Cervical osteochondrosis, as the name suggests, is a fairly common pathology that is concentrated in the neck. Taking into account the specificity of its location and local process, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cannot always be clearly regarded as the disease only. This often leads to referral to experts in other fields. This symptom is so contradictory.
General description
In most cases, sedentary sitting will lead to cervical osteochondrosis, which is mainly promoted by a major shift from the earlier widespread manual labor (although moderate) to intellectual work (over time).
In general, before we continue to consider the inherent symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, I would like to point out that it is possible to notice some differences between it and the symptoms associated with general osteochondrosis. Considering this, This may not be particularly surprising for those anatomical features that are of special interest to us (the cervical spine itself).
The vertebrae in the neck are close enough to each other. At the same time, the frame located in the cervical spine is not well developed, which is a factor that causes the vertebrae to shift. In turn, it causes compression of nerves and blood vessels, and these pressures are more than enough in the cervical spine. So, for example, the vertebral artery runs here, thus ensuring its blood supply to the brain (or more precisely, the latter half takes the form of the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum).
Compression (ie compression) of the vertebral artery due to reduced blood circulation can cause ischemia of the spinal cord and brain. If we consider this acute option of treatment, it may even cause spinal cord stroke. By the way, similar lesions in arteries can be judged by the appearance of symptoms such as impaired motor coordination, frequent dizziness, and visual and hearing impairments.
The overall tightness of the cervical spine can even cause slight muscle tension or vertebrae displacement, squeezing the nerve endings, which means that the cervical spine is squeezed, which may also affect the vascular structure. Considering the inherent firmness of the cervical spine, the osteophytes formed in this case will only make the situation worse. Let us remind the reader that small growths that form directly on bones are defined as osteophytes, and the components of this growth are essentially pathological hypertrophy processes (ie, in general, hypertrophy refers to the presence of individual parts of the body/organIncreased).
Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the development of spine herniation and hernia. In addition to the characteristics of vertebral displacement, vertebral tension and osteophyte formation, its effect also compresses the nerve roots, resulting in edema and inflammation. As a result, back again to the compact size of the spinal canal of the part of our interest, it still needs to be emphasized that the root completely covers its volume, and therefore, additional compression occurs-this time directly in the spinal canal. As a clear manifestation of this course, pain syndrome is noted.
In addition, rickets may also cause compression of the brain. Considering the inherent stenosis of this part of the spinal canal, its occurrence frequency is much higher than that of the lumbar and thoracic regions. It is worth noting that the affected area of cervical osteochondrosis is reduced not only to the lesions of the neck and head itself, but also to the limbs (in the upper part, similar results are diagnosed more frequently). In view of these characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis, it is he has become one of the most common causes of disability in patients.
So, let us try to summarize, in which, I especially want to mention again the factors that cause the nerve and blood vessel structure in cervical osteochondrosis.
- Sliding (or displacement) of the intervertebral disc. This condition implies a specific definition-spondylolisthesis. In most cases, the frequency of such displacements is minimal in practice. In addition, it is important here that even small displacements can cause the development of paralysis, let alone more severe displacements. , This will only lead to fatal consequences.
- Osteophytes. As we have already pointed out, cervical osteochondrosis can cause the growth of corresponding osteophytes. In turn, they are located on the side of the vertebral body, causing stimulation of the muscles directly adjacent to them, thus ensuring their tone enhancement. As a result, the load acting on the vertebrae increases, which has caused an increase in the pressure exerted on the intervertebral disc while reducing the height of the intervertebral disc. In the context of this process, the risk of protrusion formation increases. Osteophytes directed to the vertebral artery canal cause narrowing.
- Formation of protrusions, spinal hernia. All of these are one of the options for the development of the process related to cervical osteochondrosis.
- Changes in the height of the intervertebral disc (that is, the flatness of the vertebral body). In most cases, the height is reduced due to the reduction in the size of the intervertebral foramen. In addition, it is important to note that even unsuccessful neck rotation can cause cervical subluxation, which can lead to additional compression (ie, compression).
Cervical Osteochondrosis: Symptoms
The spinal changes of cervical osteochondrosis occur together with many clinical manifestations. It is worth noting that listing them can make possible about three dozen choices, and for the patient itself, the most interesting and unexpected may be the fact, except for the ``traditional'' pain in the neck, People must also face symptoms that did not appear at all. According to the disease in question. Therefore, for example, not everyone will independently bear the diagnosis of such elbow pain, leg weakness or visual impairment, and other manifestations. We will also introduce these manifestations in the following discussion.
In order to represent the main symptoms that may accompany cervical osteochondrosis, we conditionally divide them into three main groups and define them according to the scope of the main nervous system involved in the pathological process.
- Group I. This includes the neurological symptoms of the disease, which are considered complications, which are caused by the process directly acting on the intervertebral discs and nerve roots and nerves and nerve plexus (in other words, the process involves the peripheral parts of the nervous system).
- The second group. In this case, we are talking about symptoms associated with cervical osteochondrosis, which manifest themselves under the direct influence of the pathological process on the spinal cord.
- Group III. Symptoms directly related to cervical osteochondrosis in the brain and therefore in the cranial nerves, in the structures and membranes of its hemispheres, in the trunk and blood vessels of the brain.
Briefly, for each group, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in the first group are mainly pain, the symptoms in the second group are dyskinesias, and the symptoms in the third group are related to the pathological effects on blood vessels. , Is actually a vascular phenomenon. . . Of course, in common situations, these symptoms appear not only in pure form, but also in a combined form, but this does not rule out the determination of the existing symptoms from the listed optionsPossibility to lead the group.
Cervical Chondrosis: Symptoms of the first group
As we mentioned earlier, the first group includes symptoms in the form of pain, which occur due to damage to the peripheral nervous system. This includes both persistent neck pain (defined as "Gorcarella cervix"), cervical radiculitis and cervical low back pain. In addition, muscle pain, joint pain (wrist, elbow or shoulder joint), chest pain (may indicate heart or liver pain) may also occur.
It should be pointed out that neck pain is the first symptom of cervical osteochondrosis and is noticed in almost all patients with this diagnosis. This pain will appear after waking up in the morning and will be exacerbated when trying to roll in a supine position and when laughing, coughing, unsuccessfully turning the head or sneezing, which is possible in any other position of the body. The nature of pain can be defined as boredom and boredom. In some cases, it can relieve pain. However, regardless of the specific choice, the location of these pain sensations are concentrated in the depths of the neck. As for the duration of pain, it can be periodic or continuous.
The pain that appears during awakening will decrease as its own intensity decreases. This intensity occurs during the day and it is possible to disappear completely. Pain radiation (its spread) to the shoulder area and neck surface is not excluded.
There may also be moderate tension in the neck muscles and shortness of breath in the cervical area. The acute phase of the disease is characterized by a particular posture in which the patient tends to keep the head tilted slightly forward and at the same time tilted to the side. In the case of back pain, the rotational movement of the head is usually restricted.
Many common characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are the appearance of noise, which appears in the form of creaking when the head turns. This allows us to use a stone rubbing against the sand to analogize. Usually in this case, it is possible to diagnose the course of cervical osteochondrosis. Therefore, for some of the listed symptoms, this is not the patient's attention.
In addition to cervical pain and low back pain, cervical osteochondrosis can also occur at the same time as cervical radiculitis and cervical radiculitis. These symptoms take the form of pain and focus on the upper cervical spine and posterior occiput. When you turn your head in one direction or another (to a lesser extent) you will notice increased pain, which is related to other movements. Usually, the pain spreads to the shoulder straps and arms (one or both) in cervical osteochondrosis. In particular, this happens when the muscles are tense, directly connected to specific nerve roots that are compressed by the vertebrae.
It can be roughly noted that cervical radiculitis accounts for 90% of root compression cases in 6 and 7 departments, and 5% in 5%-5 and 8 departments. Therefore, the failure of the sixth section causes discomfort or pain, which is concentrated on the outer surface of the forearm area of the thumb. The involvement of the seventh cervical root can cause discomfort and pain in the middle finger; the intervention of the eighth root can cause discomfort and pain in the little finger.
If the lesion involves the upper vertebrae and cervical intervertebral discs, it may lead to the involvement of the occipital nerve, which makes the skin of the occipital bone innervated. This is manifested by pain in the back of the head, which are constant and are characterized by periodic reinforcement. In addition, the back area of the head loses sensitivity, and specific pain points in the form of compression and tension can be identified.
Cervical osteochondrosis usually leads to the development of torticollis, which is due to neck muscle spasms caused by the head tilt and neck curvature characteristics in this case. In this case, the patient's head will move slightly to the side/forward or to the side/back. In fact, there is almost no possibility of neck movement. Trying to turn the head will be accompanied by some pain in the neck, shoulder straps or back of the head.
Compression of blood vessels in osteochondrosis due to insufficient blood supply, resulting in weakened artery pulse and white fingers with pain.
Another manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis is a complication, where the pain is concentrated in the shoulder joint area, defined asarthritis around the humerus. It develops due to infringement of the innervation of the shoulder a bone area, so the changes in malnutrition gradually develop and gradually increase. The appearance of these diseases is accompanied by the beginning of the painful process of osteochondrosis, but for a long time, they have only been invisible.
The main symptom of this pathology is joint pain, which usually occurs for no apparent reason, and this pain becomes worse at night. Subsequently, the arm abduction causes pain (mainly from the outside of the joint), and the painful area is detected. Since the patient wants to make sure that the remaining limbs are painful, the joints become stiff against the background of their reflex muscle contractions ("frozen shoulder"). Later, without treatment, it became impossible to raise the arm above horizontal.
Cervical osteochondrosis: Symptoms of the second group
The second group of symptoms is a syndrome that occurs in the context of cervical lesions in the cervical spine. There may be two reasons for this situation. One is the compression of the nucleus pulposus from the intervertebral disc due to the soft consistency of the nucleus pulposus, or the injury to the spinal cord from the hard (old) intervertebral disc or the growth of posterior cervical vertebrae. In women, the first mechanism is more common, while in men, the second mechanism is more common.
The symptoms of this process are usually accompanied by weakness in the arms and legs, and the tone increases in the legs without muscle loss. On the contrary, the tone decreases and the volume decreases in the arms. There may also be mild muscle twitches in the arm without pain. Most commonly, this complication occurs between 40 and 55 years of age, and it is rarely diagnosed at the age of aging, and even less frequently at the younger age. If the patient has heart disease (arrhythmia) or atherosclerosis, it can be said that this complication is related.
Spinal cord changes are defined asmyelopathy, which develops in the context of pathological changes in the intervertebral disc located between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. The spine is traumatized, excessive pressure will affect the muscles of the shoulder strap, and negative emotions and alcoholism will stimulate its development.
A change in the manifestation of myelopathy is due to the specificity of the listed clinical manifestations, which leads to the loss of temperature and pain sensitivity. Therefore, the patient loses the possibility of sensing the irritation on the skin on the cervical region, the upper region of the chest and the arm (on one side) in one way or another. Therefore, the area of loss of sensitivity looks like a half coat. In addition to the symptoms listed, pain (broken, pain) occurs spontaneously, weakening from the side of the lesion.
Another manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis is "semiconductor disease syndrome", which occurs when the blood supply to the lateral column of the spinal cord (part of it) is insufficient. This can lead to increased fatigue of the lower limbs, and attention should be paid when walking/standing, and intermittent lauching. Do not rule out the numbness of the hands and the discomfort of the hands (this is very important during the day). In some cases, this performance is also obvious on the feet. Closing your eyes will impair coordination. Although the listed phenomena have their own constancy, they do not limit the patient's ability to work.
Cervical Chondrosis: Symptoms of the third group
The third group of symptoms includes the brain manifestations of the disease in question, which occur due to insufficient blood flow in the system that supplies blood to the brainstem. The vertebral artery is the main blood vessel that forms this system. Let us highlight the main types of syndromes that are relevant in this situation.
- Hypothalamic Syndrome. It is most often diagnosed as symptoms of hypothalamic disease or in the form of neurological disease. These are irritability and increased fatigue, anxiety and resentment, emotional instability and sleep disturbance (the superficial phenomenon, sleep is characterized by easy to get up without feeling of rest, and difficulty in falling asleep). The ability to concentrate will also be lost, the ability to remember will decline, and discomfort often occurs in various organs. The cases expressed are accompanied by unprovoked fear, anger, depression, and anxiety. The patient's face is pale, the limbs are cold, the sweating increases, and the pressure and pulse increase. Like libido, appetite decreases and urination becomes more frequent.
- Fall Syndrome. It includes unreasonable fainting and loss of consciousness (possibly no loss of consciousness), which is also caused by vasospasm. When the patient lies in a horizontal position (head lowered), recovery of consciousness occurs fast enough. After the attack, the patient’s legs and feet are weak and may even have a headache.
- Vestibular stem syndrome. The only manifestation of this syndrome in the early stages of the disease is dizziness, which is caused by the sensitivity of the vestibular device to insufficient blood supply. Nausea and vomiting may occur, accompanied by certain fluctuations in eye movements, and unstable walking.
- Cochlear Dry Syndrome. It is mainly manifested as the ringtone and sound of the ear, mainly on one side. Hearing may be reduced and ear congestion occurs, mainly because the syndrome is related to the previous syndrome, but its independent course is not excluded. By the way, it is not always easy to determine the connection with cervical osteochondrosis with this symptom.
- Throat Cider. The main manifestation is the feeling of a foreign body in the throat, causing difficulty swallowing. This is also a feeling of dryness in the throat, which may be itchy. I lose my voice, my throat and throat are sore, and these parts are painful. You may feel tired during the conversation and need to rest. It may be difficult to swallow dense food and is accompanied by esophageal cramps. This symptom will decrease after a rest.
- Visual impairment. Various types of visual disturbances: "fog" in front of the eyes, decreased visual acuity, etc. , the alternation of various obstacles during the day.
Treatment
The disease we are considering cannot fully recover, so its treatment usually focuses on slowing down the current progress of the process, especially during a specific period of the process. The worsening condition requires hospitalization and semi-bed rest.
As for medication, it includes the appointment of various types of analgesics and does not rule out the possibility of using novocaine muscle blockers. At the same time of treatment, the main focus is vitamin treatment, and muscle relaxants can be prescribed. The use of physical therapy (electrophoresis using anesthetic, ultrasound, etc. ) can achieve the effect of treating cervical osteochondrosis. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis also means the need to wear the so-called Shants collar and a massage procedure during the remission period is prescribed.
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