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 the lowering, deformation of the vertebrae. As a result, the patient feels 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. Micropulses from the main organ and the central nervous system pass through nerve fibers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, the individual characteristics. In cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the function of amortization have a negative effect:

1. The structure is changing.
2. The growths form in the shape of a ridge due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates, the nerve fibers do not work properly.

The first symptoms of the disease are not pronounced.

With the further development of osteochondrosis that has developed on the neck, intense pain is noticed - the main symptom. During the movement, the discomfort increases, muscle tension occurs.

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

• inactive lifestyle;
• extra pounds;
• accompanying 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 are manifested in the form of signs whose severity depends on the severity of dystrophic disorders. Processes can lead to the breakdown 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 tightens, neurological diseases can occur. Bone outgrowths that form on nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their fusion. A loss of sensitivity is observed.
2. Compression of the main and peripheral blood vessels is the reason for the lack of proper blood circulation. Oxygen starvation occurs, heart function deteriorates. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis: frequent migraines, jumps in blood pressure, impaired coordination, vascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. There can be problems with hearing, sight.

External manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis

External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of body damage. Patients do not complain of deterioration in general well-being in first-stage pathology. To prevent the appearance of the disease, an active lifestyle, swimming and performing health-corrective gymnastics are recommended.

The feeling of cervical osteochondrosis of the second stage is characterized by a pain syndrome, which leads to stiffness of movement.

The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different parts of the spine. The patient's performance declines. Arterial compression causes general weakness, migraine. Tilts, turns 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 crunch, dizziness, nausea. The condition is manifested by loss of consciousness, the patient feels a lump in the throat. Violation of blood circulation leads to jumps in blood pressure and hypertension. Numbness of the upper limbs appears.

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis localized in the neck area is performed by a conservative method of drug therapy.

The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, health gymnastics. In order to eliminate the pain syndrome during the worsening 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 are characterized by changes that occur in the structure of cartilage tissue in osteochondrosis:

1. Phase I manifestations of chondrosis. The physiological structure of the ridge is disturbed. The position of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertonicity occurs.
2. Stage II 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. Cartilage deformation occurs, bone tissue proliferation is observed, intervertebral hernias are formed, and protrusions occur. Cases of disk failure have been reported. The 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 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 pain. Folk remedies are used in the form of compresses, bandages.

Do the symptoms differ between women and men?

The neck is the most mobile part of the musculoskeletal system, it has 7 vertebrae. The division begins with the thorax 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 developing the disease, which is due to the anatomical structure, possible pregnancy.

The course of the disease depends on the accompanying conditions, hormonal level, 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. 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 articulate complaints.
Age changes	The body is not subject to restructuring of internal systems until the age of 45-50.	Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur.

Fetal pregnancy may be accompanied by symptoms:

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

Be sure to check out 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 that has arisen in the neck area, taking into account the degree of the disease and the symptoms, is the key to a favorable course of the condition. Various methods are used to determine the correct diagnosis:

1. Inspection. After consulting a doctor, a visual assessment is performed using the parameters - 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 general well-being of the patient. The image of the cervical spine was made from the base of the skull to the upper part of the chest. The study 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 apparatus, the expert makes slices under the influence of X-rays. The resulting image is displayed on the computer screen, a 3D model is performed. The second type of test is based on the operation of electromagnetic waves. Layers are recorded layer by layer of a particular part of the body.

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

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the neck

For the prevention of the disease, an active lifestyle, performing regular exercises and swimming are recommended. With an advanced form of pathology, a course of treatment is prescribed, including taking medications that relieve pain, normalize the work of the body's internal systems.