Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints of 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 the most trouble. This is due to the large number of fibers and nerve endings, as well as the blood vessels that supply the brain 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 hits 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 forced long stay of a person in a static and uncomfortable position. It primarily affects office workers, drivers, operators of various types of equipment. Often the disease manifests itself in athletes as a result of training or, conversely, with their abrupt cessation.
The main causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are incorrect posture, a sedentary lifestyle, heredity, an unorganized workplace or an uncomfortable bed. Weight lifting also contributes to the onset of this disease, since microtraumas are possible in this process, contributing to dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous and bone tissues of the spine.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the spine
- The intervertebral discs just begin to collapse, losing moisture and elasticity. This process can take a long time. The stage is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by a protrusion (swelling) of the discs. The intervertebral spaces are reduced due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc and a decrease in its height. Due to the pinching of the nerve roots by approaching vertebrae and protruding discs, pain may occur.
- There is a complete destruction of the fibrous ring and, as a result, the formation of intervertebral hernias. The spine is significantly deformed.
- This step is the most difficult, as pain occurs with almost every movement. Bony growths appear, they connect the vertebrae, limiting mobility. Such growths can lead to disability.
Distinctive signs of cervical osteochondrosis
The blood vessels that supply the brain are primarily located in a person's neck, so many signs of the disease are associated with impaired blood flow to the brain.
- So, here are the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, noticing which ones, you need to consult a doctor:
- intense and persistent pain in the neck and head, spreading to the eyes and ears;
- pain in arms, worse with exertion;
- difficulties in the movements of fingers and hands, violation of their sensitivity;
- neck muscle tension;
- when turning and tilting the head, the appearance of pain in the neck;
- the appearance of shooting pains in the neck and neck;
- the onset of dizziness when turning the head (even before fainting), tinnitus;
- numbness of tongue, blurred vision and hearing;
- pain in the heart, not cured by taking the appropriate medications;
- nausea, blood pressure instability;
- sore throat, trouble swallowing;
- feel out of breath.
Pathology symptoms
The manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be associated with dysfunction 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 compression of the nerve roots located next to the affected vertebrae;
- violation of blood supply to the brain.
When diagnosing this disease, the doctor pays attention to the presence of a number of symptoms. Their appearance depends on which part of the spine has been captured by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Signs of heart syndrome in osteochondrosis are similar to those of angina pectoris, this is due to irritation of the roots of the pectoralis major muscle or the phrenic nerve. The resulting pain can last up to several hours, and with sneezing, a sharp turn of the head, the cough becomes stronger.
Tachycardia and extrasystole may appear, which do not disappear with the use of appropriate medications, and the cardiogram does not show any abnormalities.
Irritant reflex syndromes
This group of syndromes is characterized by sharp pain in the neck, aggravated by movement, coughing, turning of the head and sneezing. It may radiate to the shoulder or chest.
radicular syndrome
This syndrome manifests when the cervical nerve is pinched. It is characterized by the spread of pain from the neck to the shoulder blades and from the forearms to the fingers. Perhaps the appearance of numbness and a feeling of goosebumps in the back of the head, neck, shoulders, hands.
vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome, caused by compression of the vertebral artery responsible for the blood supply to the brain, is characterized by the appearance of a sharp or throbbing headache, passing to the back of the head, to the forehead, to thetemples. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, loss of orientation, the occurrence of hearing impairment, 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 to stop the disease and continue to lead a full life.
Today, medicine offers various methods of treating osteochondrosis, allows to slow down or stop the destruction of the spine and give the patient a long life without pain.
Proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, regular exercises, gymnastics, stretching the spine will allow you not to remember such a problem as cervical osteochondrosis in the future.