Cervical osteochondrosis is a lesion on the vertebral disc of the cervical spine, as a result of which they undergo degenerative-dystrophic changes. The main cause of its development is a violation of normal metabolic processes, which causes abnormalities of the structure of the vertebral body and cartilaginous discs. In the case of localization in the neck, pathological symptoms are largely determined by compression of large vessels. The method of treatment chosen depends on the degree, specificity of the course, severity, the main symptoms.
Characteristics of this disease
The cervical shape is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis: it leads to deterioration of cerebral circulation, as the vertebral arteries pass through this area - one of the largest vessels supplying the brain with the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Spinal transplants, abnormal changes and growth of bone and fibrous tissue interfere with the normal functioning of vessels. The specificity of the symptoms of osteochondrosis in this section is determined, among other things, by one of the structural features of the cervical vertebrae, consisting of their adherence to each other. As a result, any change in one segment causes failure of the entire department.
Clinic depends on the level
In the process of its development, cervical osteochondrosis goes through four stages. How does it manifest itself in each?
- Level 1. It is characterized by the appearance of initial disturbances in the stability of the intervertebral disc. Symptoms are mild or nonexistent. Very noticeable pain sensations and local muscle tension are possible.
- Level 2. Disc protrusion begins, gap between vertebrae is reduced, fibrous annulus collapses. In many cases, due to compression of the nerve endings, pain appears - especially in nature. They get stronger when turning, tilting the neck. Lowering the tone, weaknesses often appear.
- Level 3. The process of final destruction of the fibrous ring leads to the formation of a hernia. This stage is characterized by significant spinal deformities. Increased pain and fatigue occur against the background of sensory disturbances and limited movement in the affected area.
- Level 4 is the hardest. Intense pain syndrome appears with any attempt to move, which requires the mobility limitations of this department. Sometimes, the pain subsides, but this does not indicate an improvement in the condition, but only indicates an increase in the size of the bone growth, which significantly restricts movement. They often cause patient disability.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
When in the cervical spine, the symptoms of osteochondrosis occur:
- pain in neck, back of head, shoulders, arms;
- restriction of movement, cracks at various turns, neck tilt;
- weakness in the hand;
- draws pain in the left side of the chest, radiating to the corresponding arm;
- burns in the interscapular zone;
- recurrent headaches;
- weakness;
- dizziness (with severe cervical osteochondrosis, it can lead to loss of consciousness);
- disordered movement coordination, which is mainly reflected in walking style;
- hearing loss, ringing in the ears;
- decreased vision;
- sore throat;
- poor dental health;
- weakness or hoarse voice;
- snoring is the result of tension in the neck muscles.
In the cervicalothoracic type, the symptoms are very similar to cervical osteochondrosis. This:
- asthenic syndrome;
- dizziness and headache;
- periodic pressure fluctuations;
- twinkling in front of eyes;
- pain in shoulder and arm belts;
- muscle weakness;
- numbness, tingling, finger freshness;
- pain in chest, heart;
- nausea;
- numbness of the tongue, face;
- dental problems;
- sensation of current flowing along the arm while trying to bend the neck.
Syndrome
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are not considered normal. Which one most clearly depends on the specific target Many manifestations can be mistaken for other pathological conditions. Therefore, wrong treatment often occurs.
The symptom complex is divided into the following groups:
- radicular;
- vertebral artery syndrome;
- irritation-reflex syndrome.
Radicular Syndrome
Its second name is cervical sciatica. This syndrome develops as a result of pinching the nerve endings in the neck. The pain is brought down from the neck, given to the shoulder blades, down along the shoulders along the outside of the forearm to the fingers. In this case, it often appears:
- creepy feeling;
- tingling in the hands, forearms, fingers;
- pasty.
Manifestations also vary depending on the lesion area. If the tip of the central nerve is affected, the excitement extends to the thumb, middle, index finger. When the brachial nerve end is pinched, the little finger and ring finger are affected.
Irritation reflex syndrome
Burning sharp pain in the cervical-occipital area, appearing during movement after static conditions: after sleep, while sneezing, sharp head turn, is a sign. Often the pain radiates to the shoulders and chest.
Vertebral Artery Syndrome
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with it become:
- throbbing or burning headaches (paroxysmal or persistent), spreading to the temporal area, the crown of the head, the back of the head, and the eyebrow cavity;
- increased discomfort with certain movements or after a long stay in an uncomfortable position;
- general weakness;
- nausea;
- loss of consciousness;
- hearing loss;
- vestibular device disorders;
- eye pain;
- blurred vision.
Heart syndrome
With the onset of symptoms of neck osteochondrosis, a picture very similar to angina pectoris develops, which often leads to incorrect treatment.
Muscle contraction and cramps around the heart are most likely a reflex response to compression of the nerve endings in the lower cervical region. Cardiac syndrome is caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve (its fibers lead to the pericardium) or the pectoralis major muscle:
- pain appears suddenly, lasting;
- exacerbated by sharp neck movements, coughing, sneezing;
- tachycardia and extrasystole are possible;
- pain does not stop after taking coronary dilator;
- there are no signs of circulatory disturbances on the ECG.
Deterioration of the disease
In the exacerbation stage, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- increased pain and its radiating to the scapula, interscapular zone, arms, shoulders;
- Difficulty moving shoulders, torso, arms, sometimes breathing (inhalation and breathing);
- pain syndrome often resembles a heart attack or intercostal neuralgia;
- when pain appears in the right hypochondrium or iliac region, clinically similar to the manifestations of gastritis or cholecystitis;
- prolonged headache, imbalance, impaired visual and auditory function;
- in the neural zone, disturbed skin trophism, tingling, numbness, dryness, paleness, burning, cold soreness appear;
- cervical muscle tone increases;
- weakness, lethargy, nervous tension, restlessness, emotional instability appear;
- possible sleep disorders, memory disorders, problems with concentration.
Osteochondrosis and vegetative-vascular dystonia
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause subluxation of the first cervical vertebrae with a shift to the right or left, which provokes the development of VSD (vegetative vascular dystonia). It is quite difficult to recognize them, as there are often no symptoms or they are mild. In this case, it may be:
- compression of the sympathetic nerve plexus, leading to the appearance of neurological signs or VSD;
- arterial compression and cerebral circulatory disorders;
- vein compression, provoking violation of blood outflow and subsequent intracranial pressure surge;
- compression of the spinal cord, causing impaired movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which also results in high pressure in the skull;
- Muscle cramps that exacerbate symptoms due to severe compression of blood vessels and nerves.
The resulting process is:
- headache;
- dark in the eyes;
- dizziness;
- impaired visual acuity;
- double vision (diplopia);
- flashes in front of the eyes of "flies";
- high or low pressure;
- nausea, sometimes with vomiting;
- loss of consciousness.
Verbal subluxation is detected by x-rays. The reduction is a rather complicated procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia.
How is the disease diagnosed
The main methods for the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- radiography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- computed tomography;
- Ultrasound Doppler;
- duplex scanning.
The last two methods are used to check the condition of the cervical canal.