Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine. Anyone from all five parts of the spine can be affected by this disease, but the manifestations and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cause people the most problems. This is due to the large number of nerve fibers and endings, as well as the 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 afflicted with a disease
Most often, the disease develops and begins to manifest itself after twenty-five-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 appears in athletes as a result of training or, on the contrary, their abrupt cessation.
The main causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are incorrect posture, a sedentary lifestyle, heredity, an improperly organized workplace or an uncomfortable bed. Weight lifting also contributes to the occurrence of this disease, since in this process microtraumas are possible, which contribute to dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone tissues of the spine.
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 some time. The scene is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by bulging (bulging) of the discs. Intervertebral spaces are reduced due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc and the reduction of its height. Due to compression of the nerve roots by the approaching vertebra and bulging 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 stage is the most difficult, because the pain appears with almost any movement. Bone formations appear, they connect the vertebrae, limit movement. Such growth can lead to disability.
Distinctive signs of cervical osteochondrosis
Blood vessels that feed the brain are mainly located in the neck of a person, so many symptoms of the disease are related to impaired blood circulation in the brain.
- So, here are the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, when you notice it, you need to visit a doctor:
- Severe, constant pain in the neck and head, extending to the eyes and ears;
- Pain in the arms, aggravated by any effort;
- difficulties in the movements of fingers and hands, violation of their sensitivity;
- neck muscle tension;
- pain in the neck when turning and bending the head;
- the appearance of throbbing pain in the neck and neck area;
- dizziness when turning the head (even before fainting), tinnitus;
- numbness of the tongue, blurring of vision and hearing;
- pain in the heart, 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 malfunctions 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 appear only in very severe cases;
- changes in the peripheral nervous system, the reason of which is the compression of the nerve roots located next to the damaged spine;
- Disruption 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 is affected by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome in cervical spine osteochondrosis
Symptoms of heart syndrome in osteochondrosis are similar to angina pectoris, it is caused by irritation of the roots of the main muscle of the chest or the phrenic nerve. As a result, the pain can last for several hours, and when sneezing, turning the head sharply, the cough becomes stronger.
Tachycardia and extrasystole may be found, which do not disappear with the use of appropriate drugs, and no abnormalities are visible on the cardiogram.
Irritable 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 occurs when the cervical nerve is stretched. It is characterized by the spread of pain from the neck to the shoulder blades and from the forearms to the fingers. Numbness and goosebumps may appear in the head, neck, shoulders, hands.
Vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome, caused by compression of the vertebral artery, which is responsible for the blood supply to the brain, is characterized by the appearance of a sharp or throbbing headache that moves to the back of the head, forehead, temples. Nausea, disorientation, hearing disorders, vision impairment, weakness may occur.
A person who has noticed the appearance of the above signs of cervical osteochondrosis should immediately consult a doctor.
It should be remembered that the treatment started at the early stage of the disease is the most effective. This will help stop the disease and continue a full life.
Today, medicine offers various methods of dealing with osteochondrosis, allowing 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 of the spine will allow you not to remember such a problem as cervical osteochondrosis in the future.