Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs. In a professional clinic, high-quality treatment of the disease is carried out, taking into account the stage of development of the disease and related syndromes.
Common symptoms
Neck and back pain is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it occurs only in the second stage of the disease. At first, patients only feel heaviness and muscle tension. He has a habit of kneading his neck reflexively or turning his head to get rid of anxious feelings.
In addition to pain, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- convulsions when turning the body or head;
- numbness and weakness in the hands;
- decrease in elasticity;
- headache, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- hearing, vision and hearing impairment.
With the development of the pathology, a slight feeling of discomfort turns into aching and aching pains, and then a sharp pain that manifests itself in a state of physical force, sudden movements or fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, varying degrees of severe pain are always felt, even at rest or during sleep. Over time, the pain begins to spread to the back of the head, arms, shoulders and fingers - this is caused by damage to the nerve roots.
Upper extremity dysfunction associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems with the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, the hands almost always freeze, even in a cold room. You can also observe:
- itching or itching, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including weakened grip of objects);
- impaired motor function of the hands;
- sudden shooting pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to accumulate in the affected area - this is the body's compensatory response to the destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs. With the deposition of salts, the patient may note:
- decrease in neck elasticity;
- flutter when tilting or turning the head;
- pain when trying to bend your head.
Some symptoms may appear only in certain postures or certain movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a feeling of "current" passing through the arms while trying to lower the head.
Problems with blood flow disorders
The disease causes serious circulatory disorders and affects metabolic processes. For this reason, not only the spine, but also the brain and other systems suffer, as a result of which:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- movement disorders;
- weakness;
- Headache;
- sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- "Midges" before the eyes;
- fainting conditions.
Cognitive function may deteriorate with the development of osteochondrosis and consequent impairment of blood flow in the patient. Analytical and creative abilities are reduced, memory problems arise. It can also impair vision and hearing. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes irritable, capricious, depressed, and may experience sudden apathy or outbursts of anger.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position, and progressive scoliosis can lead to health problems that are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis at first glance.
Some symptoms can be mistaken as a manifestation of diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract:
- pain in the middle of the chest;
- pain in the heart area;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramps when swallowing;
- nausea attacks.
The patient may also feel a change in voice, a muffled voice, or a frequent urge to "clear" the throat. You may feel a "roundness in the throat" or a severe snoring. There may be a sharp 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 cervical lumbar osteochondrosis depend on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may not only feel heaviness or discomfort in the neck, but also feel constant muscle tension. Later, the pain syndrome develops and intensifies. In later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- 1st degree.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: it is the appearance of heaviness or muscle tension, headache. Unpleasant feelings increase with physical strength
- 2nd degree. . . Local pain occurs due to the initial protrusion of the discs. The pain syndrome is exacerbated when the head is bent or turned. Generally, pain may be seen between the shoulder blades or in the arms. The patient is more likely to feel weak, the overall tone of the body decreases.
- 3rd degree.An intervertebral hernia begins to form, a significant deformation of the spine is observed. The pain syndrome is severe and stable. There are serious mobility disorders and gait changes in the affected area.
- 4th degree. . . There may be severe pain when trying to bend or turn the head, or no pain when it is not possible to do any head movements. Often the patient has a severe headache, impaired vision and hearing, impaired coordination of movements. The patient's disability often occurs at this stage.
Test: Check yourself for signs of cervical osteochondrosis
Answer a few questions to check for signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Did you get a head or neck injury?
- Do you feel neck pain after going to bed?
- Is there pain when you turn around, bend over, or turn your head?
- Do you feel irritated when you shake your head?
- Do you experience muscle tension or a desire to lengthen your neck?
- Is there discomfort, sharp or excruciating pain during or after exercise?
- Frequent dizziness, do you have a headache?
- Do you have a headache on a sharp rise, or do you see "middle" in front of your eyes?
- Do you feel your hands get cold and numb from time to time?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, this is a reason to see a doctor. Do not delay a visit to the doctor - so you have a better chance of recovery.