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 subsidence, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient experiences pain, dizziness, nausea.

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

The first symptoms

The cervical spine contains the major blood vessels that feed the brain. The micro-impulses of 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. 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 the nerve fibers do not function properly.

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 the movements, the 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;
• excess weight;
• concomitant pathologies - scoliosis, rheumatism;
• excessive physical activity;
• spinal injury.

The main symptoms in the late stages of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck

Changes in cartilage tissue are manifested in the form of signs, the severity of which depends on the severity of the dystrophic disorders. Processes can lead to malfunctions of any internal system of the body:

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. The bony growths that form on the nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, which leads to their fusion. The disappearance of sensitivity is observed.
2. The squeezing 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 cervical type of osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, spikes in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. There may be problems with hearing, vision.

External manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis

External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of damage to the body. Patients do not complain of a deterioration in general well-being in the pathology of the first stage. 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 stage is characterized by pain syndrome, which leads to stiffness of movements.

The feeling of discomfort can be located in different areas of the spine. Patient performance decreases. Compression of the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilts, turns of the head increase discomfort in osteochondrosis.

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

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

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

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 restorative massage course.

Internal symptoms and 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 disrupted. The position of the discs between the vertebrae shrinks due to a 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. Phase III. Deformation of cartilage occurs, proliferation of bone tissue is observed, intervertebral hernias are formed, protrusion occurs. Cases of dropped discs have been recorded. Symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Osteoarthritis begins to progress.
4. Phase IV. Complete destruction of the discs located between the vertebrae with further replacement of voids 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, 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 is attached to the skull. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women do not differ from the manifestations of pathology in men. According to statistics, women are more prone to the onset of the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, possible pregnancy.

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

Differences	Men	Women
Cross section of the spine	Larger size.	Smaller.
System functions	The body is subject to constant stress. Fractures are less common due to more developed muscles.	It adapts better to loads. Often, osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are diagnosed.
Clinical picture	The condition is characterized by stability. Lower the pain threshold. Patients cannot clearly describe all signs.	Symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly articulate complaints.
Age changes	The bodywork is not subject to renovation of internal systems up to 45-50 years.	Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45 years. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur.

The transport of a fetus can be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:

• progression of cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis;
• pinching of nerve endings;
• the occurrence of problems with the cardiovascular system;
• stiffness of movement.

Be sure to watch an excerpt from the popular health show. This issue lists in detail all the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

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

If the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the neck area are characterized by intensive development, 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 swim. With an advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including taking drugs that relieve pain, normalize the work of the internal systems of the body.