Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of degenerative changes in the cartilage and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to subsidence, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, patients experience pain, dizziness, nausea.
The first signs
The cervical area contains the main blood vessels that feed the brain. Microimpulses originating from major organs and the central nervous system pass through nerve fibers. The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease, individual characteristics. With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the depreciation function are negatively affected by:
- The structure changed.
- Outgrowths form in the form of tassels due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply becomes worse, nerve fibers fail.
The first symptoms of the disease are not expressed.
With the development of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, intense pain is observed - the main symptom. During movement, discomfort increases, muscle tension occurs.
There are various categories of people at risk. This process is determined by the factors that trigger the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- comorbidities - scoliosis, rheumatism;
- excessive physical activity;
- spinal cord injury.
Symptoms of the next stage of osteochondrosis of the neck
Changes in cartilage tissue manifest themselves as signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorder. The process can lead to the failure of any internal system of the body:
- Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. If the spinal cord is pinched, nerve disease can occur. Bone growth that forms at the nerve roots partially or completely paralyzes the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. There is a loss of sensitivity.
- Squeezing the main and peripheral blood vessels is the cause of lack of full blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart work worsens. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, jumps in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vegetovascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. Hearing and vision problems may occur.
Exterior
External symptoms are characterized by a variety of damage to the body. Patients did not complain of deterioration of general well -being in first -degree pathology. To prevent the onset of disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim, and do health exercises.
Sensation in the second phase cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain, which leads to stiffness of movement.
Feelings of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. Decreased patient performance. Squeezing the arteries causes general weakness, migraines. Tilt, roundness of the head increases discomfort in osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is determined by more obvious symptoms: on palpation of the pathological area, there is a sharp pain, immobility, movement characterized by dryness, dizziness, nausea. This condition is indicated by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violations of blood circulation lead to spikes in blood pressure and hypertension. There is numbness in the upper limbs.
The fourth phase is determined by the deterioration of conditions. With advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis, patient disability may occur. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches a maximum, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision, and hearing loss. There are speech disorders - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, localized in the neck, is carried out using conservative methods of therapy using drugs.
Doctors prescribe physiotherapy, gymnastics that improves health. To eliminate the pain syndrome during pathological exacerbation, it is recommended to take a course of general strengthening massage.
Inner
Internal symptoms characterize changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:
- I rank the manifestations of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The location of the disc between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonicity prevails.
- Stage II osteochondrosis of the neck is determined by the thinning of the intervertebral disc, its height decreases, which increases the load on the musculoskeletal system. The result is pain.
- Level III. Cartilage is deformed, bone tissue grows, an intervertebral hernia forms, and protrusion occurs. The case of falling off the disk has been fixed. Symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Arthrosis begins to develop.
- stage IV. Complete destruction of the disc located between the vertebrae with further replacement of the void with bone or connective tissue. This process leads to the formation of results.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly do exercises at home, aimed at strengthening the muscular corset in osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special medications, ointments, injections are prescribed. Apply folk remedies in the form of compresses, bandages.
Can symptoms differ between men and women?
The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, it has 7 vertebrae. The department begins with the chest and is attached to the skull. The signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women do not differ from the pathological manifestations in men. According to statistics, women are more prone to the occurrence of diseases, which are caused by the anatomical structure, the possibility of pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on the corresponding conditions, hormone levels, symptoms and other factors.
| The difference | Man | women |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal cross section | Larger size. | Smaller. |
| Performance of system functions | The body is constantly under stress. Fractures occur less frequently due to more developed muscles. | It is better to adapt to the load. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are often diagnosed. |
| Clinical picture | The state is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. The patient is unable to clearly describe all the signs. | Symptoms are pronounced. The patient clearly formulates the complaint. |
| Age change | The body is not subject to internal system restructuring for up to 45-50 years. | Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur. |
The birth of the fetus may be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:
- cervical development, lumbar osteochondrosis;
- nerve endings pinched;
- the occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movement.
Characteristics of pathological diagnosis
A comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease, the symptoms, is the key to the course of a favorable condition. To make an accurate diagnosis, different methods are used:
- Inspection. After contacting the doctor, a visual assessment is performed with parameters - gait, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms was collected.
- Radiography is considered an accessible method of examination. It is characterized by the possibility of the occurrence of consequences that affect the general well -being of the patient. X-rays are taken from the cervical region from the base of the skull to the top of the chest. Studies show the condition of the intervertebral disc.
- Tomography. There are two types: computer and magnetic resonance (MRI). In the first case, with the help of special tools, specialists take pictures under the influence of x-rays. The resulting image is displayed on a computer screen, a 3D model is performed. The second type of inspection is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layered pictures of certain parts of the body are taken.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis occurring in the neck are characterized by intensive development, you should see a doctor. To prevent this disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, do regular exercise, and swim. With advanced forms 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.