With osteochondrosis, a gradual destruction of spinal tissue occurs, leading to disruption of its function.Typically such degenerative processes develop in its most mobile parts.Young people more often experience 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 causes sudden headaches.Osteochondrosis causes metabolic disorders in the spine.Because of this, the discs inside swell and then rupture.
Symptoms
Several 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 loads.
- Numbness in the limbs.
- Creaking noises when turning the neck.
- Headache, localized mainly in the back of the head and temples.
- Fainting, chronic fatigue.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
- Loss of visual acuity.
Nagging pain in the heart area 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 of the tongue or decreased muscle tone in the neck, breathing problems.If treatment is not prescribed in 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 spaces between the vertebrae are reduced.Pain syndrome occurs, which may be associated with pinched nerve roots.
In the third stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring occurs, which is an integral part of the intervertebral disc.That is why its deformation subsequently occurs.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 osteophytes connecting the vertebrae has 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 often accompanied by cervical osteochondrosis.This part of the spine is quite compact and therefore even slight muscle tension within it leads to compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels.In this context, osteophytes are often formed, 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 pinching 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, you may need to see a neurosurgeon, trauma surgeon, therapist, or cardiologist.To differentiate the diagnosis, the doctor analyzes the patient's complaints.At this stage, ask 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 immobile for long periods of time?
- What is the patient's fitness level?
- Does the patient have signs of neurological disorders?
To evaluate the condition of the spine, the doctor prescribes x-rays, CT or MRI.Depending on the symptoms and stage of the disease, treatment may include massage, swimming, and physical therapy.Local destruction processes are influenced using acupuncture.In case of severe pain, the doctor prescribes anesthetics.Tension in the muscles is relieved with muscle relaxants.In advanced cases, when the patient has a hernia that compresses the roots of the spinal cord, surgery is necessary.
What happens 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 canals, veins, and arteries.This can interrupt the cerebral circulation process.This often causes spinal ischemia and strokes.The patient's vision and hearing also deteriorate, migraine and vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
Studying cervical osteochondrosis and its clinical symptoms, doctors often diagnose radiculopathy.It leads to partial or complete loss of spinal mobility.The occurrence of exacerbations is a reason for the patient to be hospitalized.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, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.Working hours should be gentle.You should do special exercises every day and, if possible, morning exercises.