With osteochondrosis, there is a gradual destruction of the spinal tissue, which leads to a violation of its function.Usually, such degenerative processes develop in its most mobile parts.Young people most often suffer from cervical osteochondrosis.The instability of this department, combined with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injuries and various degenerative processes.In 3 out of 10 cases, it is the cause of a sudden headache.Osteochondrosis provokes metabolic disorders in the spine.Because of this, the discs in it swell and then crack.
Symptoms
Several signs can indicate dystrophic changes in the spine.Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more or less pronounced.Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in neck, nape, shoulder.Strengthens even under light load.
- Numbness of the limbs.
- Crackling when turning the neck.
- Headache, localized mainly in the back of the head and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Piercing pain in the heart area can also indicate cervical osteochondrosis.The patient often experiences sensations similar to angina pectoris.When the spinal root is pinched, other disorders also occur.For example, loss of sensitivity of the tongue or reduced muscle tone in the neck, breathing problems.If treatment is not prescribed on time, the patient may develop a protrusion or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis.The first is characterized by instability in the intervertebral discs.The second main symptom is considered convexity.At the same time, the gaps between the vertebrae become smaller.A pain syndrome appears, which may be associated with pinching of the nerve roots.
At the third stage, destruction of the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, occurs.That is why its deformation subsequently occurs.A patient with the fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis experiences severe pain with every movement.It is worth noting that reducing its intensity does not mean recovery.On the contrary, it indicates that the process of formation of osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun.As a rule, this leads to damage.Treatment is prescribed based on clinical signs and the stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
Sedentary work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis.This part of the spine is quite compact, and therefore even slight muscle tension in it leads to compression of nerve endings and blood vessels.Against this background, osteophytes often form, which only worsens the situation.In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be caused by:
- metabolic disorders;
- unhealthy diet;
- deposition of salts in the cervical vertebrae;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- cervical spine injuries;
- rheumatism.
The development of the disease can also be caused by curvature of the spine or excess weight.People with poor physical fitness or athletes who make mistakes in the training process are at risk.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
To avoid the development of complications, at the first signs of pinching of the nerve roots of the spine, you should seek help from a medical specialist.Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors and osteopaths.
In addition, you may need to consult a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist or cardiologist.To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints.At this stage, he asks the patient the following questions:
- When did the neck pain first appear?
- Are cervical osteochondrosis accompanied by other symptoms?
- Does the patient's occupational activity involve lifting heavy objects or keeping the neck still for a long time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient have signs of neurological disorders?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes X-rays, CT or MRI.Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming and exercise.Local destructive processes are influenced by acupuncture.In severe pain, the doctor prescribes anesthetics.Muscle tension is relieved with muscle relaxants.In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that presses on the roots of the spinal cord, surgical intervention is necessary.
What if the disease is not treated?
In the absence of qualified medical assistance, the patient eventually develops chronic pain in the cervical vertebrae.It radiates to the upper and lower limbs, which can lead to paralysis.As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve canals, veins, and arteries.This can disrupt the process of cerebral blood circulation.This often provokes ischemia and spinal strokes.The patient's vision and hearing also worsen, migraines and vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
Examining cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy.This leads to a partial or complete loss of vertebral mobility.The occurrence of exacerbations is the reason for hospitalization of the patient.The most severe consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered spinal cord compression.The risk of death is quite high.To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.The work schedule should be gentle.You should do special exercises every day and, if possible, morning exercises.