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 performed, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and the accompanying syndromes.
Common symptoms
Neck and back pain is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but 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 mixing the neck area or turning the head to get rid of uncomfortable sensations.
In addition to pain, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- chewing when turning the body or head;
- numbness and feeling of weakness in the hands;
- decreased flexibility;
- headache, fainting;
- constant weakness and fatigue;
- impairment of cognitive, auditory and visual functions.
With the development of pathology, a feeling of slight discomfort develops into aching and pulling pains, and then into sharp pains, manifested during physical exercise, sudden movements, or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, pain of varying degrees of intensity is felt constantly, 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 dysfunctions 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 sensation, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including weakening of the grip of objects with the palm);
- violation of motor function of the hands;
- sudden shooting pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to be deposited 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 notice:
- decreased neck flexibility;
- chewing 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 you try to lower your 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" before the eyes;
- fading conditions.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, consequently, impaired blood flow to the patient, cognitive functions may deteriorate. Analytical and creative skills diminish, memory problems appear. It can also impair vision or hearing. Due to the constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes irritable, capricious, depressed, sudden outbursts of apathy or anger may appear.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position, and the gradual development of scoliosis can provoke health problems that, at first glance, are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms may be confused with a manifestation of heart or gastrointestinal tract disease:
- pain in the middle of the chest;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- tachycardia and extrasystoles;
- pain or cramping when swallowing;
- mixing periods.
Also, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent urge to "clear" the throat. You may experience a "lump in the throat" sensation or violent snoring. There may be a sharp deterioration in the condition of the teeth, problems with dictation, and sudden attacks of numbness of the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at different stages of disease development
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may experience only aggravation or discomfort in the neck, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. Subsequent pain syndrome arises and intensifies. In later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- Level 1.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of headaches. Unpleasant feelings increase with physical exertion
- 2nd degree. . . Local pain appears due to the initial elongation of the discs. The pain syndrome becomes more intense when the head is tilted or turned. Reflected pain may appear, usually between the shoulders or in the arms. The patient is more likely to experience weakness, the overall body tone 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 serious mobility impairments 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 it is impossible to make any head movements. Most often, the patient experiences severe headaches, vision and hearing deteriorate, coordination of movements is impaired. Patient disability often occurs at this stage.
Test: check yourself for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Answer some questions to check for signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Have you had head or neck injuries?
- Do you experience neck pain after sleep?
- Does it hurt when you lean back, bend over or turn your head?
- Do you have a crack when you move your head?
- Are you experiencing muscle tension or a desire to stretch your neck?
- Do you have discomfort, sharp or aching pain during or after exercise?
- Do you often have dizziness, headaches?
- Do you have headaches during a sharp rise, or do they appear "mesa" in front of your eyes?
- Do you notice that your hands have become cold and periodically numb?
If you answer yes to at least a few questions, this is a reason to see a doctor. Do not delay a visit to the doctor - this way you have a better chance of recovery.