In osteochondrosis, there is a gradual destruction of the tissues of the spine, which leads to a violation of its function. Usually such degenerative processes develop in its most mobile departments. Cervical osteochondrosis is most common in young people. The instability of this department, combined with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injury and various dystrophic processes. In 3 out of 10 cases, it causes a sudden headache. Osteochondrosis provokes a metabolic disorder in the spine. As a result, the discs in it protrude and then crack.
Symptoms
Several signs may indicate dystrophic changes in the spine. Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more pronounced or weaker. Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, neck, shoulder. Reinforces even under light load.
- Numbness of the limbs.
- Cracking when turning the neck.
- Headache localized mainly in the occiput and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Cervical osteochondrosis can also be indicated by pulling pain in the heart area. The patient often has sensations similar to angina pectoris. When pinching the spinal root, other disorders appear. For example, loss of sensitivity of the tongue or decreased tone of the neck muscles, respiratory problems. If treatment is not prescribed in time, the patient may develop a bulge or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis. The first is characterized by instability in the intervertebral discs. In the second, the protrusions are considered the main sign. In this case, the gaps between the vertebrae become smaller. There is a pain syndrome that can be associated with pinching of nerve roots.
In the third stage, the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, is destroyed. That is why it subsequently deforms. A patient with stage IV cervical osteochondrosis experiences severe pain with each movement. It should be noted that a decrease in its intensity does not indicate recovery. On the contrary, it indicates that the process of formation of osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun. As a rule, this leads to disability. Treatment is prescribed based on clinical signs and the stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
Sedentary work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis. This part of the spine is quite compact and therefore even a slight muscular tension in it leads to compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Against this background, osteophytes often form, which only worsens the situation. In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be caused by:
- metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition;
- deposition of salts in the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- injuries of the cervical spine;
- rheumatism.
The reason for the development of the disease can also be a curvature of the spine or overweight. The risk group includes people with poor physical fitness or athletes who make mistakes in the training process.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
To avoid the development of complications at the first signs of pinching of the nerve roots of the spine, you should seek medical help. Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors, osteopaths.
In addition, you may need to consult a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist, cardiologist. To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints. At this stage, he asks the patient the following questions:
- When did neck pain first appear?
- Do other symptoms accompany cervical osteochondrosis?
- Is the patient's professional activity related to lifting weights or keeping the neck still for a long time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient have signs of neurological disorders?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes X-rays, CT or MRI. Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming and exercise. Local destruction processes are affected by acupuncture. In case of severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes anesthetics. Muscle tension is relieved by muscle relaxants. In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that presses on the roots of the spinal cord, surgery is required.
What if the disease is not cured?
In the absence of qualified medical care, the patient eventually develops chronic pain in the cervical spine. It radiates to the upper and lower limbs, which is fraught with paralysis. As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve channels, veins and arteries. This can disrupt the cerebral circulation. This often provokes ischemia and spinal strokes. The patient also has impaired vision, hearing, migraine and vascular dystonia.
When studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy. Leads to partial or complete loss of vertebral mobility. The appearance of exacerbations is the reason for hospitalization of the patient. The most severe consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered to be compression of the spinal cord. The risk of death in this case is quite high. To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The mode of operation must be gentle. Every day you should do special gymnastics and, if possible, morning exercises.