Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of dystrophic changes in cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to sagging, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient feels pain, dizziness, nausea.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by constant or recurring neck pain. It is the most basic symptom of cervical osteochondrosis.
The very first symptoms
The cervical spine contains the main blood vessels that supply the brain. Micro-impulses from the main organ and the central nervous system pass through the nerve fibers. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, individual characteristics. With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the function of damping are adversely affected:
- The structure changes.
- The growths form in the form of ridges due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates, nerve fiber dysfunction.
The first symptoms of the disease are not expressed.
With the further development of osteochondrosis that arose in the neck, severe pain is observed - the main symptom. During movements, the discomfort intensifies, muscle tension occurs.
Different categories of people are at risk. The process is determined by factors that provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- concomitant pathologies - scoliosis, rheumatism;
- excessive physical activity;
- Injury of the spine.
The main symptoms in the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Changes in cartilage tissue are manifested in the form of signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorders. The processes can cause any internal system in the body to malfunction:
- Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. When the spinal cord is pinched, neurological diseases can occur. Bone growths that form on nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, which leads to their fusion. There is a disappearance of sensitivity.
- The compression of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the reason for the lack of adequate blood circulation. Oxygen deprivation occurs, heart function deteriorates. Symptoms of cervical-type osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, spikes in blood pressure, coordination disturbances, vascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. There may be hearing problems, vision problems.
External manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of bodily damage. Patients do not complain of a deterioration in general well-being in the pathology of the first stage. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim and do gymnastics to improve health.
The sensation in cervical osteochondrosis of the second phase is characterized by a pain syndrome, which leads to stiffness of movements.
The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. The performance of the patient decreases. The compression of the arteries causes general weakness, a migraine. Tilting, head turns increase the discomfort of osteochondrosis.
The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: when palpating the pathological area, there is sharp pain, immobility, movements are characterized by cracking, dizziness, nausea. The condition manifests as loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violation of blood circulation leads to spikes in blood pressure and hypertension. Numbness in the upper limbs occurs.
The fourth phase is determined by the deterioration of the condition. With an advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, disability of the patient may occur. The main symptom is the immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches maximum levels, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing. There is a violation of speech - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.
Treatment of osteochondrosis localized in the neck area is carried out using a conservative method of treatment using drugs.
The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics improving health. To eliminate the pain syndrome during the exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to undergo a restorative massage.
Internal symptoms and manifestations of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine
Internal symptoms characterize the changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:
- Stage I of the manifestation of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The location of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to the lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonicity occurs.
- Stage II of osteochondrosis of the neck is determined by the thinning of the intervertebral discs, their height decreases, which increases the load on the musculoskeletal system. The result is pain.
- Stage III. Deformation of cartilage occurs, proliferation of bone tissue is observed, intervertebral hernias are formed, protrusion occurs. Cases of falling discs have been recorded. Symptoms of the disease are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
- Stage IV. Complete destruction of the discs located between the vertebrae with additional replacement of the voids with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of build-up.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly perform home exercises, which are aimed at strengthening the muscle corset with osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special drugs, ointments and injections are prescribed. Folk remedies are used in the form of compresses, bandages.
Are the symptoms different between women and men?
The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, it has 7 vertebrae. The division begins with the pectoral and is attached to the skull. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women do not differ from manifestations of pathology in men. According to statistics, women are more prone to the onset of the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, possible pregnancy.
The course of the disease depends on concomitant conditions, hormonal levels, symptoms and other factors.
| Differences | Men | Women |
| Cross section of the spine | Bigger size. | Smaller. |
| System functions | The body is under constant stress. Fractures are less common due to more developed muscles. | It adapts better to loads. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are often diagnosed. |
| Clinical picture | The condition is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. Patients cannot clearly describe all the signs. | The symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly express their complaints. |
| Age changes | The body is not subject to the restructuring of internal systems up to 45-50 years. | Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45 years. Pain, numbness in the hands may occur. |
Carrying a fetus may be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:
- progression of cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis;
- pinching of nerve endings;
- the appearance of problems with the cardiovascular system;
- stiffness of movement.
Be sure to watch a clip from the popular health show. This issue lists in detail all the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
A comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck area, taking into account the degree of the disease and the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the disease. To establish an accurate diagnosis, different methods are used:
- Inspection. After consulting a doctor, a visual assessment is carried out using the parameter - gait, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms is taken.
- Radiography is considered an affordable examination method. It is characterized by the possible occurrence of consequences that affect the general well-being of the patient. A snapshot of the cervical spine is taken from the base of the skull to the upper part of the chest. The study shows the condition of the intervertebral discs.
- Tomography. There are two types: computerized imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case, with the help of a special device, a specialist makes slices under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is executed. The second type of examination is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layer by layer images of a specific part of the body are taken.
If the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the neck area are characterized by intensive development, you should consult a doctor.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the neck
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, do constant exercises and swim. With an advanced form of pathology, treatment is prescribed, including taking drugs that relieve pain, normalize the work of the internal systems of the body.