Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints of the spinal column. Of all five parts of the spine, all can be affected by the disease, but the manifestations and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cause the most problems for people. This is due to the large number of nerve fibers and endings, as well as blood vessels that supply the brain, passing through the neck.
This area of the spine is the most mobile. Thanks to the neck, a person has the ability to turn and tilt his head. The constant load that comes to 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. This affects, first of all, office workers, drivers, operators of various types of equipment. Often, the disease manifests itself in athletes as a result of training or, conversely, their sudden cessation.
The main causes of osteochondrosis in the cervical and thoracic spine are incorrect posture, a sedentary lifestyle, heredity, an improperly organized workplace or an uncomfortable bed. Lifting weights also contributes to the appearance of this disease, because microtraumas that contribute to dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine are possible in this process.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the spine
- The intervertebral discs are just beginning to collapse, losing moisture and elasticity. This process can take quite a long time. The phase is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by bulging (bulging) of the discs. The intervertebral spaces are reduced due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc and the reduction of its height. Pinching of the nerve roots by the approaching vertebrae and protruding discs can cause pain.
- There is a complete destruction of the fibrous ring and, as a consequence, the formation of intervertebral hernias. The spine is significantly deformed.
- This phase is the most difficult, because pain occurs with almost every movement. Bony growths appear, connecting the vertebrae, limiting mobility. Such growths can cause disability.
Recognizable signs of cervical osteochondrosis
The blood vessels that feed the brain are mostly located in the person's neck, so many signs of the disease are associated with impaired blood circulation in the brain.
- So, here are the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, noticing which, you need to see a doctor:
- severe, persistent pain in neck and head, extending to eyes and ears;
- pain in hands, worse with every 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 throbbing pain in the neck and neck;
- appearance of dizziness when turning the head (even before fainting), tinnitus;
- numbness of the tongue, blurred vision and hearing;
- pain in the heart, which is not cured by taking appropriate medicines;
- nausea, blood pressure instability;
- sore throat, swallowing disorder;
- feeling short of breath.
Symptoms of pathology
Manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be associated with the failure of the following organs and systems in the patient's body:
- compression and disruption of the spinal cord in the spinal canal. Such symptoms are rare and may occur only in very severe cases;
- changes in the peripheral nervous system, the cause of which is the compression of the nerve roots located next to the affected vertebrae;
- violation of blood flow 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 is affected by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The signs of heart syndrome in osteochondrosis are similar to those of angina pectoris, it is due to irritation of the root of the pectoralis major muscle or the phrenic nerve. The resulting pain can last up to several hours, and with sneezing, sudden turning of the head, the cough becomes stronger.
Tachycardia and extrasystoles may occur, which do not disappear with the use of appropriate drugs, and the cardiogram shows no abnormalities.
Irritant reflex syndromes
This group of syndromes is characterized by sharp pain in the neck, aggravated by movement, coughing, turning the head and sneezing. It can radiate to the shoulders or chest.
radicular syndrome
This syndrome manifests itself when the cervical nerve is compressed. It is characterized by pain spreading from the neck to the shoulder blades and forearms to the fingers. Perhaps the appearance of numbness and goosebumps in the back of the head, neck, shoulder area, hands.
vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome, caused by compression of the vertebral artery responsible for blood flow to the brain, is characterized by the appearance of a sharp or throbbing headache, which spreads to the back of the head, forehead, and temples. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, loss of orientation, the appearance of auditory disturbances, weakening of vision, fainting.
A person who has noticed the appearance of the above-mentioned signs of cervical osteochondrosis should immediately consult a doctor.
It should be remembered that treatment started in the early stages of the disease is most effective. It will help stop the disease and continue to live a full life.
Today, medicine offers various methods of solving osteochondrosis, allowing you 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 exercise, gymnastics, stretching the spine will allow you not to remember such a problem as cervical osteochondrosis in the future.