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

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is associated with persistent 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 nourish the brain. Micro-impulses from the main organ and the central nervous system pass through the nerve fibers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of the disease, the individual characteristics. With cervical osteochondrosis, the discs that perform the cushioning function are adversely affected:

1. The structure is changing.
2. Growths form in the form of ridges due to the growth of bone tissue in osteochondrosis. As a result, the blood supply deteriorates, nerve fibers malfunction.

The first symptoms of the disease are not expressed.

With the further development of osteochondrosis that has arisen in the neck, intense pain is observed - the main symptoms. 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 cord injury.

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

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

1. Compression of nerve endings is characterized by symptoms in the form of osteochondrosis neuralgia. When the spinal cord is compressed, neurological diseases can occur. Bone growths that form on nerve roots partially or completely immobilize the vertebrae, leading to their union. The 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 the cervical type of osteochondrosis: frequent migraine, increased blood pressure, impaired coordination, vascular dystonia, dysfunction of the respiratory system. There may be problems with hearing, sight.

External manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis

External symptoms are characterized by a wide range of injuries to the body. Patients do not complain of deterioration in general well-being in first-stage pathology. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, go swimming and do gymnastics to improve health.

The sensation in osteochondrosis of the second stage of the cervix is characterized by pain syndrome, which leads to stiffness of movements.

The feeling of discomfort can be localized in different areas of the spine. Patient performance decreases. Compression of the arteries causes general weakness, migraine. Growths, curves of the head increase the concern in osteochondrosis.

The third stage of the disease is defined by the most pronounced symptoms: when you palpate the pathological area, there is a sharp 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 increased 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 can occur. The main symptom is immobilization of the cervical vertebrae. Compression of arteries and nerve fibers reaches maximum levels, which is manifested in the form of tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing. There is a violation of speech - numbness of the tongue, loss of coordination.

Treatment of localized osteochondrosis in the neck area is performed using a conservative method of therapy using medication.

The doctor prescribes physiotherapy, gymnastics that improves 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 broken. The location of the discs between the vertebrae narrows due to lack of fluid. Muscle hypertension occurs.
2. Stage II of neck osteochondrosis is determined by 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 spreads, intervertebral hernias form, elongation occurs. Cases of disk crashes were recorded. The symptoms of the condition are characterized by severity. Arthrosis begins to progress.
4. Phase IV. Complete destruction of the discs placed between the vertebrae with further replacement of the gaps with bone or connective tissue. The process leads to the formation of constructions.

To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to perform regular exercises at home, which are aimed at strengthening the muscle corset with osteochondrosis. To relieve pain, special medications, oils, 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 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 the accompanying conditions, hormonal 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. Osteochondrosis, curvature in the form of scoliosis, osteoporosis are often diagnosed.
Clinical photo	The condition is characterized by persistence. Lower pain threshold. Patients can not clearly describe all the signs.	Symptoms are pronounced. Patients clearly articulate complaints.
Age changes	The body does not undergo restructuring of internal systems for up to 45-50 years.	Changes are observed as a result of pregnancy, hormonal changes after 45. Pain, numbness of the hands may occur.

Carrying a fetus may be accompanied by the onset of symptoms:

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

Be sure to check out an excerpt from the well-known health show. This issue lists in detail all the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

1. Inspection. After consulting a doctor, a visual assessment is performed using the parameter - walking, posture. A complete history of the patient's symptoms is obtained.
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 study shows the condition of the intervertebral discs.
3. Tomography. There are two types: 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 image is displayed on a computer screen, a 3D model is executed. The second type of examination is based on the work of electromagnetic waves. Layer images are taken for a specific 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

To prevent the disease, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, perform regular exercises and go swimming. 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.