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
Neck and back pain is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it only occurs in the second stage of this disease. At first, patients only notice 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:
- cracking when turning the body or head;
- numbness and a feeling of weakness in the hands;
- decreased flexibility;
- headache, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- impaired cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of pathology, a feeling of slight discomfort turns into aching, pulling pains, then sharp pains, manifested during physical exertion, sudden movements or a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, pain of varying intensity is felt constantly, even at rest or during 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 dysfunctions associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems with the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, the hands are almost always cold and freezing cold, even in a warm room. You can also observe:
- tingling or itching, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including weakening of the grip of objects with the palm);
- violation of the motor function of the hands;
- sudden stabbing pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to deposit 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 flexibility of the neck;
- cracking when tilting or turning the head;
- pain when trying to bend your head.
Some symptoms may only appear in certain postures or 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 circulation
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" in front of the eyes;
- fainting states.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, as a result, impaired blood flow in the patient, cognitive functions may deteriorate. Analytical and creative capacities decrease, memory problems appear. It can also impair vision or hearing. 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, an abnormal head position and progressive scoliosis can cause 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 cramps when swallowing;
- bouts of nausea.
In addition, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent need to "clear" their throat. You may feel a "lump in your throat" or heavy snoring. There may be a sharp deterioration in the condition of the teeth, difficulty speaking, 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 appear depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may only feel heaviness or discomfort in the neck area, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. Later, a pain syndrome appears 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 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 the head is tilted or turned. Thoughtful pain may appear, usually between the shoulder blades or in the arms. The patient is more likely to feel 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. The pain syndrome is intense, constant. There are severe mobility disturbances in the affected area, changes in gait.
- 4th degree. . . There may be severe pain when trying to tilt or turn the head, or, conversely, the absence of any pain if head movements cannot be made. Most often, the patient suffers from 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 any head or neck injuries?
- Do you have neck pain after sleeping?
- Is there pain when turning, leaning, or turning your head?
- Do you have a crunch when you move your head?
- Do you feel muscle tension or the urge to stretch your neck?
- Do you feel discomfort, sharp or pulling pain during or after exercise?
- Do you often have dizziness, headaches?
- Do you have a headache during a steep climb, or "midges" appear in front of your eyes?
- Have you noticed that your hands have become cold and periodically numb?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, that's a reason to see a doctor. Don't delay a visit to the doctor - this way you have a better chance of recovery.