The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

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 experiences pain, dizziness, nausea.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by constant or recurring neck pain. This is the most basic symptom of cervical osteochondrosis.

The first symptoms

The cervical spine contains the main blood vessels that feed 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 amortization function are adversely affected:

1. The structure is changing.
2. The growths are formed in the form of ridges due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates and nerve fibers malfunction.

The first symptoms of the disease are not expressed.

With the further development of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, severe pain is observed - the main symptom. During movements, 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;
• spinal injury.

The main symptoms in the later stages of development of osteochondrosis of the neck.

Changes in cartilage tissue manifest themselves in the form of signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorders. The processes can cause any internal body system to malfunction:

1. Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. When the spinal cord is pinched, neurological diseases can occur. Bony growths that form on the nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. Disappearance of sensitivity is observed.
2. Compression of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the reason for the lack of adequate blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart function worsens. Symptoms of the type of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, sudden increases in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. There may be hearing, vision problems.

External manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis.

External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of bodily harm. Patients do not complain of a deterioration in general well-being in the first-stage pathology. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, swim and perform gymnastics to improve health.

The sensation in cervical osteochondrosis of the second phase is characterized by pain syndrome, which leads to stiffness of movements.

The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. Patient performance decreases. Compression of the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilting, turning of the head increases discomfort in osteochondrosis.

The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: when palpating the pathological area, there is a sharp pain, immobility, movements are characterized by cracking, dizziness, nausea. The condition is manifested by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violation of blood circulation leads to sudden increases in blood pressure and hypertension. Numbness of the upper extremities occurs.

The fourth phase is determined by the deterioration of the condition. With an advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, disability of the patient can occur. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches maximum levels, manifested in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing. There is a violation of speech - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.

Treatment of localized osteochondrosis in the neck area is carried out using a conservative drug therapy method.

The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics to improve health. To eliminate the pain syndrome during the exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to undergo a course of restorative massage.

Symptoms and internal manifestations of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.

Internal symptoms characterize the changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:

1. Stage I of the manifestation of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is altered. The location of the discs between the vertebrae is narrowed due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonicity occurs.
2. 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.
3. Stage III. Cartilage deformation occurs, bone tissue proliferation is observed, intervertebral hernias are formed, protrusion occurs. Cases of falling discs were recorded. Symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
4. Stage IV. Complete destruction of the discs located between the vertebrae with additional replacement of the gaps with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of accumulations.

To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to regularly perform exercises at home, which are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset with osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special medications, 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 joins 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 appearance of the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, a possible pregnancy.

The course of the disease depends on concomitant conditions, hormone levels, symptoms, and other factors.

Differences	Men	Woman
Column cross section	Bigger size.	Less.
System features	The body is subject to constant stress. Fractures are less common because the muscles are more developed.	It adapts better to loads. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, and osteoporosis are often diagnosed.
Clinical picture	The condition is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. Patients cannot clearly describe all signs.	The symptoms are pronounced. Patients express their complaints clearly.
Age changes	The body is not subject to the restructuring of internal systems until 45-50 years.	Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur.

Carrying a fetus can 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 see an excerpt from the popular health show. This number lists in detail all the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck region, taking into account the degree of the disease and symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. To establish an accurate diagnosis, several methods are used:

1. Inspection. After consulting a doctor, a visual evaluation is made using the parameter: gait, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms is taken.
2. Radiography is considered an affordable examination method. It is characterized by the possible appearance 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 chest. The study shows the state of the intervertebral discs.
3. Tomography. There are two types: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized. In the first case, with the help of a special apparatus, a specialist makes cuts under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is run. The second type of examination is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layer-by-layer images are taken of a specific part of the body.

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, perform constant exercises and swimming. With an advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, which includes taking drugs that relieve pain and normalize the work of the internal systems of the body.