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, the patient experiences pain, dizziness, nausea.
First signs
The cervical region contains the main blood vessels that feed the brain. The micro-pulses from the main organ and the central nervous system pass through the nerve fibers. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, individual characteristics. With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the amortization function are adversely affected by:
- The structure is changing.
- Growths are formed in the form of tufts due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply worsens, the nerve fibers fail.
The first symptoms of the disease are not expressed.
With the development of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, severe pain is observed - the main symptom. During the movements, the discomfort intensifies, muscle tension occurs.
There are several 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 injury.
Symptoms of the later stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Changes in cartilage tissue are manifested as signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorders. The processes can lead to the failure of any internal system of the body:
- Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of neuralgia of osteochondrosis. If the spinal cord is pinched, neurological diseases can occur. The bony growths that form on the nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, which leads to their fusion. There is a loss of sensation.
- The squeezing of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the cause of the lack of full blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, the work of the heart worsens. Symptoms of the cervical type of osteochondrosis: frequent migraine, sudden changes in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vegetovascular dystonia, impaired function of the respiratory system. Hearing and vision problems may occur.
External
External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of damage to the body. Patients do not complain of the deterioration of general well-being in the pathology of the first stage. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim and perform wellness exercises.
The sensation in cervical osteochondrosis of the second stage is characterized by pain, which leads to stiffness of movements.
The feeling of discomfort can be located in different areas of the spine. Decreased patient performance. Squeezing of the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilts, turns of the head increase discomfort in osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: on palpation of the pathological area, there is severe pain, immobility, movements are characterized by a creak, dizziness, nausea. The condition is manifested by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violation of blood circulation leads to jumps 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 the immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of the arteries and nerve fibers reaches its maximum, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, visual and hearing impairment. There is a violation of speech: numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, localized in the neck, is carried out using a conservative method of therapy through the use of drugs.
The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics for health improvement. To eliminate the pain syndrome during an exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to take a general strengthening massage course.
Internal
Internal symptoms characterize the changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:
- I stage of manifestation of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The position of the discs between the vertebrae shrinks due to a lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonus occurs.
- 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.
- III stage. Cartilage is deformed, bone tissue grows, intervertebral hernias are formed, and protrusion occurs. The cases of dropped discs have been resolved. Symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
- IV stage. Complete destruction of the discs located between the vertebrae with further replacement of voids with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of growths.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly perform exercises at home, aimed at strengthening the muscular corset in osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special drugs, ointments, injections are prescribed. Apply folk remedies in the form of compresses, bandages.
Can the 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. 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, to a possible pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on concomitant conditions, hormone levels, symptoms and other factors.
| Differences | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Cross section of the spine | Larger size. | Smaller. |
| Carrying out system functions | The body is under constant stress. Fractures occur less frequently due to more developed muscles. | It adapts better to loads. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are often diagnosed. |
| Clinical picture | The state is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. Patients cannot clearly describe all signs. | Symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly formulate complaints. |
| Age changes | The institution is not subject to restructuring of internal plants up to 45-50 years. | Changes are observed due to pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur. |
The bearing of the fetus can be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:
- progression of cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis;
- pinched nerve endings;
- the occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movements.
Features of the diagnosis of pathology
A complete diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease, symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. To establish an accurate diagnosis, several methods are used:
- Inspection. After contacting a doctor, a visual assessment is performed with one parameter - gait, 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 general well-being of the patient. An x-ray of the cervical region is taken from the base of the skull to the upper chest. The study shows the state 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 takes image sections under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is made. The second type of examination is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layered images of a certain part of the body are taken.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis occurring in the neck are characterized by intensive development, it is necessary to consult a doctor. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, perform constant exercises and swim. With an advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including taking drugs that stop pain and normalize the work of the body's internal systems.