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 associated syndromes.
Common symptoms
Neck and back pain is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it appears only in the second stage of this disease. At first, patients notice only a feeling of heaviness and muscle tension. It is a habit to reflexively knead the neck area or turn the head to get rid of the unpleasant sensations.
In addition to pain, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- crunching when turning the body or head;
- tingling and weakness in the hands;
- reduced flexibility;
- headache, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- impairment of cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of the pathology, the feeling of mild discomfort develops into pain and pulling, and then into acute pain, manifested by exercise, sudden movements or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, the pain of varying intensity is felt constantly, even at rest or in sleep. Over time, the pain begins to radiate to the back of the head, hands, 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, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic tingling;
- weakness of the hands (including weakening of the grip of objects with the palm);
- impaired motor function of the hands;
- sudden pain when shooting.
In 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:
- reduced neck flexibility;
- crunching when tilting or turning the head;
- pain when trying to bend the head.
Some symptoms may occur only with certain postures or certain movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a feeling of "flow" passing through the hands when trying to lower the head.
Problems caused by impaired blood flow
The disease causes serious disturbances in blood flow and also affects metabolic processes. As a result, not only the spine suffers, but also the brain and other systems, as a result of which:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- Motor disorders;
- weakness;
- headache;
- sudden nausea;
- noise in the ears;
- "Flies" in front of the eyes;
- seizures.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, as a result, impaired blood flow in the patient, cognitive functions may deteriorate. Analytical and creative abilities decrease, memory problems arise. It can also damage your eyesight or hearing. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes nervous, capricious, sudden outbursts of apathy or anger may occur.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, incorrect head position and gradually developing scoliosis can provoke health problems, which at first glance are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms can be mistaken as a manifestation of heart or gastrointestinal disease:
- mid-chest pain;
- pain in the heart;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramps when swallowing;
- bouts of nausea.
Also, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent urge to clear the throat. You may feel a lump in the throat or a forced snoring. There may be a sharp deterioration in the condition of the teeth, problems with diction and sudden tingling in the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at different stages of the disease
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 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 damage.
- 1st degree.At this stage the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of a headache. Unpleasant sensations increase with exercise
- 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. Reflective pain may occur, usually between the shoulder blades or in the hands. The patient is more likely to feel weak, the overall 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. In the affected area there are serious mobility disorders, changes in gait.
- 4th degree. . . There may be severe pain when trying to tilt or turn the head, or vice versa, no pain if it is impossible to make head movements. Most often the patient experiences severe headaches, vision and hearing deteriorate, coordination of movements is impaired. At this stage, the patient is often injured.
Test: check yourself 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 experience neck pain after sleep?
- Is there pain when rolling, bending or turning the head?
- Do you get a crunch when you move your head?
- Do you feel muscle tension or a desire to stretch your neck?
- Do you have discomfort, sharp or pulling pain during or after a workout?
- Do you often have dizziness, headaches?
- Do you have a headache during a sharp rise or "flies" appear before your eyes?
- Do you notice that your hands are cold and periodically tingling?
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.