With osteochondrosis, there is a gradual destruction of the tissues of the spine, which leads to a violation of its function. Usually such degenerative processes develop in its most mobile departments. In young people, cervical osteochondrosis is most often observed. The instability of this department, together with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injury and various dystrophic processes. In 3 out of 10 cases, it is he who causes sudden headaches. Osteochondrosis causes a metabolic disorder of the spine. Because of this, the discs in it protrude, and then crack.
Symptoms
Several signs can indicate dystrophic changes in the spine. Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more pronounced or weaker. Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, neck, shoulder. Strengthens even with a light load.
- Numbness in the limbs.
- Cracking when turning the neck.
- Headaches localized mainly in the occiput and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Noise in the ears, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Cervical osteochondrosis can also be indicated by pulling pains in the region of the heart. The patient often has sensations similar to angina pectoris. When the root of the spine is pinched, other disorders also arise. For example, loss of tongue sensation or decreased neck muscle tone, breathing problems. If the treatment is not prescribed in time, the patient may develop a protrusion or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis. The first is characterized by instability of the intervertebral discs. On the second, protrusions are considered the main sign. In this case, the spaces between the vertebrae become smaller. There is a pain syndrome, which can be associated with pinched nerve roots.
In the third stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, occurs. This is why it deforms afterwards. A patient with the fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis feels severe pain with any movement. It should be noted that a decrease in its intensity does not indicate recovery. On the contrary, it indicates that the process of formation of the osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun. As a rule, this leads to a disability. Treatment is prescribed depending on the clinical signs and the stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of disease
Sedentary work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis. This section of the spine is quite compact, and therefore even slight muscle tension leads to compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Against this background, osteophytes often form, which only aggravate the situation. In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be triggered by:
- Metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition;
- salt deposition in the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- cervical spine injuries;
- rheumatism.
The cause of the development of the disease can also be a curvature of the spine or excess weight. The risk group includes people with poor physical shape or athletes who make mistakes in the training process.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
In order to avoid the development of complications at the first signs of pinching the nerve roots of the spine, you should seek help from a medical specialist. Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors, osteopaths.
In addition, you may need to visit a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist, cardiologist. To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints. At this stage, he asks the patient the following questions:
- When did neck pain first appear?
- Do other symptoms accompany cervical osteochondrosis?
- Is the patient's occupational activity associated with lifting weights or holding the neck in a stationary position for a long time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient show signs of neurological disorders?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI. Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming, and exercise therapy. Local destructive processes are affected by acupuncture. With severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes anesthetics. Tension in the muscles is relieved by muscle relaxants. In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that compresses the roots of the spinal cord, surgery is required.
What if the disease is not treated?
In the absence of qualified medical care, the patient eventually develops chronic pain in the cervical spine. It radiates to the upper and lower limbs, which is fraught with paralysis. As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve channels, veins, and arteries. This can disrupt the cerebral circulation process. This often causes ischemia and strokes. The patient also deteriorates vision, hearing, migraine and vegetovascular dystonia appear.
Studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy. It causes a partial or total loss of mobility of the vertebrae. The occurrence of exacerbations is a reason for hospitalization of the patient. The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered to be compression of the spinal cord. The risk of death in this case is quite high. In order to avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The mode of work must be gentle. Every day you should do special gymnastics and, if possible, morning exercises.