With osteochondrosis, there is gradual destruction of spinal tissue, which leads to disruption of its function.Typically, these degenerative processes develop in the most mobile parts.Young people more often present with cervical osteochondrosis.The instability of this department, combined with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injuries and various degenerative processes.In 3 out of 10 cases, it is the cause of sudden headaches.Osteochondrosis causes metabolic disorders in the spine.Because of this, the discs become swollen and then break.
Symptoms
Various signs may indicate dystrophic changes in the spine.Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more or less pronounced.Cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulder.Strengthens even with light load.
- Numbness in the limbs.
- Crunching when turning the neck.
- Headache, located mainly in the back of the head and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Dull pain in the region of the heart may also indicate cervical osteochondrosis.The patient often experiences sensations similar to angina pectoris.When the spinal root is pinched, other disorders occur.For example, loss of sensitivity in the tongue or decreased muscle tone in the neck, breathing problems.If treatment is not prescribed on time, the patient may develop a protrusion or hernia.
There are four stages of osteochondrosis.The first is characterized by instability of the intervertebral discs.In the second, the main symptom is considered to be protrusion.At the same time, the gaps between the vertebrae become smaller.Pain syndrome occurs, which may be associated with pinched nerve roots.
In the third stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc, occurs.That is why its deformation occurs later.A patient with the fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis feels severe pain with any movement.It is worth noting that a decrease in its intensity does not indicate recovery.On the contrary, this indicates that the process of formation of the osteophytes that connect the vertebrae has already begun.As a rule, this leads to disability.Treatment is prescribed based on clinical signs and the stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
Sedentary work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis.This part of the spine is quite compact, and therefore even slight muscle tension leads to compression of nerve endings and blood vessels.In this context, osteophytes often form, which only worsens the situation.In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, the disease can be triggered by:
- metabolic disorders;
- unhealthy diet;
- deposition of salts in the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hereditary predisposition;
- cervical spine injuries;
- rheumatism.
The development of the disease can also be caused by curvature of the spine or excess weight.People with poor physical fitness or athletes who make mistakes in the training process are at risk.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
To avoid the development of complications, at the first signs of compression of the nerve roots of the spine, you should seek help from a specialist doctor.Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors and osteopaths.
Additionally, it may be necessary to consult a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist or cardiologist.To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints.At this stage, he asks the patient the following questions:
- When did neck pain first appear?
- Is cervical osteochondrosis accompanied by other symptoms?
- Does the patient's professional activity involve lifting heavy objects or keeping the neck still for a long time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient show signs of neurological disorders?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes x-rays, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming and exercise therapy.Local destruction processes are affected by acupuncture.In case of severe pain, the doctor prescribes anesthetics.Tension in muscles is relieved with muscle relaxants.In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that compresses the roots of the spinal cord, surgical intervention is necessary.
What if the disease is not treated?
In the absence of qualified medical care, the patient eventually develops chronic pain in the cervical spine.It radiates to the upper and lower extremities, which can lead to paralysis.As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve channels, veins, and arteries.This can disrupt the cerebral circulation process.This often causes spinal ischemia and strokes.The patient's vision and hearing also worsen, migraines and vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
When studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy.This leads to partial or complete loss of spinal mobility.The occurrence of exacerbations is a reason for the patient's hospitalization.The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is considered to be compression of the spinal cord.The risk of death is quite high.To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.Working hours should be smooth.You should do special exercises every day and, if possible, morning exercises.