Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs. In a professional clinic, quality treatment of this disease is carried out, taking into account the stage of development of the disease and the 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 squeezing the neck area or turning your 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 a feeling of weakness in the hands;
- reduced flexibility;
- headaches, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- impairment of cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of pathology, a feeling of mild discomfort develops into pain and withdrawal, and then into sharp pain, which is manifested during physical exertion, sudden movements, or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, pain of varying intensity is constantly felt, even at rest or in sleep. Over time, the 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 dysfunction associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems related to the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, the hands are almost always cold and freeze even in a warm room. You can also observe:
- tingling or itching, tingling in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including weakening of the holding of the object by the palm);
- violation of motor function of the hands;
- sudden shooting pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to settle in the affected area - this is the body’s compensatory response to the destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs. In addition to salt deposition, the patient may notice:
- reduced door flexibility;
- crunching when tilting or turning the head;
- pain when trying to bend the head.
Some symptoms may appear only in certain positions or certain movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a feeling of "current" passing along the arms when trying to lower the head.
Problems caused by impaired blood flow
The disease causes serious disorders in blood flow, and also affects metabolic processes. As a result, not only the spine suffers, but also the brain, as well as other systems, which is why:
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- movement disorders;
- weakness;
- headache;
- sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- "Flies" before the eyes;
- states of unconsciousness.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, consequently, reduced blood flow to the patient, cognitive functions may deteriorate. Analytical and creative abilities decrease, memory problems occur. It can also damage eyesight or hearing. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes nervous, capricious, depression may occur, sudden outbursts of apathy or anger may occur.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position, and progressive scoliosis can cause health problems that are, at first glance, difficult to relate to osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms can be confused as a manifestation of heart or gastrointestinal tract disease:
- pain in the middle of the chest;
- pain in the heart area;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramps when swallowing;
- bouts of nausea.
Also, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent need to "cleanse" the throat. You may feel a feeling of a "dumpling in your throat" or a violent snoring. There may be a sudden 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 disease development
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may feel only heaviness or discomfort in the neck, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. Later, the pain syndrome occurs and intensifies. In the later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- 1st degree.At this stage the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of a headache. Unpleasant feelings increase with physical exertion
- 2nd degree. . . Local pain occurs due to the initial protrusion of the discs. The pain syndrome becomes more intense when the head is tilted or turned. Reflected pain may occur, usually between the shoulder blades or in the hands. The patient is more likely to feel weak, the general tone of the body decreases.
- 3rd degree.The formation of an intervertebral hernia begins, a significant deformation of the spine is observed. The pain syndrome is intense, constant. There is severe mobility impairment in the affected area, gait changes.
- 4th degree. . . There may be intense pain when trying to tilt or turn the head, or, conversely, there may be no pain if it is impossible to move the head. Most often, the patient feels severe headaches, vision and hearing worsen, coordination of movements is impaired. At this stage, the patient often becomes disabled.
Test: check 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 feel neck pain after sleeping?
- Is there pain when turning back, bending, or turning your head?
- Do you get a squeak when moving your head?
- Do you have muscle tension or the need to stretch your neck?
- Do you have discomfort, sharp pain, or withdrawal during or after exercise?
- Do you often have dizziness, headaches?
- Do you have a headache during a sudden rise or do "flies" appear in front of your eyes?
- Do you notice that your hands have become cold and occasionally numb?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, this is a reason to visit a doctor. Do not delay a visit to the doctor - this way you have a better chance of recovery.