Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints in the spine. Of all the five parts of the spine, everyone can be affected by the disease, but the manifestations and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cause people more problems. This is due to the large number of fibers and nerve endings, as well as blood vessels that supply the brain, passing through the neck.
This area of the spine is the most mobile. It is thanks to the neck that a person has the ability to turn and tilt his head. The constant load that reaches the cervical region contributes to degenerative changes in its structure and the development of osteochondrosis.
Who is affected by the disease
Most often, the disease develops and begins to manifest itself in twenty-five to thirty years due to the long forced stay of a person in a static and uncomfortable position. It affects, in the first place, office workers, drivers, operators of various types of equipment. Often, the disease manifests itself in athletes as a result of training or, conversely, with its abrupt cessation.
The main causes of osteochondrosis in the cervical and thoracic spine are incorrect posture, sedentary lifestyle, heredity, poorly organized workplace or uncomfortable bed. Lifting weights also contributes to the onset of this disease, as microtraumas are possible in this process, contributing to dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous and bone tissues of the spine.
Developmental stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Intervertebral discs are just starting to collapse, losing moisture and elasticity. This process can take a long time. The stage is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by the protrusion (bulging) of the discs. The intervertebral spaces are reduced due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc and the decrease in its height. Due to compression of the nerve roots by the approaching vertebrae and bulging discs, pain may occur.
- There is a complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus and, as a consequence, the formation of intervertebral hernias. The column is significantly deformed.
- This phase is the most difficult, as pain occurs with almost any movement. Bone growths appear, they connect the vertebrae, limiting mobility. Such growths can cause disability.
Distinctive signs of cervical osteochondrosis
The blood vessels that supply the brain are mainly located in a person's neck, so many of the signs of the disease are associated with impaired blood circulation in the brain.
- So, here are the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, noting which ones, you need to see a doctor:
- intense and persistent pain in the neck and head, extending to the eyes and ears;
- pain in the arms, worse with any exertion;
- difficulties in the movements of the fingers and hands, a violation of their sensitivity;
- neck muscle tension;
- when turning and tilting the head, the appearance of neck pain;
- the appearance of throbbing pain in the neck and neck;
- the occurrence of dizziness when turning the head (even before passing out), tinnitus;
- tongue numbness, blurred vision and hearing;
- heart pain not cured with appropriate medications;
- nausea, blood pressure instability;
- sore throat, swallowing disorder;
- feeling short of breath.
pathology symptoms
The manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be associated with the malfunction of the following organs and systems in the patient's body:
- compression and rupture of the spinal cord in the spinal canal. Such symptoms are rare and can only appear in very severe cases;
- changes in the peripheral nervous system, the cause of which is the compression of the nerve roots located close to the affected vertebrae;
- violation of the blood supply to the brain.
When diagnosing this disease, the doctor pays attention to the presence of various symptoms. Its appearance depends on which part of the spine has been captured by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The signs of cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis are similar to those in angina pectoris, due to irritation of the roots of the pectoralis major muscle or the phrenic nerve. The resulting pain can last for several hours, and with sneezing, a sudden turn of the head, the cough becomes stronger.
Tachycardia and extrasystole may appear, which do not resolve with the use of appropriate medications, and the electrocardiogram shows no abnormalities.
irritative reflex syndromes
This group of syndromes is characterized by sharp neck pain, aggravated by movement, coughing, turning the head and sneezing. It can radiate to the shoulder or chest.
radicular syndrome
This syndrome manifests when the cervical nerve is compressed. It is characterized by the spread of pain from the neck to the shoulder blades and forearms to the fingers. Perhaps the appearance of numbness and a feeling of chills on the back of the head, neck, shoulder area, hands.
vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome, caused by compression of the vertebral artery responsible for supplying blood to the brain, is characterized by the appearance of a sharp or throbbing headache, passing to the back of the head, forehead, temples. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, loss of orientation, occurrence of hearing disorders, weakening of vision, fainting.
A person who has noticed the appearance of the above signs of cervical osteochondrosis should immediately consult a doctor.
It should be remembered that treatment started at an early stage of the disease is most effective. This will help stop the disease and continue to lead a full life.
Today, medicine offers different methods for dealing with osteochondrosis, allows you to slow down or stop the destruction of the spine and give the patient a long life without pain.
Proper nutrition, active lifestyle, regular exercise, gymnastics, stretching the spine will allow you not to remember such a problem as cervical osteochondrosis in the future.