Due to the process of degenerative dystrophy of the intervertebral disc, cervical osteochondrosis develops. In professional clinics, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and related syndromes, high-quality treatment of this disease is carried out.
Common symptoms
Neck and back pain is the main symptom of osteochondrosis, but it only occurs in the second stage of the disease. At first, the patient will only feel heaviness and muscle tension. There is a habit of kneading the neck or turning the head reflexively to get rid of uncomfortable feelings.
In addition to pain, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Creaking when turning the body or head;
- Numbness and weakness in the hands;
- Reduced flexibility;
- Headache, fainting;
- Weakness and constant fatigue;
- Impaired cognitive function, hearing and vision.
With the development of the pathology, it changes from mild discomfort to soreness and traction pain, and then to severe pain, manifested as physical exertion, sudden activity or fatigue. In the later stages of the disease, even when resting or sleeping, you will continue to feel different degrees of pain. Over time, the pain began to radiate to the back of the brain, arms, shoulders, and fingers-caused by damaged nerve roots.
Upper limb dysfunction associated with osteochondrosis
The development of this disease often leads to various problems related to the hands. In patients with cervical osteochondrosis, even in a warm room, the hands are almost always cold and icy. You can also observe:
- Tingling or itching, burning sensation in the hands;
- Periodic numbness;
- Weakness of the hand (including the weakened grip of the palm against the object);
- Violation of the motor function of the hand;
- Sudden shooting pain.
With osteochondrosis, calcium salts begin to deposit in the affected area-this is the body's compensatory response to the destruction of the annulus fibrosus. As the salt deposits, patients may notice:
- Decreased neck flexibility;
- A crunching sound when tilting or turning the head;
- Pain when trying to bend the head.
Some symptoms may only appear in certain postures or certain movements. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a sensation of "current" passing along the arm when trying to lower the head.
Problems caused by blood flow disorders
This disease can cause severe blood flow disturbances and also affect metabolic processes. Therefore, not only the spine is affected, but the brain and other systems are also affected. Therefore:
- Blood pressure fluctuations;
- Movement disorders;
- weakness;
- Headache;
- Sudden nausea;
- tinnitus;
- The "midges" in front of me;
- Fainting conditions.
With the development of osteochondrosis and the resulting impaired blood flow in patients, cognitive function may deteriorate. Analysis and creativity decline, and memory problems appear. It may also damage eyesight or hearing. Due to constant pain and insufficient blood supply to the brain, the patient becomes nervous, erratic, depressed, and may suddenly burst out of apathy or anger.
Other consequences of cervical osteochondrosis
Muscle tension, abnormal head position, and progressive scoliosis can cause health problems. At first glance, these problems are difficult to associate with osteochondrosis.
Some symptoms may be mistaken for manifestations of heart or gastrointestinal diseases:
- Pain in the middle of the chest;
- Pain in the heart area;
- Tachycardia and overdue;
- Pain or cramps when swallowing;
- There were waves of nausea.
In addition, patients may notice changes in voice, hoarseness, or frequent urges to "clear" the throat. You may feel "lumps in the throat" or snoring vigorously. The condition of the teeth may deteriorate drastically, with difficulty using words, and sudden numbness of the face or tongue.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in different stages of disease development
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depend on the degree of the disease. In the early stages, the patient may only experience a heaviness or discomfort in the neck and constant muscle tension. Later the pain syndrome appeared and worsened. In the later stages, the disease can lead to disability.
- Level 1.At this stage, the symptoms are mild: it is a feeling of heaviness or muscle tension, and a headache occurs. Unpleasant feelings increase with physical exertion
- Level 2. . . There is local pain due to the initial herniation of the intervertebral disc. When the head is tilted or turned, the pain syndrome becomes more severe. Reflex pain may occur, usually between the shoulder blades or in the arm. Patients are more likely to feel weak and the overall tone of the body decreases.
- Level 3.The formation of an intervertebral hernia started, and significant deformation of the spine was observed. The pain syndrome is severe and persistent. The affected area has severe mobility impairments and changes in gait.
- Level 4. . . You may experience severe pain when you try to tilt or turn your head, or conversely, if you cannot perform any head movement, there is no pain at all. In most cases, patients experience severe headaches, loss of vision and hearing, and impaired motor coordination. The patient’s disability often occurs at this stage.
Test: Check if you have symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Answer a few questions to check for signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Do you have a head or neck injury?
- Do you have neck pain after sleeping?
- Does it hurt when you roll back, bend over, or turn your head?
- Do you feel crunch when you move your head?
- Are you experiencing muscle tension or the urge to stretch your neck?
- Do you feel discomfort, severe or pain during or after exercise?
- Do you often feel dizzy and headache?
- Did you have a headache during the sharp rise, or did "midges" appear in front of your eyes?
- Have you noticed that your hands become cold and numb periodically?
If you answered yes to at least a few questions, this is the reason to see a doctor. Don't delay going to the doctor-so you have more chances of recovery.