With osteochondrosis, the tissue of the spine is gradually destroyed, causing its function to be impaired. Typically, this degradation process develops in its most mobile sectors. In young adults, cervical osteochondrosis is most commonly observed. The instability of the sector, coupled with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injury and various malnutrition processes. In three out of ten cases, it was him who caused the sudden headache. Osteochondrosis can cause metabolic disorders in the spine. Because of this, the disk in it protrudes and then breaks.
symptom
There are several signs of dystrophic changes in the spine. They are more pronounced or weaker depending on the stage of the disease. Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Neck, neck, shoulder pain. Strengthens even under light loads.
- Numbness in the limbs.
- Cracks when turning the neck.
- Headaches are mainly confined to the occiput and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- There is noise in the ears and hearing loss.
- Vision loss.
Cervical osteochondrosis can also be indicated by a pulling pain in the heart area. Patients often have angina-like sensations. Other disorders can occur when the spinal roots are pinched. For example, loss of sensation in the tongue or decreased muscle tone in the neck, breathing problems. If left untreated, patients may develop a herniation or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis. The first feature is disc instability. Second, protrusions are considered to be the main sign. In this case, the space between the vertebrae becomes smaller. There is a pain syndrome that may be related to nerve root compression.
In the third stage, destruction of the annulus fibrosus, which is a component of the intervertebral disc, occurs. That's why it deforms later. Patients with stage IV cervical osteochondrosis experience severe pain during any exercise. It should be noted that a reduction in its intensity does not indicate recovery. Instead, this suggests that the process of osteophyte formation that connects the vertebrae has begun. Often, this results in disability. Treatment is prescribed according to clinical symptoms and stage of pathological development.
cause of disease
Sedentary work is most often associated with cervical osteochondrosis. This part of the spine is very compact, so even slight muscle tension can cause compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Against this background, osteophytes often form, which only aggravates the situation. In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be triggered by:
- metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition;
- Cervical salt deposition;
- low temperature;
- genetic predisposition;
- cervical spine injury;
- Rheumatism.
The disease may also develop due to curvature of the spine or excess weight. At-risk groups include people with poor physical fitness or athletes who make mistakes during training.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
To avoid the development of complications at the first sign of spinal nerve roots, you should seek the help of a medical professional. Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors, and osteopaths.
Also, you may need to consult a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist, cardiologist. To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's chief complaint. At this stage, he asks the patient the following questions:
- When did neck pain first appear?
- Are there other symptoms associated with cervical osteochondrosis?
- Is the patient's occupational activity related to lifting weights or keeping the neck still for extended periods of time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient have signs of neurological disease?
To assess the condition of the spine, a doctor will prescribe an X-ray, CT, or MRI. Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming, and exercise therapy. The local destruction process is affected by acupuncture. For severe pain syndromes, doctors prescribe anesthesia. Muscle relaxants relieve muscle tension. In advanced cases, when the patient suffers from a hernia that compresses the root of the spinal cord, surgical intervention is required.
What if the disease is not treated?
In the absence of qualified medical care, patients eventually develop chronic pain in the cervical spine. It radiates to the upper and lower extremities, full of paralysis. As osteophytes grow, they can compress neural tubes, veins, and arteries. This disrupts brain circulatory processes. This usually causes ischemia and spinal stroke. The patient's vision, hearing also deteriorated, migraine headaches and vegetative vascular dystonia occurred.
Studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy. It causes partial or complete loss of mobility of the vertebrae. The occurrence of exacerbations was the reason for the patient's hospitalization. The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered to be compression of the spinal cord. In this case, the risk of death is very high. To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Work in a gentle way. Every day you should do some special gymnastics, if possible, morning exercises.