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, combined with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injuries and various dystrophic processes. In 3 out of 10 cases, it is he who causes sudden headaches. Osteochondrosis provokes a metabolic disorder in the spine. Because of this, the disks 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. Reinforces even with a slight load.
- Numbness in limbs.
- Cracking when turning the neck.
- Headache 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 spinal root is pinched, other disorders also occur. For example, loss of sensation of the tongue or decreased tone of the neck muscles, respiratory problems. If 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 in the intervertebral discs. On the second, protrusions are considered to be the main sign. In this case, the gaps between the vertebrae become smaller. There is a pain syndrome, which may be associated with pinched nerve roots.
At the third stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, occurs. That is why it subsequently deforms. 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, this indicates that the process of formation of osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun. As a rule, this leads to disability. 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 section of the spine is quite compact, and therefore even a slight muscle tension in it leads to compression of the 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 triggered by:
- metabolic disorders;
- malnutrition;
- salt deposition in the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- injuries of the cervical spine;
- 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 fitness 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 pinched nerve roots of the spine, you should seek help from a medical specialist. Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors, osteopaths.
Additionally, you may need to consult 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 professional activity associated with lifting weights or keeping the neck in a motionless position 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 therapy. Local processes of destruction are affected by acupuncture. With severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes anesthetics. The 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, surgical intervention is necessary.
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 the nerve canals, veins, and arteries. This can disrupt the process of cerebral circulation. Often this provokes ischemia and spinal strokes. The patient also deteriorates vision, hearing, migraine and vegetovascular dystonia appear.
Studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy. It leads to partial or complete loss of mobility of the vertebrae. The occurrence of exacerbations is a reason for hospitalization of the patient. The most severe 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 should be gentle. Every day you should do special gymnastics, and if possible, morning exercises.