In osteochondrosis, there is a gradual destruction of spinal tissue, which leads to a violation of its function. Usually such degenerative processes develop in its most mobile departments. Cervical osteochondrosis is most commonly seen 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 is he who causes sudden headaches. Osteochondrosis causes a metabolic disorder in the spine. Because of that, 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 neck, neck, shoulder. It strengthens even with a slight load.
- Numbness of the limbs.
- Cracking when turning the door.
- Headache localized mainly in the nape of the neck and temples.
- Unconsciousness, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Cervical osteochondrosis may be indicated by withdrawal pain in the heart area. The patient often has feelings similar to angina pectoris. Other disorders also occur with spinal cord entrapment. For example, loss of sensation of the tongue or decreased tone of the neck muscles, respiratory problems. If treatment is not prescribed in time, the patient may develop a protrusion or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis. The first is characterized by instability of the intervertebral discs. On the other, protrusions are considered the main sign. In that case, the gaps between the vertebrae become smaller and smaller. There is a pain syndrome, which can be associated with pinching of nerve roots.
In the third phase, the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, is destroyed. Therefore, it is subsequently deformed. A patient with stage IV cervical osteochondrosis feels severe pain with any movement. It should be noted that a decrease in its intensity does not indicate recovery. On the contrary, it indicates that the process of forming osteophytes that connect the vertebrae has begun. This usually leads to disability. Treatment is prescribed based on clinical signs and the stage of pathology development.
Causes of disease
Sedentary work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis. This part of the spine is quite compact, and even a small tension of the muscles in it leads to compression of the 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;
- salt deposition in the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- cervical spine injuries;
- rheumatism.
The cause of the disease can also be a curvature of the spine or being overweight. The risk group includes people with poor physical condition 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 the nerve roots of the spine, you should seek help from a specialist doctor. Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors, osteopaths.
Additionally, you may need to consult a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist, cardiologist. To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints. At this stage, the patient is asked the following questions:
- When did neck pain first appear?
- Are cervical osteochondrosis accompanied by other symptoms?
- Is the patient's professional activity associated with lifting weights or keeping the neck in a stationary position for a long time?
- What is the level of condition of the patient?
- 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 therapy. Acupuncture affects local destruction processes. In severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes anesthetics. Muscle relaxants relieve muscle tension. In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that compresses the roots of the spinal cord, surgery is necessary.
What if the disease is not treated?
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 full of paralysis. As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve channels, veins and arteries. This can disrupt the cerebral circulation process. It often causes ischemia and spinal stroke. The patient's vision, hearing, migraine and vegetovascular dystonia also worsen.
By studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy. This leads to partial or complete loss of mobility of the vertebrae. 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 way of working should be gentle. Special gymnastics should be done every day, and morning exercises if possible.