Shishonin's set of exercises

The advantages of gymnastics in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:

simplicity;
safety (gentle mode);
does not require time investment. Takes no more than 25 minutes.

Basic exercises of therapeutic gymnastics:

Spring. Tilt your head forward as much as possible. Count to 10, straighten up. Repeat 5-10 times.
Goose. Leaning your neck forward, stretch your beard to the right. Get up and do the exercise, but only to the left. Just 3 repetitions in each direction.
Frame. Hand parallel to the floor. The palm presses on one shoulder, the chin on the other. Then, vice versa.
Heron. Sit on a chair. Take your arms back. Take a proud pose (chest wheel). Tilt your head back slightly, reaching your chin toward the ceiling.
Raise your arms above your head. Keeping your back and head straight, stretch your arms to the right, then to the left.

Stretching exercises for cervical osteochondrosis will help relieve spasms and prevent pain:

Place your left hand on your head and pull it towards your shoulder. The tilt should be such that the neck muscles are felt. Perform a similar exercise on the right side.
Place your palms together at the back of your head and, pressing on your head, lower it as low as possible.
Complete the previous exercise, adding side bends.
Perform self-massage, making stroking and kneading movements. Needed to calm muscles after gymnastics.

Butrimov's set of exercises

Pull your chin forward.
Turn the head to the sides, with the beard reaching towards the shoulders.
Lower your head down, in this position perform turns to the sides and upwards.
Describe a semicircle with your chin, in the direction from one shoulder to the other. Don't raise your shoulders.
Tilt your head back. Turn your neck to the sides. The gaze is directed to the floor.

Dr. Burtimov’s rule for gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis: “If you doubt that the exercise will work, do not do it without a doctor.”

Gitta exercise set

Lie down on a hard surface. Place your neck on the cushion. Turn your head to the sides.
Sit down, straighten your back. Nod your head as if you agree with someone.
Now, in the same position, deny the information, as if you were saying “No.”
Lie down with your legs bent. Rotate your body from side to side.
Lying on your stomach, lift your head and shoulders without using your hands.

Dikul's set of exercises

With cervical osteochondrosis, the condition can worsen to such an extent that it becomes almost impossible to move. Dikul’s gymnastics also helps in such cases. There are many exercises, some of them require special equipment. But some are easy to make at home:

Place your right hand on your left ear. Pull your head to the right, raise your left arm parallel to the floor, bend slightly at the elbow. Hold for 7 seconds and smoothly return to the starting position. Repeat 8 times. Do the same in the opposite direction.
Place your palms in front of you, place them behind your head, pressing on the back of your head, and lower it down. Try to round your back and bend down as low as possible. Return to starting position.
While sitting at the table, lean on your elbows. Place your palms on your chin. Turn your head to the sides.
Press with your palms together on the back of your head. Overcoming resistance, move your head back.

A set of exercises on the Evminov board

This mini exercise machine works not only on the cervical spine. It is effective for osteochondrosis of any part of the spine. In order to work the neck, you should additionally purchase a Glisson loop. It fixes the chin and neck, helps stretch muscles and release pinched nerve endings.

Gymnastics on the Evminov board should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, so as not to make the condition even worse.

Norbekov's set of exercises

The author of the methods attaches great importance to mood and positive thinking. His system involves changing the attitude towards life in general and therefore helps to improve the health of the entire body.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis:

lower your chin to your chest, slightly tensing your neck muscles;
throwing the head back;
tilting the head to the side so that the ear touches the shoulder;
circular movements of the head with a maximum radius;
The main rule is a straight back both during gymnastics and during the day. You need to concentrate on the painful area while doing the exercises, mentally sending love and warmth there.

Neumyvakin's set of exercises

To perform gymnastic exercises from Professor Neumyvakin, you need to prepare a plastic bottle of water, 2/3 full. Volume 1.5 liters.
Lie on your back. Place a container of water under your neck instead of a cushion. Move your head to the sides and in a circle.
In the same position, alternately press your shoulders to the floor.
Round your back, bring your knees to your chest and roll on the mat.
Lie on your stomach. Raise your shoulders and legs at the same time, reaching them towards each other.

Exercises in water

Swimming strengthens your back and neck. It helps straighten the spine and get rid of cervical osteochondrosis.

If in the initial stages of the disease you can swim in the river, sea, or at a swimming pool, then in cases where the problem is gaining momentum, it is better to sign up for a swimming pool.

If your physical fitness does not allow you to swim, you can simply do gymnastic exercises. Water prevents muscle strains and injuries.

Exercises on the horizontal bar

The horizontal bar helps relieve the back, stretch the spine, and reduce the load on the discs. But with cervical osteochondrosis, it is dangerous to do gymnastics on it. The vertebrae of the neck may compress even more.

Doctors recommend for cervical osteochondrosis to hang on the crossbar head down, clinging to your feet. At the same time, there should be a person nearby who will not let you fall. During the period of remission, pull-ups have a positive effect.