Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine. Of the 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 trouble for people. 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 reaches the cervical region contributes to degenerative changes in its structure and the development of osteochondrosis.
Who is affected by the disease
In most cases, the disease develops and begins to manifest itself in twenty-five to thirty years due to prolonged forced 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 its abrupt discontinuation.
The main causes of osteochondrosis in the cervical and thoracic spine are incorrect posture, a sedentary lifestyle, heredity, a poorly organized workplace or an uncomfortable bed. Weight lifting also contributes to the appearance of this disease, since in this process microtraumas are possible, contributing 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 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 the decrease in its height. Due to the pinching of the nerve roots by the approaching vertebrae and protruding discs, pain can 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 the pain occurs with almost any movement. Bone growths appear, connect the vertebrae, limiting mobility. Such growths can cause disability.
Distinctive signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
The blood vessels that feed the brain are located primarily in a person's neck, so many of the signs of the disease are associated with poor blood circulation to the brain.
- So, here are the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, noticing which one, you should see a doctor:
- severe and persistent pain in the neck and head, spreading to the eyes and ears;
- pain in the arms, which worsens with any exertion;
- difficulties in the movements of the fingers and hands, a violation of their sensitivity;
- tension of the neck muscles;
- when turning and tilting the head, the appearance of pain in the neck;
- the appearance of stabbing pain in the neck and neck;
- the 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 the appropriate medications;
- nausea, instability of blood pressure;
- sore throat, swallowing disorder;
- feeling of shortness 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 rupture of the spinal cord in the spinal canal. These 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. Its appearance depends on which part of the spine has been 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, the cough becomes stronger.
Tachycardias and extrasystoles may appear, which do not disappear with the use of appropriate drugs, and the cardiogram shows no abnormalities.
irritative reflex syndromes
This group of syndromes is characterized by acute pain in the neck, aggravated by movement, coughing, turning the head, and sneezing. It can radiate to the shoulder or chest.
root 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 from the forearms to the fingers. Perhaps the appearance of numbness and a feeling of goose bumps on the back of the head, neck, shoulder area, hands.
vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome, caused by compression of the vertebral artery responsible for 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 appearance of hearing 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 should be remembered that treatment started at an early stage of the disease is more effective. It will help stop the disease and continue to lead a full life.
Today, medicine offers different methods of treating osteochondrosis, it 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.