Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of degenerative changes in cartilage and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to subsidence, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient feels pain, dizziness, nausea.
The first signs
The cervical region contains the main blood vessels that feed the brain. Micro-impulses coming from the main organ and the central nervous system pass through nerve fibers. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, individual characteristics. In cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the function of amortization are negatively affected by:
- The structure is changing.
- The growths are formed in the form of tufts due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates, nerve fibers fail.
The first symptoms of the disease are not pronounced.
With the development of osteochondrosis that has developed in the neck, intense pain is observed - the main symptom. During the movement, the discomfort intensifies, muscle tension occurs.
There are different categories of people at risk. The process is determined by the factors that cause the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- comorbidities - scoliosis, rheumatism;
- excessive physical activity;
- spinal cord injury.
Symptoms of subsequent stages of neck osteochondrosis
Changes in cartilage tissue manifest as signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of dystrophic disorders. Processes can lead to the breakdown of any internal system of the body:
- Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. If the spinal cord is constricted, neurological diseases can occur. Bone growths that form on nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. There is a loss of sensitivity.
- Compression of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the cause of the lack of full blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart function worsens. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, jumps in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vegetovascular dystonia, impaired respiratory function. Hearing and vision problems may occur.
External
External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of damage to the organism. Patients do not complain of worsening general well-being in first-stage pathology. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim and perform wellness exercises.
The sensation in second-stage cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain, leading to stiffness of movement.
The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different parts of the spine. Reducing patient performance. Squeezing the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilts, turns of the head increase the discomfort of osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: on palpation of the pathological area there is sharp pain, immobility, movements are marked by squeaking, dizziness, nausea. The condition is manifested by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Circulatory disorders lead to jumps in blood pressure and hypertension. There is numbness of the upper limbs.
The fourth phase is determined by the worsening of the condition. In the advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may become disabled. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches its maximum, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, damage to sight and hearing. There is a speech disorder - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, localized on the neck, is carried out by a conservative method of drug therapy.
The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics to improve health. In order to eliminate the pain syndrome during the exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to take a course of general strengthening massage.
Internal
Internal symptoms are characterized by changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:
- And the phase of manifestation of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The location of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonia occurs.
- Phase II osteochondrosis of the neck is determined by the thinning of the intervertebral discs, their height decreases, which increases the load on the musculoskeletal system. The result is pain.
- Phase III. The cartilage is deformed, the bone tissue grows, intervertebral hernias are formed and protrusion occurs. Disk drop cases have been resolved. The symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
- Stage IV. Complete destruction of the discs located between the vertebrae with further replacement of the cavities with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of growths.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly perform exercises at home, which aim to strengthen the muscular corset in osteochondrosis. Special medications, ointments, injections are prescribed to relieve pain. Apply folk remedies in the form of compresses, bandages.
Can the symptoms differ between men and women?
The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, it has 7 vertebrae. The department starts at the chest and attaches to the skull. The signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women do not differ from the manifestations of pathology in men. According to statistics, women are more prone to developing the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure and possible pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on the accompanying conditions, hormone levels, symptoms and other factors.
> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" >Fetal pregnancy may be accompanied by symptoms:
- progression of cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis;
- tight nerve endings;
- occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movement.
Features of pathology diagnosis
A comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease, the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. Different methods are used to make an accurate diagnosis:
- Inspection. After contacting the doctor, a visual assessment of the parameters is performed - gait, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms is collected.
- Radiography is considered an affordable method of examination. It is characterized by the possible occurrence of consequences that affect the general well-being of the patient. An X-ray of the cervical region from the base of the skull to the upper part of the chest is being done. The study shows the condition of the intervertebral discs.
- Tomography. There are two types: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case, with the help of a special device, the specialist captures images-cuts under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on a computer screen, a 3D model is performed. The second type of test is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layered images of a specific part of the body are recorded.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis occurring in the neck are characterized by intense development, you should consult a doctor. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, regular exercise and swimming. In addition to the advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including taking medications that stop pain and normalize the work of the body's internal systems.