Osteochondrosis is a disease that destroys the discs and joints of the spine. Everyone in all five areas of the spine can be affected by the disease, but it is the presentation and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis that cause people the most problems. This is due to the large number of nerve fibers and endings, as well as the blood vessels supplying the brain running through the neck.
This area of the spine is the most mobile. It is because of the neck that a person has the ability to turn and tilt his head. The constant load on the neck region leads 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 within 25 to 30 years, due to a person being forced to remain in still and uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. It first affects office workers, drivers, operators of various types of equipment. Often the disease manifests itself in athletes as a result of training or, conversely, their abrupt cessation.
The main causes of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis are incorrect posture, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, a poorly organized workplace, or an uncomfortable bed. Lifting weights also contributes to the development of the disease, as microtrauma can occur during the process, which can lead to dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine.
Developmental stages of spinal osteochondrosis
- The disc is just beginning to collapse, losing moisture and elasticity. This process can take quite a while. This stage is characterized by instability.
- It is characterized by a herniated (bulged) disc. The disc space is reduced due to the destruction of the annulus fibrosus and the reduction of the disc height. Pain may occur due to the approaching vertebrae and herniated discs squeezing the nerve roots.
- The annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed, resulting in the formation of an intervertebral hernia. The spine is significantly deformed.
- This stage is the most difficult because pain occurs with almost any movement. Bone growth occurs, which connect the vertebrae and limit mobility. This growth can lead to disability.
Obvious symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The blood vessels that supply the brain are mainly located in a person's neck, so many signs of the disease are related to impaired circulation in the brain.
- So, here are the signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which ones to watch out for, and which you need to see your doctor:
- severe, persistent pain in the neck and head that extends to the eyes and ears;
- arm pain that gets worse with any effort;
- Difficulty in the movement of fingers and hands, which violates their sensitivities;
- tight neck muscles;
- Pain in the neck when turning and tilting the head;
- throbbing pain in the neck and neck;
- Dizziness when turning head (even before fainting), ringing in the ears;
- Tongue numbness, blurred vision and hearing;
- Heart pain that cannot be cured by taking the appropriate medication;
- nausea, unstable blood pressure;
- sore throat, difficulty swallowing;
- Feeling short of breath.
pathological symptoms
The manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis symptoms may be related to the dysfunction of the following organs and systems in the patient:
- Compression and destruction of the spinal cord within the spinal canal. This symptom is rare and only occurs in very severe cases;
- Changes in the peripheral nervous system due to compression of the nerve roots that lie next to the affected vertebrae;
- Violation of the blood supply to the brain.
When diagnosing this disease, doctors look for the presence of many symptoms. Their appearance depends on which part of the spine is caught by the disease.
Cardiac syndrome of cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of cardiac syndrome in osteochondrosis are similar to those of angina, which are caused by irritation of the pectoralis major root or phrenic nerve. The resulting pain can last up to several hours, and is worsened by sneezing, sharp head turns, and coughing.
Tachycardia and premature beats may occur, which do not go away with appropriate medication, and the electrocardiogram does not show any abnormalities.
stimulated reflex syndrome
This group of syndromes is characterized by severe neck pain that is aggravated by exercise, coughing, head turning, and sneezing. It can radiate to the shoulders or chest.
radiculopathy
This syndrome occurs when the cervical nerve is pinched. It is characterized by pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulder blade and forearm to the fingers. It may be numbness and goose bumps in the head, neck, shoulders, and hands.
vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome is caused by compression of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain, and is characterized by severe or throbbing headaches that travel to the back of the head, forehead, and temples. Nausea, disorientation, hearing impairment, reduced vision, fainting may occur.
Anyone who notices the above signs of cervical osteochondrosis should seek immediate medical attention.
It must be remembered that treatment is most effective when started early in the disease. It will help stop disease and continue to live a fulfilling life.
Today, medicine offers different treatments for osteochondrosis that allow you to slow or stop the destruction of the spine, allowing patients to live longer without pain.
Proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, regular exercise, gymnastics, and stretching the spine will make you forget about problems like cervical osteochondrosis in the future.