Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of degenerative changes in cartilage and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to the reduction, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient experiences pain, dizziness, vomiting.
The first signs
The cervical region contains the main blood vessels that nourish the brain. Microimpulses emanating from the main organ and central nervous system pass through the nerve fibers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, the individual characteristics. With osteochondrosis of the cervix, the discs that perform the cushioning function are negatively affected by:
- The structure is changing.
- Exits are formed in the form of tufts due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates, nerve fibers fail.
The first symptoms of the disease are not pronounced.
With the development of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, intense pain is observed - the main symptoms. During the movements, the discomfort intensifies, muscle tension appears.
There are different categories of people at risk. The process is determined by factors that provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- comorbidities - scoliosis, rheumatism;
- excessive physical activity;
- spinal cord injury.
Symptoms of the later stages of neck osteochondrosis
Changes in cartilage tissue appear as signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorders. Processes can lead to the failure of any internal body system:
- Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. If the spinal cord is crushed, neurological diseases can occur. Bone growths that form on nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. There is a loss of sensitivity.
- Squeezing of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the cause of lack of complete blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart work deteriorates. Symptoms of cervical type of osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, blood pressure jumps, impaired coordination, vegetative-vascular dystonia, impaired respiratory system function. Hearing and vision problems may occur.
Outer
External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of injuries to the body. Patients do not complain of deterioration of general well-being in first-stage pathology. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim and perform well-being exercises.
The sensation in stage II cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain, which leads to stiffness of movements.
The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. Reducing patient performance. Squeezing the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilt, curves of the head increase the concern in osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is defined by the most pronounced symptoms: on palpation of the pathological area, there is a sharp pain, immobility, movements are characterized by a crack, dizziness, vomiting. The condition is manifested by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violation of blood circulation leads to spikes in blood pressure and hypertension. There is numbness of the upper limbs.
The fourth stage is determined by the deterioration of the condition. With the advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, patient disability can occur. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches its maximum, which is manifested in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision and hearing. There is a speech impediment - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, localized in the neck, is carried out using a conservative method of therapy using medication.
The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics to improve health. To eliminate the pain syndrome during a worsening of the pathology, it is recommended to do a general strengthening massage course.
internal
Internal symptoms characterize the changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:
- The first stage of the manifestation of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The location of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertension appears.
- Stage II of osteochondrosis of the neck is determined by the thinning of the intervertebral discs, their height decreases, which increases the load on the musculoskeletal system. The result is pain.
- Phase III. The cartilage is deformed, the bone tissue grows, intervertebral hernias form and elongation appears. Cases of falling from disks are regulated. The symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
- Phase IV. Complete destruction of discs placed between vertebrae with further replacement of cavities with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of growths.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to perform regular exercises at home, which are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset in osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special medicines, ointments, injections are prescribed. Apply folk remedies in the form of compresses, bandages.
Can symptoms vary between men and women?
The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, it has 7 vertebrae. The ward starts with the chest and climbs to the skull. The signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women do not differ from the manifestations of pathology in men. According to statistics, women are more prone to the onset of the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, a possible pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on the accompanying conditions, hormonal levels, symptoms and other factors.
| Differences | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Cross section of the spine | Larger size. | Smaller. |
| Perform system functions | The body is under constant stress. Fractures occur less frequently due to more developed muscles. | Fits better with loads. Often diagnosed osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis. |
| Clinical appearance | The state is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. Patients can not clearly describe all the signs. | The symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly formulate complaints. |
| Age changes | The body does not undergo restructuring of internal systems for up to 45-50 years. | Changes are noticed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may appear. |
Fetal retention may be associated with the onset of symptoms:
- progression of cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis;
- tight nerve endings;
- occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movements.
Characteristics of pathology diagnosis
A comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has appeared in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease, the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. Different methods are used to establish an accurate diagnosis:
- Inspection. After contacting a doctor, a visual assessment is made with a parameter - walking, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms is collected.
- Radiography is considered an accessible method of examination. It is characterized by the possible occurrence of consequences that affect the overall well-being of the patient. An x-ray is taken in the cervical region from the base of the skull to the top of the chest. The study shows the condition of the intervertebral discs.
- Tomography. There are two types: computer and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case, with the help of a special apparatus, a specialist makes photo-sections under the influence of x-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is performed. The second type of examination is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layered photographs of a certain part of the body were taken.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis that appear in the neck are characterized by intense development, you should consult a doctor. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, do regular exercise and swim. With an advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including taking medications that stop the pain and normalize the work of the body's internal systems.