In the case of osteochondrosis, gradual destruction of the spinal tissue occurs, which leads to disruption of its function.Such degenerative processes typically develop in the most mobile parts.Young people most often suffer from cervical osteochondrosis.The instability of this class, together with increased physical activity, explains its susceptibility to injuries and various degenerative processes.In 3 out of 10 cases, this is the cause of a sudden headache.Osteochondrosis causes metabolic disorders in the spine.This causes the discs inside to bulge and then crack.
Symptoms
Several signs can indicate dystrophic changes of the spine.Depending on the stage of the disease, they are more or less pronounced.Cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulder.Strengthens even under low load.
- Numbness in the limbs.
- Crackling when turning the neck.
- Headache, mainly localized on the back of the head and the temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Pain around the heart can also indicate cervical osteochondrosis.The patient often experiences sensations similar to angina pectoris.Other abnormalities occur when the spinal root is pinched.For example, loss of sensitivity of the tongue or decreased neck muscle tone, breathing problems.If the treatment is not prescribed in time, the patient may develop a protrusion or hernia.
Osteochondrosis has four stages.The first is characterized by instability of the intervertebral discs.In the second case, the main symptom is protrusion.At the same time, the gaps between the vertebrae are smaller.A pain syndrome occurs, which can be accompanied by pinching of the nerve roots.
In the third stage, the fibrous ring is destroyed, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc.This is the reason why it deforms later.A patient suffering from the fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis experiences severe pain with any movement.It is worth noting that a decrease in its intensity does not indicate recovery.On the contrary, it indicates that the formation of osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has begun.This usually leads to disability.Treatment is prescribed based on the clinical symptoms and stage of development of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
Sitting work is most often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis.This part of the spine is quite compact, so even slight muscle tension leads to compression of nerve endings and blood vessels.As a result, osteophytes often develop, 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;
- injuries of the cervical spine;
- 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 during the training process are at risk.
Which doctor treats cervical osteochondrosis?
In order to avoid the development of complications, the help of a specialist should be sought at the first signs of pinching of the nerve roots of the spine.Cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms are treated by neurologists, chiropractors and osteopaths.
In addition, a consultation with a neurosurgeon, traumatologist, therapist or cardiologist may be necessary.In order to differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints.In this phase, you ask the patient the following questions:
- When did the neck pain first appear?
- Are cervical osteochondrosis accompanied by other symptoms?
- Does the patient's occupation involve lifting heavy objects or moving the neck for long periods of time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient have signs of a neurological disorder?
To assess the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes an X-ray, CT or MRI.Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming, and exercise therapy.Acupuncture affects local destructive processes.In case of severe pain, the doctor prescribes anesthetics.Muscle tension is resolved with muscle relaxants.In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that compresses the roots of the spinal cord, surgical intervention is required.
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 limbs, which can lead to paralysis.As osteophytes grow, they compress nerve canals, veins, and arteries.This can disrupt the cerebral circulation process.This often triggers ischemia and spinal cord stroke.The patient's vision and hearing also deteriorate, migraines and vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
By studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy.This leads to partial or complete loss of mobility of the vertebra.The occurrence of exacerbations is the reason for hospitalization of the patient.The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is compression of the spinal cord.The risk of death is quite high.In order to avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.The work schedule should be gentle.You should do special exercises every day and, if possible, morning exercises.