Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints of the spinal column. 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 give people the most problems. 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. It is thanks to the neck that 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. It 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, with their abrupt 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, 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
- Intervertebral discs are just beginning to collapse, losing moisture and elasticity. This process can take quite a long time. The stage is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by protrusion (bulging) 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 pinching of the nerve roots by the approaching vertebrae and protruding discs, pain may occur.
- There is a complete destruction of the fibrous ring, and, as a consequence, the formation of intervertebral hernias. The spine is significantly deformed.
- This stage is the most difficult, since 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 feed the brain are mainly located in the neck of a person, 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, noticing which, you need to see a doctor:
- severe, persistent pain in the neck and head, extending to the eyes and ears;
- pain in the arms, getting worse with any effort;
- 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 pain in the neck;
- the appearance of throbbing pain in the neck and neck;
- the occurrence of dizziness when turning the head (even before fainting), tinnitus;
- numbness of the tongue, blurred vision and hearing;
- pain in the heart that cannot be cured by taking appropriate medications;
- nausea, instability of arterial pressure;
- sore throat, swallowing disorder;
- feeling short of breath.
Symptoms of pathology
The manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be associated with a malfunction 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 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 the 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 was captured by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Signs of cardiac 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, coughing becomes stronger.
Tachycardia and extrasystole may appear, which do not disappear with the use of appropriate drugs, and the cardiogram does not show any abnormalities.
Irritative 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 shoulder or chest.
radicular syndrome
This syndrome manifests itself when the cervical nerve is pinched. 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 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 the blood supply 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, the occurrence of auditory disturbances, weakening of vision, fainting.
A person who has noticed the appearance of the above signs of cervical osteochondrosis should immediately consult a doctor.
It must be remembered that treatment started at an early stage of the disease is most effective. It will help stop the disease and continue to lead a full life.
Today, medicine offers different methods of 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, an active lifestyle, regular exercise, gymnastics, stretching of the spine will allow you not to remember such a problem as cervical osteochondrosis in the future.