With 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 parts. Cervical osteochondrosis is more common in young people. The instability of this part, combined with the increased physical activity, explains its sensitivity to injuries and various dystrophic processes. In 3 out of 10 cases, it is the one that causes the sudden headaches. Osteochondrosis causes a metabolic disorder in the spine. Because of this, the disks in it protrude and then break.
Symptoms
Various signs may indicate dystrophic changes in the spine. Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more intense or weaker. Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, neck, shoulder. Strengthens even with light load.
- Numbness in the extremities.
- Cracking when rotating the neck.
- The headache is located mainly in the occiput and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Noise in the ears, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Cervical osteochondrosis can also be indicated by pulling pains in the area of the heart. The patient often has sensations similar to angina. When the spinal cord is bitten, other disorders appear. 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 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, which may be related to pinched nerve roots.
In the third stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, occurs. This is why it is then deformed. A patient with the fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis feels severe pain with any movement. It should be noted that the reduction in intensity does not indicate recovery. On the contrary, it indicates that the process of forming osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun. As a rule, this leads to disability. Treatment is prescribed based on the clinical signs and the stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
Sedentary work is more often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis. This part of the spine is quite compact and therefore even a slight muscle tension in it leads to compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels. Against this background, osteophytes often form, which only worsens the condition. In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be caused by:
- metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition;
- deposition of salt in the cervical spine.
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition?
- injuries of the cervical spine.
- rheumatism.
The cause of the development 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 developing complications at the first signs of spinal nerve entrapment, you should seek help from a specialist. 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, ask 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 level of fitness?
- Does the patient have signs of neurological disorders?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. Depending on the symptoms and the stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming and exercise therapy. Local destruction processes are affected by acupuncture. With severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes anesthetics. Muscle tension is relieved by muscle relaxants. 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 specialized medical care, the patient eventually develops chronic pain in the cervical spine. It radiates to the upper and lower extremities, which are full of paralysis. As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve channels, veins and arteries. This can disrupt the cerebral circulation process. This often causes ischemia and stroke in the spine. The patient also has worsening vision, hearing, migraine and phytovascular dystonia.
By studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose rhizopathy. Leads to partial or complete loss of vertebral motility. The appearance of exacerbations is a reason for hospitalization of the patient. The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered to be compression of the spinal cord. The risk of death in this case is quite high. In order to avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The way of working should be gentle. Every day you should do special exercises and, if possible, morning exercises.