Vertebrogenic cervicalgia - what is it?

General information

Cervicalgia is a pathological condition in which a person experiences pain in the neck area.
Their development is caused by damage to the cervical spine or neck muscles. Despite the fact that the name of this disease may seem unfamiliar to many people, cervicalgia is one of the most common diseases among modern people. What kind of diagnosis is this is evidenced by medical statistics: this condition manifests itself to one degree or another in 71% of able-bodied people, the ICD-10 code for cervicalgia is M54.2. Discomfort and pain in the cervical spine are often accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms - headache , pain in the face, etc. In some cases, neck pain develops as a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis . However, much more often they are associated with diseases of the cervical musculoskeletal structures.

There are many treatments for this condition. Complex therapy involves the use of physical therapy, manual therapy, and drug treatment. How this disease manifests itself and what treatment tactics are most effective will be discussed in this article.

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Pathogenesis

The main link in the pathogenesis of cervical pain syndromes is chronic microtrauma, as a result of which the metabolic of cartilage tissue are disrupted. As a result, the exchange of chondrocytes and cartilage matrix is ​​disrupted, the amount of glycosaminoglycans decreases, and the structure of collagen . As a result of these processes, the receptors of the sinuvertebral nerve are irritated and the fixation properties of the intervertebral disc are weakened.

The sinuvertebral nerve can also be irritated due to protrusion of the intervertebral disc, cicatricial adhesions, vascular type disorders, and cellular immune .

The development of cervicalgia is associated with dystrophic and functional changes in the musculoskeletal system. The central and peripheral nervous systems are involved in this process.

Painful impulses can be associated with the appearance of subluxations, subluxations, contributing to the manifestation of osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis . Pain can also develop due to spondylolisthesis, tearing of dystrophically altered ligaments, etc.

Classification

Cervicalgia is classified according to the reasons for which this disease develops.

• Vertebrogenic causes - pain is associated with the development of osteochondrosis and other pathologies in a person. Vertebrogenic cervicocranialgia is a general name for neck diseases that may be associated with diseases of the spine. When talking about what it is, doctors sometimes call this disease “office worker disease.” Symptoms of the disease often occur if a person remains in the same position for a long time. Vertebrogenic cervicalgia with severe muscular-tonic syndrome may also develop. In this case, due to irritation of the nerves, spasms of the muscles and upper limbs occur. Touching the neck causes pain. This is the most common type of muscular cervicalgia.
• Nonvertebrogenic causes - they are associated with myofascial pain syndromes and psychogenic pain. Also, pain can be reflected in diseases of the visceral organs associated with tumors, osteoarthritis , syringomyelia .

Cervicalgia is also divided into several types, according to the location of the pain and its nature.

• Cervicalgia is a condition where pain is localized only in the neck area.
• Cervicobrachialgia - with this condition, pain develops in the cervical region and radiates to the limbs. Accordingly, cervicobrachialgia on the left is pain radiating to the area of ​​the left arm. And when describing cervicobrachialgia on the right, doctors note that this is a condition where pain radiates to the right limb.
• Cervicocranialgia is a pain syndrome in which developing pain in the cervical spine radiates to the head.
• Cervicothoracalgia is a condition where pain radiates to the area between the shoulder blades and to the shoulder blades.

Cervicocranialgia

About the article

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Regular issues of "RMZh" No. 23 dated November 29, 2006 p. 1664

Category: Neurology

Author: Stepanchenko A.V.

For quotation:

Stepanchenko A.V. Cervicocranialgia. RMJ. 2006;23:1664.

Pain in the cervical-occipital region is a common complaint at any age in both men and women. The source of such unpleasant sensations can be the intervertebral joints and discs, spinal ligaments and muscles of the upper back. There are enough reasons that lead to pain in the cervical-occipital region - primary and metastatic neoplasms of the spine, aseptic inflammatory processes in the membranes of the spinal cord, bone or muscle tissue.

However, most often pain in the back of the head and neck is associated with muscle tension or trauma to the corresponding muscles, ligaments, and osteoarticular apparatus. The main causes of such processes are primarily osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. Moreover, clinical manifestations are directly related to the anatomical features of the cervical spine, which differs from other parts of the spinal column. The first and second cervical vertebrae differ significantly from other vertebrae in that there is no intervertebral disc between them. In addition, when standing high, the apex of the tooth of the second cervical vertebra may excessively enter the foramen magnum with overextension of the lower part of the brain stem, leading to numerous neurological disorders, including pain. The vertebral artery passes through the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, with the perivascular autonomic sympathetic plexus surrounding it, which can be subject to irritation by osteophytes and lead to a peculiar pain syndrome. If there is no intervertebral disc between C1 and C2, then the vertebral bodies of C3 and the underlying ones are not completely separated by discs from each other, but are in contact with each other by unco-vertebral joints, which in osteoarthritis cause pain. If there are neurological signs of compressive effects of bone structures on the spinal cord, a thorough examination of the patient is necessary to decide on possible neurosurgical treatment. However, much more often in clinical practice there are pain syndromes of the cervical-occipital localization (cervicocranialgia), caused by various, including musculoskeletal disorders. Such subacute or chronic pain syndromes are not clearly reflected in modern international classifications. In the most common myofascial musculoskeletal disorders, the sources of pain are the receptors of pathologically altered tissues - the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, the joint capsule, the posterior longitudinal ligament, as well as the myogeloids of the pericranial muscles. Chronic cervicocranialgic syndrome is characterized by an aching pain component that intensifies when moving the head, or static tension (prolonged watching TV or working at the computer). The most common cervicocranialgia encountered in outpatient practice are tension headaches, neuralgia of the greater occipital nerve (occipital neuralgia), and myofascial pain syndromes of the pericranial muscles. Somewhat less commonly – cervical migraine (Barré-Lieu syndrome), “eagle syndrome”, cervical-lingual syndrome. In ICD-10, cervicocranialgic pain syndromes belong to block G 44 (“tension-type headaches”), as well as to G 50 – G59 (“damages to individual nerves, nerve roots, plexuses”). Pain in the back of the head and neck is presented in somewhat more detail in the latest version of the “International Classification of Headache Disorders” of the International Headache Society (2003). In this classification, primary and secondary headaches are distinguished, and the section of cranial neuralgia in the back of the neck includes occipital neuralgia (neuralgia of the occipital nerve), cervical-lingual syndrome, painful anesthesia, tension headache (episodic, chronic, frequent and infrequent). At the same time, according to our clinical experience, tension headaches that are not combined with tension in the pericranial muscles are most likely psychogenic (depressive) in nature and require the inclusion of appropriate medications in treatment measures. The myofascial component is the leading component in tension headaches in the form of local muscle spasm. Pain in the posterior cervical region is caused by myogeloid compactions in the upper portion of the trapezius, semispinalis, supracranial, splenius and suboccipital muscles. In contrast to the burning pain of occipital neuralgia, with tension headaches the unpleasant sensations are dull and deep-seated. The pain sharply intensifies with palpation of local muscle compactions. Occipital neuralgia is a paroxysmal stabbing-burning pain in the innervation zones of the greater and lesser occipital nerves (scalp from the greater occipital protuberance to the parietal region), accompanied by mild hypersthesia or dysesthesia upon palpation. Cervical-lingual syndrome, the cause of which is cervical osteochondrosis, is manifested by sudden pain in the cervical-occipital region, radiating to the homolateral half of the tongue when moving the head. “Eagle syndrome” is close in neurological symptoms to cervical-lingual syndrome, but is caused, along with cervical osteochondrosis, by calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. With this syndrome, in order to avoid pain in the back of the tongue and pharynx, the patient is forced to keep his head straight, with some hyperextension in the cervical region. Despite the differences in the clinical picture of various forms of craniocervicalgia, they are united by common mechanisms in the processes of occurrence and development of pain, which also implies similar methods of therapeutic intervention. What is common in the implementation of pain in the cervical-occipital region, with the leading musculoskeletal component, is the thyroid-cervical mechanism. In addition to the main sensory function of the trigeminal system (sensory information from the dentofacial system and sensory organs of the facial area), it currently includes the trigeminovascular and trigeminocervical systems, which play a leading role in the occurrence and development of pain syndromes in the head and faces. If the trigeminovascular system transmits sensory information from the dura mater and the vessels of the middle and anterior cerebral fossa, participating in the implementation of vegetative-vascular pain syndromes (migraine, periodic migraine neuralgia), then the trigemino-cervical system transmits signals from sensory territories innervated by the first and second roots of the cervical spinal cord. What they have in common is the convergence of sensory stimuli on the caudal sections of the descending nucleus (synonyms - nucleus of the spinal tract, nucleus of the spinal tract) of the trigeminal nerve, where such signals are modified both at the input and in further instances of the trigeminothalamic tract. In experimental studies reported by P. Gatsby (2005), it was shown that when the afferents of C-fibers (unmyelinated fibers of pain and temperature sensitivity) are stimulated, in the nerves belonging to the level C1 - C2, including the large occipital nerve, stable foci of pain excitation arise in the posterior horns of the upper cervical segments and the caudal sections of the descending nucleus of the trigeminal nerve included in them. Painful fibromyalgic syndrome of cervical-occipital localization is caused not only by dysfunction of 5HT receptors of serotonin, glutamate, calcitonin gene-related peptide and Fos protein at the entrance to the central nervous system, but also mainly by metabolites of the arachidonic acid cascade at the peripheral level. In this cascade, which triggers muscle spasm, myogeloid compactions, aseptic inflammation and one of its components, cyclooxygenase-2, are crucial. For the normal existence of the body, the isoenzyme cyclooxygenase-1 is necessary, which regulates the production of those prostaglandins that are involved in the physiological functioning of cells, including the gastrointestinal tract. In pathological conditions leading to cell destruction and death of cell membranes, a cascade of arachidonic acid metabolism occurs, accompanied by the formation of mediators of edema and inflammation. By irritating nociceptors at the site of injury, prostaglandins increase their sensitivity to bradykinin, histamine, and nitric oxide, which are formed in tissues during inflammation. Therefore, in the treatment of cervicocranialgic syndrome, in addition to blockades with local anesthetics, the use of muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and physiotherapeutic measures, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a crucial role. The pharmacological action of drugs in this group is based on the ability to inhibit the key enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis (which triggers the flow of pain signals from receptor territories). One of the safest drugs from the NSAID group is Nurofen, which is available in various forms - tablets, capsules, gel for external use. Nurofen (ibuprofen) is a derivative of phenylpropionic acid. Nurofen inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase. After oral administration, ibuprofen, which is part of Nurofen, is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, its maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached after 1–2 hours. Ibuprofen is metabolized in the liver, excreted by the kidneys unchanged and in the form of conjugates, the half-life is 2 hours. With high absorption, Nurofen is bound to plasma proteins (up to 99%), slowly penetrates into the cavity of the affected joints, (including intervertebral joints of the cervical level), into tissues with aseptic inflammation, characteristic of fibromyalgia of the cervical-occipital region, creating large concentrations in them than in plasma, thus providing a pronounced analgesic effect. Unlike other NSAIDs, side effects are extremely rare when using Nurofen. The main contraindication to the use of Nurofen is individual hypersensitivity to the drug, as well as erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase. To achieve a good analgesic effect, it is recommended to use Nurofen in a single dose of 400 mg, which corresponds to 1 tablet of Nurofen Forte. At this dosage, the drug exhibits a pronounced analgesic, antipyretic, and also some anti-inflammatory effect. At a daily dose of 1200 mg, it acts primarily as an analgesic, which provides maximum effect in relieving cervicocranialgia. The drug is prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 days. Usually, this is enough to relieve pain in cervicoranialgia, but if necessary, the course of treatment can be extended to 7 days. Nurofen-gel, which is applied directly to the painful area, is quickly absorbed and has a good analgesic effect, especially at the onset of the disease, is highly indicated for the treatment of regional cervicalgic syndromes. In cases of severe pain, the combined use of Nurofen in the form of gel and tablets is recommended. In some cases, to enhance the analgesic effect, it is possible to combine Nurofen Forte with potassium channel blockers (catadolon) or paracetamol and tramadol for two days. Cervicalgic syndromes of a fibromyalgic nature respond quite well to treatment, especially with the early inclusion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, among which Nurofen Forte ranks high in terms of effectiveness and safety.

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Causes

Vertebrogenic cervicalgia develops as a result of lesions of the cervical spine. They can occur as a result of such diseases:

• intervertebral disc herniation
• spondylosis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• trauma and neoplasms;
• inflammatory spondyloarthropathy ;
• osteoporosis.

Nonvertebrogenic cervicalgia can develop due to the following manifestations:

• sprained ligaments or muscles;
• myofascial pain syndrome;
• myositis;
• occipital neuralgia
• fibromyalgia.

In some cases, the development of non-vertebrogenic cervicalgia is caused by meningitis , an abscess in the epidural zone or retropharyngeal region, dissection of the vertebral or carotid artery, hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space, thrombosis .

A number of factors have been identified that may contribute to the development of this condition. They are divided into correctable , that is, those that can be eliminated, and non-correctable , that is, those that cannot be eliminated.

Adjustable factors include:

• Professional – hard work, constant static loads on the spine, the need to constantly be in the same position due to work, sedentary work, the need to frequently tilt and turn the head.
• Somatic features - stooping due to a weak muscular corset, lack of physical activity, scoliosis , kyphoscoliosis , craniovertebral junction anomalies.
• Physical features – staying in a static position, unnatural position, performing monotonous movements.
• Meteorological factors – hypothermia, general and local.
• Bad habits – smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction.
• Gastrointestinal diseases and unhealthy diet.

Uncorrectable risk factors are congenital or acquired anomalies in the motor segments of the neck or in their innervation apparatus.

If it is possible to eliminate or reduce the influence of factors from the first group, then to reduce the impact of factors from the second group, you can only take measures that activate microcirculation and reduce metabolic changes in the affected area.

Reasons for the development of cervicalgia

Cervicalgia can develop for various reasons. Some of these reasons are associated with spinal diseases of various types, the other part with external factors.

External factors that can cause cervicalgia:

• Constantly staying in an uncomfortable position (during sleep or during sedentary work);
• Incorrect posture;
• Sedentary lifestyle, weakened muscles;
• Strong physical activity (heavy sports training, constant lifting of weights);
• Overweight, obesity;
• Hypothermia;
• Bad habits;
• Stressful conditions;
• Poor nutrition, lack of nutrients in the body;
• Injuries and post-traumatic syndromes (sprains, sudden awkward movements, bruises, fractures, etc.).

Injuries are also common causes of neck pain.

In addition to external factors, there are a number of reasons for the appearance of cervicalgia associated with diseases of the spinal column :

• Osteochondrosis - leads to disruption of normal blood circulation and loss of fluid from the vertebrae. These processes lead to inflammation and cause pain;
• Intervertebral hernia;
• Arthritis;
• Neuralgia;
• Osteomyelitis;
• Tumors of the spine or nearby organs.

Sometimes the appearance of cervicalgia can be due to a combination of several reasons. Therefore, to obtain a more complete and clear clinical picture, it is worth undergoing diagnostics and consulting with a specialist.

Consequences

With poor quality treatment or its complete absence, cervicalgia can progress and lead to serious complications.

Possible complications include:

• Severe, unbearable pain that cannot be relieved with medication;
• Poor blood circulation in the brain;
• Chronic neck muscle weakness;
• Disability.

It should be taken into account that these complications can appear when cervicalgia itself is neglected; the consequences of the development of diseases that caused the appearance of cervicalgia are not considered here.

Symptoms of cervicalgia

The main symptoms of vertebrogenic cervicocranialgia are pain. They can have a different character - be stabbing, shooting, pulsating. The pain becomes stronger when a person moves, coughs, sneezes, or exercises.

The disease can manifest itself as muscular-tonic syndrome. Often those suffering from cervicalgia complain that they cannot turn or tilt their heads to the side, they note a state of numbness in the back of the head and arms, and pain in the back of the head. When turning the head, a crunching sound occurs. Such patients often feel dizzy, experience tinnitus, and pain in the arm on one side. They may stagger while walking and even lose consciousness.

Tests and diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis, the specialist first conducts a physical examination and interview, analyzes his complaints and collects anamnesis. To clarify the diagnosis, a number of studies are prescribed that allow us to determine the overall picture in more detail. It is possible to conduct the following studies:

• X-ray of the cervical spine;
• CT scan;
• MRI of the cervical spine;
• electroneuromyography;
• duplex scanning of neck vessels.

Based on the data obtained, the doctor determines the cause of such cervicalgia and prescribes appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of cervicocranialgia involves, first of all, excluding serious causes of headaches, such as brain tumors, meningitis or spinal injuries. Based on the medical history, study of symptoms and physical examination, the doctor, in most cases, can make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the necessary scope of examination. Instrumental research methods (radiography, CT, MRI) allow an accurate diagnosis. If it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis, laboratory research methods may be prescribed.

Treatment of cervicocranialgia depends on the genesis of pain and, as a rule, is effective in the use of a complex of therapeutic measures (drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture and exercise therapy).

Treatment with folk remedies

During the main treatment, auxiliary methods of traditional medicine can also be used. But all of them can only be used if they are approved by a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to use traditional methods instead of basic treatment. The following methods of treating cervicalgia are known:

• Herb tea. To prepare tea that will help strengthen the body and reduce pain, you can use the following herbs: raspberries, mint and currant leaves, calendula and chamomile flowers, rose hips. You can drink this tea several times a day instead of regular tea.
• Massage with a bottle of warm water. You need to fill a plastic bottle with warm water and close it with a lid. Lie on the floor and put a bottle under your neck. Slowly and very carefully roll the bottle along the floor, stretching your neck. After 10 minutes of this massage, relax and lie down.
• Egg shell product. Dry the shells of several dozen eggs and grind them into powder. Take equal proportions of powder, honey, aloe juice, mix everything and put in a cold place. Take three times a day, dissolving 1 tsp. products in a glass of water and adding 1 tsp. lemon juice.
• Warming compresses. Mustard plasters can be used to warm the neck area. To avoid burning your neck, you must first lubricate the skin with baby cream. You can also lubricate the skin on your neck with “Star” balm. They also use a compress made from horseradish or garlic. To do this, horseradish or garlic needs to be finely grated and mixed with butter. Apply to the neck, cover with oilcloth and wrap with a warm scarf. Keep for at least half an hour.
• Rubbing . You can carefully rub the sore spot with alcohol, tincture of larkspur or red pepper in alcohol, or a mixture of honey and alcohol. Rubbing is carried out in the morning and evening.
• Pine oil. To prepare it, you need to pour young pine cones into a pan and pour any vegetable oil over them. Place the container in the oven and simmer at low temperature until it turns red. Strain, lubricate the oil on your shoulders and neck several times a day, preheating it to about 40 degrees.

Prevention

To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to take care of the spine and follow some preventive measures.

• Take breaks and stretch as often as possible during sedentary work.
• Properly equip your workplace.
• Sleep on a hard bed and on an orthopedic pillow.
• Do not lift weights with a jerk, straining your back.
• Avoid excess weight , eat right, and introduce foods containing a lot of calcium into your diet.
• Play sports, do exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.
• Do not smoke, do not drink alcohol.
• Pay attention to the formation of correct posture in children.
• Avoid hypothermia, wear a scarf when it's cold.
• Undergo preventive examinations and treat all diseases in a timely manner.

Exercises to prevent cervicalgia

• Side turns . Sit straight on a chair, lower your arms, look forward. Slowly turn your head in both directions. Repeat 10 times.
• Side bends . In the same position, slowly tilt your head, trying to reach your ear with your shoulder. Repeat 10 times.
• Nodding . In the same position, throw your head high as you inhale, hold for a second and return to the starting position as you exhale. Repeat 10 times.
• Shrug . In the same position, while inhaling, raise your shoulders as much as possible and move them back. As you exhale, return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
• Pressure . Place your palms on your forehead and press on your head. In this case, you need to resist the pressure with your head. Stay in this position for 10 seconds, then pause for the same amount of time.
• Repeat 8 times. Place your hand on your cheekbone and press on your head, while trying to tilt your head towards your palm. Repeat 5 times in each direction. In the same way, perform the exercise 8 times, pressing with your hands on the back of your head and resisting.
• Circular movements . Very slowly, for 10 seconds, turn your head in one direction. Do 8 times in each direction.

You can perform other exercises as recommended by your doctor.

Treatment of pathology

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Treatment of cervicalgia is most often conservative. This means that surgery is used only as a last resort. Conservative therapy is complex and includes several treatment areas: drug treatment, physical therapy and massage, physiotherapy, folk recipes .

Drug therapy

In order to achieve the most positive effect, several groups of drugs are used, each of which is aimed at eliminating certain symptoms:

This is a generalized list of possible groups of drugs prescribed for cervicalgia. Depending on the individual clinical picture of each specific patient, the list can be adjusted by the attending physician.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can be combined well with physical therapy . But you need to be careful, since lack of professionalism in this matter can lead to aggravation of the situation and complications. Therefore, be sure to consult with your doctor about the effectiveness of massage in your case, and also try to find an experienced master.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercise has established itself as one of the most effective means for combating spinal diseases.

Important! Physical therapy should be used only during remission. During the acute period, it is prohibited to subject the spine to physical stress.

For cervicalgia, a set of physical exercises is selected strictly individually, based on the specific clinical picture of the individual patient.

Here is an approximate set of exercises to eliminate cervicalgia:

1. Sit on a chair, straighten your back, lower your arms along your body. Now start tilting your head back and forth, and then turn it in different directions. All movements should be as smooth and slow as possible. Repeat the exercise 8-10 times for each side;
2. The starting position is the same as in exercise 1. Place your hands on your knees and try to move your head back as much as possible. You need to move your head away until you see the ceiling. Stay in this position for 5 seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position. Perform the exercise 8-10 times;
3. Sit on the floor or other flat surface with your back straight. Start to move your head back, but do not throw it back. Inhale and return to the starting position. Do 8-10 approaches;
4. Sit on a chair, straighten your back. Now try to raise your shoulders as high as possible, without helping yourself with your hands. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 8-10 times;
5. Make circular movements with your head. One complete turn in one direction should take at least 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 8-10 times for each side.

Surgical intervention

In cases of any problems in the cervical spine, surgery is used very reluctantly, since this is where a large concentration of nerve endings and vessels are concentrated, which are connected directly to the brain (and therefore to the whole body). One wrong step, and the body’s nutrition will be cut off. Therefore, the decision to perform an operation should be as balanced as possible and made only by an experienced doctor.

Surgery is used in cases of progressive cervicalgia, provided:

• acute or subacute condition in which the spinal cord is affected (this condition provokes disruption of the functioning of internal organs);
• paresis or necrotic change (the patient's pain subsides, but muscle weakness increases).

If you cannot do without surgery, then try to choose an experienced doctor and a good clinic.

Traditional treatment

Traditional recipes are designed to ease the symptoms of cervicalgia and increase the effectiveness of other therapeutic measures; traditional medicine will not be able to defeat the pathology on its own.

Pay attention to how you can treat cervicalgia at home. The following traditional methods of treatment are suitable:

• Rubbing with barberry tincture;
• Baths with herbs (chamomile, sage, lavender, essential oils are suitable);
• Sea salt baths (one of the best ways to combat pain);
• Baths with birch leaves and mustard;
• Hirudotherapy (used only for moderate pain).

In addition to these recipes, there are many other traditional treatment options. Depending on the root cause of cervicalgia in your particular case, you can easily select those recipes that will be effective specifically for you.

Video: “All about the treatment of cervicalgia”

In children

In children and adolescents, such manifestations are most often associated with spinal scoliosis . In the chronic course of the disease, children suffer from pain after prolonged stress on the spine, for example, while sitting in class. When changing position or after warming up, the pain disappears. Also, children often experience headaches and severe fatigue as a result of this pathology.

Regular exercise and a more active lifestyle help relieve pain. But if a child constantly complains of the symptoms described, you should consult a doctor.

Diet

Diet for osteochondrosis

• Efficacy: no data
• Timing: constantly
• Cost of food: 1450-1780 rubles per week

With cervicalgia, a person should eat nutritiously. It is important that the menu contains foods containing a lot of calcium and other microelements and vitamins important for bone and cartilage tissue. In particular, B vitamins and fiber are important for the body during this period.

Also, you need to exclude too fatty foods, baked goods, and very high-calorie sweets from your diet in order to prevent excess weight gain. When forming a diet, you can be guided by the principles of the diet that is recommended to be followed for osteochondrosis .