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 carried out, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and associated syndromes.
Common symptoms
Pain in the neck and back is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it occurs only in the second stage of this disease. At first, patients only notice a feeling of heaviness and muscle tension. There is a habit of reflexively kneading the neck area or turning the head to get rid of unpleasant sensations.
In addition to pain, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- creaking when turning the body or head;
- numbness and a feeling of weakness in the hands;
- reduced flexibility;
- headache, fainting;
- weakness and constant fatigue;
- impaired cognitive functions, hearing and vision.
With the development of pathology, a feeling of slight discomfort develops into aching and pulling pains, and then into sharp pain, manifested during physical exertion, sudden movements or in a state of fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, pain of varying degrees of intensity is constantly felt, even at rest or during sleep. Over time, the pain begins to radiate to the back of the head, arms, shoulders and fingers - this is caused by damage to the nerve roots.
Upper limb dysfunctions 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 frozen even in a warm room. You can also observe:
- tingling or itching, burning sensation in the hands;
- periodic numbness;
- weakness of the hands (including weakening of the grip of objects with the palm);
- violation of the motor function of the hands;
- sudden shooting pains.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to settle 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 flexibility of the neck;
- creaking when tilting or turning your head;
- pain when trying to bend the head.
Some symptoms may appear only in certain positions or movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the sensation of a "current" passing down the arms when trying to lower the head.
Problems caused by impaired blood flow
The disease causes severe blood flow disorders and also affects metabolic processes. Because of this, not only the spine suffers, but also the brain and other systems, as a result of which:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- movement disorders;
- weakness;
- headache;
- sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- "Midges" in front of the eyes;
- fainting conditions.
With the development of osteochondrosis and, consequently, impaired blood flow in the patient, cognitive functions can deteriorate. Analytical and creative skills decrease, memory problems arise. It can also impair vision or hearing. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes nervous, capricious, depression, sudden bursts of apathy or anger may appear.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position and gradually developing scoliosis can lead to health problems that, at first glance, are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms can be mistaken for a manifestation of diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract:
- pain in the center of the chest;
- pain in the heart region;
- tachycardia and extrasystole;
- pain or cramps when swallowing;
- bouts of nausea.
Additionally, the patient may notice a change in voice, hoarseness, or a frequent need to "clear" the throat. You may experience a feeling of "lump in the throat" or violent snoring. There may be a sharp deterioration in the condition of the teeth, speech problems and sudden bouts of numbness of the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at different stages of the development of the disease
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear depending on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may feel only heaviness or discomfort in the neck, as well as a feeling of constant muscle tension. The subsequent pain syndrome arises and intensifies. In the later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- 1st degree.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, the appearance of headaches. Unpleasant sensations increase with physical exertion
- 2nd degree. . . Local pain appears due to the incipient protrusion of the discs. The pain syndrome becomes more intense when the head is tilted or turned. Reflex pain may appear, usually in the shoulder blades or in the arms. The patient is more likely to experience weakness, the general 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. There are severe motor disabilities in the affected area, changes in gait.
- 4th degree. . . There may be intense pain when trying to tilt or turn the head or, conversely, no pain if it is impossible to make any head movement. Most often, the patient experiences severe headaches, vision and hearing deteriorate, coordination of movements is impaired. Patient disability often occurs at this stage.
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 suffer from neck pain after sleeping?
- Is there pain when rolling backwards, bending over or turning your head?
- Do you get a creak when you move your head?
- Do you feel muscle tension or do you feel like stretching your neck?
- Do you have discomfort, sharp or pulling pain during or after exercise?
- Do you often have dizziness, headache?
- Do you have a headache during a sharp rise or do "gnats" appear in front of your eyes?
- Do you notice that your hands have become cold and periodically numb?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, this is a reason to see a doctor. Do not delay a visit to the doctor: this way you have a better chance of recovery.