Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs. In a professional clinic, high-quality treatment of this disease is carried out, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and associated syndromes.
Common Symptoms
Pain in the neck and back is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it occurs only in the second stage of this disease. At first, patients notice only a feeling of heaviness and muscle tension. There is a habit of reflexively kneading the neck area or turning the head to get rid of uncomfortable sensations.
In addition to pain, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- crunch when turning the body or head;
- numbness and feeling of weakness in the hands;
- decreased flexibility;
- headaches, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- impairment of cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of pathology, the feeling of slight discomfort develops into aching and pulling pains, and then into sharp pain, manifested during physical exertion, sudden movements or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, pain of varying degrees of intensity is felt constantly, even at rest or in sleep. Over time, pain begins to radiate to the back of the head, arms, shoulders and fingers - this is caused by damage to the nerve roots.
Upper limb dysfunctions associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems related to the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, hands are almost always cold and freezing even in a warm room. You can also observe:
- tingling or itching, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including the weakening of the grip of objects with the palm);
- violation of the motor function of the hands;
- sudden shooting pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to be deposited in the affected area - this is a compensatory reaction of the body to the destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs. With the deposition of salts, the patient may note:
- decreased neck flexibility;
- crunch when tilting or turning the head;
- pain when trying to bend your head.
Some symptoms may only appear in certain postures or certain movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the sensation of a "current" passing along the arms when trying to lower the head.
Problems caused by impaired blood flow
The disease causes serious disturbances in blood flow, and also affects metabolic processes. Because of this, not only the spine suffers, but also the brain, as well as other systems, as a result of which:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- movement disorders;
- weakness;
- headache;
- sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- "Midges" before the eyes;
- fainting conditions.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, as a consequence, impaired blood flow in the patient, cognitive functions may deteriorate. Analytical and creative abilities decrease, memory problems arise. Also, vision or hearing impairment is possible. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes nervous, capricious, depression, sudden outbursts of apathy or anger may appear.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position and gradually developing scoliosis can provoke health problems that, at first glance, are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms can be mistaken for a manifestation of diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract:
- pain in the middle of the chest;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramping when swallowing;
- bouts of nausea.
Also, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent urge to "clear" the throat. You may experience a "lump in the throat" sensation or violent snoring. There may be a sharp deterioration in the condition of the teeth, problems with diction, and sudden attacks of numbness of the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at different stages of the development of the disease
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may experience only heaviness or discomfort in the neck, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. Later pain syndrome arises and intensifies. In later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- 1st degree.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: this is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of headaches. Unpleasant sensations increase with physical exertion
- 2nd degree. . . Local pain appears due to the incipient protrusion of the discs. The pain syndrome becomes more intense when tilting or turning the head. Reflected pain may appear, usually between the shoulder blades or in the arms. The patient is more likely to experience weakness, the general tone of the body decreases.
- 3rd degree.The formation of an intervertebral hernia begins, a significant deformation of the spine is observed. Pain syndrome is intense, constant. There are serious violations of mobility in the affected area, gait changes.
- 4th degree. . . There may be intense pain when trying to tilt or turn the head, or, conversely, the absence of any pain if it is impossible to make any head movements. Most often, the patient experiences severe headaches, vision and hearing deteriorate, coordination of movements is impaired. Disability of the patient often occurs at this stage.
Test: check yourself for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Answer a few questions to check for signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Have you had head or neck injuries?
- Do you experience neck pain after sleeping?
- Is there pain when rolling back, bending over, or turning the head?
- Do you get a crunch when you move your head?
- Are you experiencing muscle tension or the urge to stretch your neck?
- Is there any discomfort, sharp or pulling pain during or after physical exertion?
- Do you often have dizziness, headache?
- Do you have a headache during a sharp rise, or do "midges" appear in front of your eyes?
- Do you notice that your hands have become cold and periodically numb?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, this is a reason to see a doctor. Do not delay a visit to the doctor - this way you have more chances of recovery.