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Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a lesion of the discs of the cervical vertebrae, as a result of which they undergo degenerative-dystrophic changes.The main reason for its development is the disruption of the normal course of metabolic processes, which leads to distortion of the structure of the vertebral bodies and cartilaginous discs.In the case of localization in the neck, the symptoms of the pathology are largely determined by compression of the large vessels.Treatment methods are selected based on the stage, specific course, severity and main symptoms.

Characteristics of the disease

The cervical form is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis: it leads to a deterioration of cerebral circulation, since the vertebral artery passes through this area, one of the largest vessels that supplies the brain with the necessary substances and oxygen.

Displacement of the vertebrae, abnormal changes and proliferation of bone and fibrous tissue disrupt the normal functioning of the vessel.
The specificity of the symptoms of osteochondrosis in this part is determined, among other things, by one of the structural features of the cervical vertebrae, which consists in their tightest adherence to each other.As a result, any change in one segment causes a disruption in the entire department.

Clinic depending on the stage

During its development, cervical osteochondrosis goes through four stages.How does it manifest itself in each of them?

  1. Stage 1. It is characterized by the appearance of initial disturbances in the stability of the intervertebral discs.Symptoms are mild or nonexistent.Mild pain and local muscle tension are possible.
  2. Phase 2. Protrusion of the disc begins, the spaces between the vertebrae are reduced and the fibrous ring is destroyed.In many cases, due to compression of the nerve endings, pain appears, mainly of a punctual nature.They intensify when you turn or tilt your neck.The tone decreases, weakness often appears.
  3. Phase 3. The process of final destruction of the fibrous ring leads to the formation of hernias.This stage is characterized by significant deformation of the spine.Increased pain and fatigue occur against the background of sensory disturbances and limited mobility in the affected area.
  4. Stage 4 is the most serious.Intense pain occurs with any attempt to move, which leads to a significant limitation of the mobility of this department.Sometimes the pain decreases, but this does not indicate an improvement in the condition, but only indicates an increase in the size of bone growths, which significantly limit movement.They often lead to patient disability.
Pain is the main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

When localized in the cervical spine, the prevalent symptoms of osteochondrosis are:

  • pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulder, arms;
  • limitation of movements, crunching in various turns, tilting of the neck;
  • weakness in the arms;
  • nagging pain in the left half of the chest, radiating to the corresponding arm;
  • burning in the interscapular area;
  • recurrent headaches;
  • weakness;
  • dizziness (in severe cases of cervical osteochondrosis, it can reach the point of loss of consciousness);
  • coordination of movements is impaired, which is mainly reflected in gait;
  • hearing loss, ringing in the ears;
  • decreased vision;
  • sore throat;
  • poor dental condition;
  • weakening or hoarseness of the voice;
  • Snoring is a consequence of tension in the neck muscles.

In the cervicothoracic type the symptoms are almost similar to those of cervical osteochondrosis.These are:

  • asthenic syndrome;
  • dizziness and headache;
  • periodic fluctuations in pressure;
  • flickering of flies before the eyes;
  • pain in the shoulder girdle and arms;
  • muscle weakness;
  • numbness, tingling, coldness of the fingers;
  • pain in the chest, heart area;
  • nausea;
  • numbness of the tongue, face;
  • dental problems;
  • sensation of current passing along the arms when trying to bend the neck.

Syndromes

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are not considered typical.Which of them is more pronounced depends largely on the specific target of the lesion.Many of the manifestations can be mistakenly associated with other pathological conditions.Therefore, there are often cases when the wrong treatment is prescribed.
The symptom complex is divided into the following groups:

  • radicular;
  • vertebral artery syndrome;
  • irritative reflex syndrome.

Radicular syndrome

Its second name is cervical radiculitis.The syndrome develops due to compression of the nerve endings in the cervical region.The pain travels from the neck, to the shoulder blades, down the shoulder along the outside of the forearm to the fingers.In this case, the following often appears:

  • sensation of “goosebumps”;
  • tingling in the hand, forearm, fingers;
  • pastiness.

The events also vary depending on the area involved.If the central nerve endings are affected, the tenderness spreads to the thumb, middle and index fingers.When the brachial nerve endings are pinched, the little finger and ring finger are affected.

Irritant reflex syndrome

Its symptom is a sharp, burning pain in the cervical-occipital region, which appears during movement after a static state: after sleep, when sneezing or sharply turning the head.Often the pain radiates to the shoulder and chest.

Vertebral artery syndrome

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:

  • pulsating or burning headache (paroxysmal or persistent), extending to the temporal region, crown, back of the head, superciliary arches;
  • increased discomfort during certain movements or after prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position;
  • general weakness;
  • nausea;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • hearing problems;
  • dysfunction of the vestibular system;
  • eye pain;
  • blurred vision.

Cardiac syndrome

When this complex of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck appears, a picture almost similar to angina pectoris develops, which often leads to incorrect treatment.
Muscle contractions and spasms in the heart area are most likely a reflex response to compression of the nerve endings in the lower cervical region.Cardiac syndrome is a consequence of irritation of the phrenic nerve (its fibers lead to the pericardium) or the pectoralis major muscle:

  • the pain appears suddenly and lasts a long time;
  • worsen with sudden neck movements, coughing, sneezing;
  • tachycardia and extrasystole are possible;
  • pain does not decrease after taking coronary dilators;
  • there are no signs of impaired circulation on the ECG.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Exacerbation of the disease

In the acute phase, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:

  • increased pain and its radiation to the shoulder blades, interscapular area, arms, shoulders;
  • difficulty moving the shoulders, torso, arms and sometimes breathing (inhaling and exhaling);
  • pain syndrome often resembles a heart attack or intercostal neuralgia;
  • when pain appears in the right hypochondrium or iliac area, the clinical picture is similar to manifestations of gastritis or cholecystitis;
  • headaches are long lasting, disturbances of balance, visual and auditory functions occur;
  • in the innervation zone, the trophism of the skin is disrupted, tingling, numbness, dryness, paleness, burning and sensation of cold appear;
  • increases the tone of the neck muscles;
  • weakness, lethargy, nervous tension, anxiety, emotional instability appear;
  • Sleep problems, memory problems and difficulty concentrating may occur.

Osteochondrosis and vegetative-vascular dystonia

Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to subluxation of the first cervical vertebra with a shift to the right or left, which provokes the development of VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia).It is quite difficult to identify, as there are often no symptoms or they are mild.In this case it is possible:

  • compression of the sympathetic nerve plexuses, leading to neurological signs or VSD;
  • compression of the arteries and deterioration of cerebral circulation;
  • compression of the veins, causing a violation of blood outflow and a subsequent increase in intracranial pressure;
  • compression of the spinal cord, which causes a deterioration in the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which also causes high pressure inside the skull;
  • muscle spasm, which increases symptoms due to severe compression of blood vessels and nerves.

The result of the processes described is:

  • heachache;
  • darkening of the eyes;
  • dizziness;
  • reduced visual acuity;
  • double vision (diplopia);
  • “flies” flashing before the eyes;
  • high or low blood pressure;
  • nausea, sometimes with vomiting;
  • loss of consciousness.

Vertebral subluxation is detected using X-rays. Its reduction is a rather complex procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia.

How is the disease diagnosed?

The main methods of diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis are:

  • radiography;
  • MRI;
  • computed tomography;
  • Doppler ultrasound;
  • double-sided scanning.

The last two methods are used to check the condition of the vessels of the neck.