With tachycardia, the heart rate increases - 90 beats per minute or more. It is often caused by non-cardiac diseases, as well as pathologies of the nervous and circulatory systems, directly or indirectly affecting their work. Most often, one has to deal with a situation where tachycardia occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region or cervical segment of the spinal column.
Heart-spine connection
It should be said right away that tachycardia itself is not a disease. It occurs against the background of other abnormalities or may be a normal physiological reaction to the effects of various stimuli. Normally, it appears after exercise, stress, strong coffee or, for example, energy. But at the same time, it arises and passes without a trace. Anxiety causes an increase in heart rate when it does not go away at rest or occurs at regular intervals.
The mechanism of the effect of osteochondrosis on the frequency of contractions
The displacement of the vertebrae and the degeneration of the discs between them lead to compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels - compression syndrome develops. The impulses travel along the vegetative fibers to the nodes, from which the signal is transmitted to the heart muscle and can provoke a rapid pulse.
Another mechanism for the appearance of the problem is a violation of blood circulation in the spine and nearby tissues. The more pronounced osteochondrosis, the more they need blood flow. Under these conditions, the body turns on compensation and increases pressure, forces the heart to contract more often so that the organs do not experience a shortage of blood and receive the necessary substances in full.
An additional effect on the nervous system is the constant tension in the neck and muscles of the upper torso. Along with chronic pain, sleep disturbances, irritability appear, and the influence of the sympathetic nervous system increases. Therefore, against the background of problems with the spine, blood pressure (hypertension) can increase and the heart rate can increase.
How to install a dependency
To establish a connection between tachycardia and osteochondrosis, a careful study of the symptoms allows.
If it is caused by degenerative disc changes and entrapment of nerve fibers, the following is observed:
- rhythm disturbance occurs at rest;
- the condition worsens with a change in body position, in which the load on the spine increases;
- with an increase in the pulse, the sinus rhythm is preserved;
- improvement occurs after osteochondrosis therapy.
In my practice, cardiac pathology is often found in combination with problems of the musculoskeletal system.
Therefore, there is a need for additional research:
- ECG (ischemic changes will not be determined on it);
- radiography (will show deviations in the structure of hard tissues);
- MRI or CT scan of the affected segment of the spine (will give a clear picture of changes at all levels).
Tachycardia is also a symptom of a malfunction of the thyroid gland, with an allergic reaction. It can be provoked by anemia, fever and intoxication. In some cases, this symptom is observed when using drugs or certain medications.
In which departments should you look for the problem
Cervical osteochondrosis and tachycardia are most often associated. Due to the high mobility and weakness of the neck muscles, it is this part of the spine that is affected faster. Less often, the thoracic region is deformed, and changes in the pulse are rarely observed when the neurovascular bundle is pinched in the lower part. In the latter case, a reflex effect takes place, which is transmitted along the nerve fiber of the ridge.
On palpation in the affected area, muscle tension will be determined. A sharp turn or tilt is painful. Chondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is often accompanied by impairment of vision and hearing, periodic dizziness. With pathology of the thoracic part, soreness often occurs with a deep inhalation or exhalation.
How to get rid of
Treatment of tachycardia from osteochondrosis begins with the elimination of the underlying cause. For this, medications, traction, massage, physiotherapy are used. Muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help well; in case of severe pain, it is relieved with the help of novocaine blockade.
When a stable remission is achieved, the rhythm disturbance disappears. This result also serves as a confirmation of the correct diagnosis. The prognosis is usually good. It is important to complete the full course of treatment and follow preventive measures.
With this deviation, I usually recommend sedative muscle relaxants. They will not only eliminate muscle spasm in the zone of violation, but also help to normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
If the pulse exceeds 110 beats, and such attacks are often noted, then in this case, the use of antiarrhythmic drugs is required. If the treatment is not carried out in time, then the constant overload of the heart muscle will lead to failure. Beta blockers are best used for this, they will not only lower the heart rate, but also help prevent the development of ischemia. A contraindication to their use is hypotension. At the same time, the pulse can be normalized with the help of drugs containing potassium and magnesium.
Case from practice
A patient came to my appointment, who was constantly tormented by attacks of tachycardia. The heart rate increased at rest, as well as after physical exertion, and reached 120-160 beats per minute. At the time of the attack, shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness were observed.
No abnormalities were found on the ECG. X-rays revealed changes in the cervical spine. MRI showed the presence of a hernia between the IV and V vertebra of the thoracic segment.
I prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, after achieving remission, I recommended massage of the cervical-collar zone and exercise therapy. After 2 weeks there was a significant improvement, the pulse rate was 69–70 beats / min.
Specialist recommendations
Paroxysmal or persistent tachycardia in osteochondrosis requires not only the use of medications. They help in acute conditions, but do not affect the duration of remission in any way. The spine is deformed slowly, but with each exacerbation, the process is aggravated. So that the condition does not worsen and the attacks do not recur, I want to recommend the following:
- revise the diet towards more fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods;
- give up coffee, energy drinks, medicines and other substances that increase the frequency of heart contractions;
- to develop stress resistance, yoga, breathing practices, meditation help;
- be sure to get enough sleep and observe the daily regimen;
- Exercise regularly to stretch your spine and strengthen your back and neck muscles.
If you want to know everything about tachycardia, we advise you to watch the video below at the link. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and signs that it is time to see a doctor - about all this in 7 minutes. Happy viewing!
