Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs. High-quality treatment of this disease is carried out, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and associated syndromes, in a professional clinic.
common symptoms
Pain in the neck and back is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it occurs only in the second stage of the disease. At first, patients notice only a feeling of heaviness and muscle tension. Neck areas to get rid of uncomfortable sensationsHas the habit of kneading or turning the head.
In addition to pain, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- crunches while turning the body or head;
- numbness and a feeling of weakness in the hands;
- decreased flexibility;
- headache, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- Loss of cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of pathology, a feeling of slight discomfort develops into aching and pulling pains, and then into sharp pains, manifested during physical exertion, with sudden movements or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, Pain of varying intensity is felt continuously, even at rest or sleep. Over time, the pain radiates to the back of the head, arms, shoulders, and fingers – this is due to damage to the nerve roots.
Upper limb dysfunction associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems related to the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, the hands are almost always cold and cold even in a warm room. You may also observe:
- tingling or itching, burning in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- Weakness of the hands (including a weakening of the grasp of objects with the palm);
- violation of the motor function of the hands;
- Sudden shooting pain.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to accumulate in the affected area - this is a compensatory reaction of the body to the destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral disc. With the deposition of salts, the patient may note:
- decreased flexibility of the neck;
- perform crunches when tilting or turning the head;
- Pain when trying to turn your head.
Some symptoms may appear only in certain postures or certain activities. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the sensation of a "current" passing along the arms when trying to lower the head.
problems caused by poor blood flow
The disease causes severe disturbances in blood flow, and also affects metabolic processes. Because of this, damage occurs not only to the spinal cord, but also to the brain, as well as other systems, resulting in:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- movement disorder;
- weakness;
- Headache;
- sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- "Midge" before the eyes;
- state of unconsciousness.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, as a consequence, impaired blood flow in the patient, cognitive function may deteriorate. Analytical and creative abilities decrease, memory problems arise. It can also impair vision or hearing. To the brainDue to the constant pain and insufficient blood supply, the patient becomes nervous, moody, depressed, suddenly apathy or anger may appear.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position and slowly developing scoliosis can provoke health problems that, at first glance, are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms can be mistaken for manifestations of diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract:
- pain in the middle of the chest;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramping when swallowing;
- Molly's visits.
In addition, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness or an urge to "clear" the throat repeatedly. You may experience a "lump in the throat" sensation or violent snoring. A sharp deterioration in the position of the teeth. There may be speech problems and sudden attacks of numbness of the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at different stages of the development of the disease
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may experience only heaviness or discomfort in the neck, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. Later painsThe syndrome arises and intensifies. In the later stages, the disease can cause disability.
- first degree.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of a headache. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by physical exertion.
- second degree. . . Local pain appears due to the initial protrusion of the disc. The pain syndrome becomes more intense when the head is tilted or turned. Reflective pain may appear, usually between the shoulder blades or in the arms. The patient is more likely to experience weakness, a decrease in the general tone of the body.
- third degree.An intervertebral hernia begins to form, a significant deformation of the spine is observed. The pain syndrome is intense, constant. Severe mobility impairment occurs in the affected area, gait changes.
- fourth degree. . . There may be intense pain when attempting to tilt or turn the head, or, conversely, no pain if it is impossible to move the head. Most often, the patient experiences severe headache, impaired vision and hearingworsens, coordination of movements is impaired. The patient's disability often occurs at this stage.
Test: check yourself for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Answer a few questions to check for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Have you had a head or neck injury?
- Do you get neck pain after sleeping?
- Does it hurt when rolling back, bending over, or turning the head?
- Do you get crunches when you shake your head?
- Are you experiencing muscle tension or the urge to stretch your neck?
- Do you get any discomfort, sharp or pulling pain during or after exercise?
- Do you often get dizziness, headache?
- Do you get a headache during a fast hike, or do "midges" appear before your eyes?
- Have you noticed that your hands become cold and numb from time to time?
If you answered yes to at least some of the questions, this is a reason to see a doctor.