The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of dystrophic changes in cartilage and intervertebral discs. The development of pathology contributes to sinking, 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 main blood vessels that feed the brain. The 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. In cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the cushioning function are negatively 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, nerve fibers are damaged.

The first symptoms of the disease are not pronounced.

With the further development of osteochondrosis, arising in the neck, there is intense pain - the main symptom. During the movements the discomfort intensifies, muscle tension arises.

Different categories of people are at risk. The process is determined by factors that provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sedentary way of life;
• Overweight;
• concomitant pathologies - scoliosis, rheumatism;
• excessive physical activity;
• spinal cord injury.

The main symptoms in the late stages of the 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 dystrophic disorders. Processes can lead to a malfunction of any internal system of the body:

1. Compression of the nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondral neuralgia. When the spinal cord is compressed, neurological diseases can occur. Bone growths, which form on the nerve roots, partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. Disappearance of sensitivity is observed.
2. Squeezing of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the reason for the lack of adequate blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart function deteriorates. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, jumps in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vascular dystonia, respiratory dysfunction. 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 deterioration of 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, go swimming and do healing exercises.

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

The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. The patient's efficiency decreases. Compression of the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Tilts, rotations of the head increase the discomfort of osteochondrosis.

The third stage of the disease is determined by more pronounced symptoms: on palpation of the pathological area there is sharp pain, immobility, movements are characterized by crunching, dizziness, nausea. The condition manifests itself with loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Circulatory disorders lead to spikes in blood pressure and hypertension. Numbness of the upper extremities occurs.

The fourth phase is determined by the deterioration of the condition. In the advanced form of cervical osteochondrosis, damage to the patient may occur. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical spine. Compression of the arteries and nerve fibers reaches maximum levels, which manifests itself in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing. There is a speech disorder - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.

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

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

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 chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The location of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertension occurs.
2. Stage II of osteochondrosis of the neck is determined by 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 disk failures have been recorded. The 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 further replacement of the cavities 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. Special medications, ointments and injections are prescribed to relieve the pain. Folk remedies are used in the form of compresses, bandages.

Are the symptoms different for women and men?

The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, there are 7 vertebrae. The division begins with the pectoralis and is attached to the skull. The 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	Bigger size.	Smaller.
System functions	The body is under constant stress. Fractures are less common due to more developed muscles.	It adapts better to loads. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are often diagnosed.
Clinical picture	The condition is characterized by stability. Lower pain threshold. Patients cannot clearly describe all the signs.	The symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly formulate complaints.
Adult changes	The body is not subject to restructuring of internal systems until 45-50 years.	There are changes as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, tingling in the hands may occur.

Pregnancy may be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms:

• progression of cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis;
• pinching of nerve endings;
• the appearance of problems with the cardiovascular system;
• stiffness of movements.

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

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

A comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis, arising in the neck, taking into account the degree of the disease, the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. Different methods are used to establish an accurate diagnosis:

1. Inspection. After consultation with 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 an affordable method of examination. It is characterized by the possible occurrence of consequences that affect the overall well-being of the patient. A photograph of the cervical spine is taken from the base of the skull to the upper part of the chest. The examination shows the condition of the intervertebral discs.
3. Tomography. There are two types: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case, with the help of a special device, a specialist makes slices under the influence of X-rays. The resulting picture is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is executed. The second type of study is based on the operation of electromagnetic waves. Layered images are made of a specific part of the body.

If the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the neck are characterized by intense development, you should consult a doctor.

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the neck

To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, exercise regularly and go swimming. In advanced pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including medication that relieves pain, normalizes the functioning of the body's internal systems.