Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of degenerative changes in the cartilage and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to the lowering and deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient experiences pain, dizziness and nausea.
First signs
The cervical region contains the main blood vessels that supply the brain. Micro-impulses emanating 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 and individual characteristics. With cervical osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs that perform the function of depreciation are negatively affected by:
- The structure changes.
- Outgrowths are formed in the form of tufts due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates and 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. When moving, the discomfort increases, muscle tension appears.
There are different categories of vulnerable people. The process is determined by factors provoking the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- comorbidities - scoliosis, rheumatism;
- excessive physical activity;
- spinal injury.
Symptoms of the next stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Changes in the cartilage tissue are expressed as signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic diseases. 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. Bony outgrowths that form at the nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. There is a loss of sensitivity.
- The squeezing of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the cause of the lack of blood flow. Oxygen starvation occurs, the work of the heart deteriorates. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, jumps in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vegetative-vascular dystonia, respiratory dysfunction. Hearing and vision problems may occur.
External
External symptoms are characterized by a variety of damage to the body. Patients do not complain about the deterioration in general well-being in the first stage pathology. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, go swimming and do wellness exercises.
The feeling in cervical osteochondrosis of the second phase is characterized by pain, leading to rigidity of movement.
The discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. Decreased patient performance. The squeezing of the arteries causes general weakness, migraines. Tilts, turns of the head increase the discomfort of osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: when palpating the pathological area, there are sharp pains, immobility, movements are characterized by crunching, dizziness and 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 phase is determined by the deterioration of the condition. With the advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient can become disabled. The main symptom is the immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. The compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches its maximum, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, visual disturbances 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 with drugs.
The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, health-promoting gymnastics. To get rid of the pain syndrome during an exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to do a general strengthening massage.
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 jaw ridge is disturbed. The position of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae narrows due to a lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonia 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. The cartilage is deformed, the bone tissue grows, intervertebral hernias form and bulging occurs. Cases of hard drives falling out are fixed. Symptoms of the disease are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
- IV stage. Complete destruction of discs between the vertebrae with further replacement of cavities with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of outgrowths.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly do home exercises aimed at strengthening the muscular corset in osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special drugs, ointments and injections are prescribed. Apply folk remedies in the form of compresses, bandages.
Can the symptoms differ in 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 occurrence of the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, a possible pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on concomitant diseases, hormone levels, symptoms and other factors.
| differences | men | woman |
|---|---|---|
| Cross section of the spine | Bigger size. | Smaller. |
| Execution of system functions | The body is under constant stress. Fractures occur less frequently due to the 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. | The symptoms are pronounced. Patients formulate complaints clearly. |
| age changes | The body is not subject to restructuring of internal systems up to 45-50 years. | Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of hands may appear. |
Positioning the fetus may be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:
- progression of cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis;
- pinched nerve endings;
- the appearance of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movements.
Features of the diagnosis of pathology
A comprehensive diagnosis of the osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease and the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the disease. To make an accurate diagnosis, several methods are used:
- Inspection. After contacting a doctor, a visual assessment is carried out with one parameter - gait, posture. A complete history of symptoms is recorded.
- Radiography is considered an accessible method of investigation. It is characterized by the possible occurrence of consequences that affect the general well-being of the patient. An X-ray of the neck region is taken from the base of the skull to the upper 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 device, a specialist makes image sections under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is created. The second type of investigation is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layered images are taken of a specific part of the body.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis occurring in the neck are characterized by intensive development, you should consult a doctor. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, constantly play sports and swim. With an advanced form of the pathology, treatment is prescribed, including taking drugs that stop pain and normalize the work of the internal systems of the body.