Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic damage to the spine that leads to the destruction of the intervertebral discs with corresponding consequences. Osteochondrosis "affects" the entire spine, but the symptoms of the disease are most pronounced when the cervical region, which is the most mobile, and the lumbar region are affected. The thoracic region suffers the least.
The signs of neck osteochondrosis are very diverse and often resemble other diseases, which complicates differential diagnosis and early detection of the pathology. In this article we will look in detail at how osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself and what will help you suspect this disease.
Degrees of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic progressive disease that occurs with periods of remissions and exacerbations. Pronounced clinical symptoms do not appear immediately, but only after some time, when the degenerative process enters the 2nd or even 3rd stage.
There are only 4 degrees of pathology:
- The initial stage is characterized by pathological changes within the intervertebral disc. It loses moisture, which leads to degenerative changes, reduced disc height and tears in the fibrous capsule. As a rule, there are no signs at this point. Diagnosis is only possible through an MRI of the spine. This is the most favorable period for starting treatment, since in this case it is possible to completely restore damaged intervertebral discs, which is no longer possible in the future.
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis is characterized by increasing damage to the intervertebral discs. Their height decreases significantly, which leads to relaxation of the spinal muscles and ligaments. All this leads to instability of the damaged spinal segment, increased mobility of the vertebrae, their displacement and sliding relative to each other and to the spinal axis. As a rule, at this stage the first signs of the disease appear in the form of pain and other typical signs of lesions of the cervical spine.
- In the 3rd stage, bulges and herniated discs occur. The symptoms of the disease are fully expressed.
- The 4th stage is the last. In this case, the formation of osteophytes and spinal deformities occurs. The body tries to somehow stabilize the damaged segment of the spine, which is why osteophytes, ossification of ligaments and other processes that lead to the stabilization of the vertebrae develop. Unfortunately, however, this process is accompanied by vertebral subluxations of various types and severity and spinal deformities.
The nature of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Manifestations of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine are associated with three mechanisms of negative effects of this pathology:
- Direct compression of the spinal cord, which runs in the canal of the spine. It should be noted that this occurs very rarely with an advanced degenerative process and its complications. Compression of the nervous tissue of the spinal cord can be caused by a large intervertebral hernia that protrudes directly into the lumen of the spinal canal; Stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes; Dislocations, subluxations, fractures of damaged vertebrae.
- Negative effect on the structures of the peripheral nervous system (spinal cord roots and nerve fibers) exiting the cervical spine. They can become trapped between adjacent vertebrae or hernias and become inflamed and irritated. All of this leads to a number of serious symptoms. This is the most common group of signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Negative effect on blood vessels passing near the damaged area of the spine. Of particular clinical importance is a very important arterial vessel - the vertebral artery, which enters the cranial cavity through the openings of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and supplies blood to the posterior third of the brain and the cerebellum.
Let's consider in detail each group of mechanisms and what symptoms they cause.
Symptoms associated with a spinal cord injury
As already mentioned, compression of the spinal cord with cervical osteochondrosis is very rare. This is a very serious disease that can cost a person not only his health, but also his life.
Damage to the upper cervical spine is life-threatening. The cardiovascular and respiratory centers suffer, resulting in immediate death. With compression at the level of the 3-4 segment of the spinal cord, tetraplegia develops (paralysis of all limbs and muscles below the injury). The respiratory muscles and diaphragm also suffer, which can lead to respiratory failure and death.
If damage occurs at the level of the 4th - 5thSpinal cord segment, quadriplegia develops, but without impairment of breathing. When 5-8 segments of the spinal cord are compressed, various muscle groups of the upper extremities suffer and paraparesis of the legs and disorders of the pelvic organs occur.
Symptoms associated with nerve damage
Pain syndrome
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the pain syndrome, which can be chronic (cervicalgia) and acute in the form of lumbago (cervicalgia). Pain occurs in the neck, back of the head and shoulder girdle. It is usually caused by irritation, compression and inflammation of the nerve roots of the cervical spine, as well as pathological spasms of the muscles in this area that are innervated by these nerves.
The pain associated with cervicalgia is almost constant, aching, and varies in intensity. The pain syndrome can usually be tolerated. It occurs or increases with sudden movements, rotations and tilts of the head. Movements in the neck are accompanied by a characteristic crunching sound.
A sore throat occurs suddenly in the form of a stabbing or electric shock. It's very intense, it goes down to one of the hands. Lasts a few seconds or minutes and then leads to cervicalgia. It is usually caused by sudden movement and compression of the nerve.
Radicular syndromes
All major nerves of the upper extremity (median, ulnar, and brachial) are formed from nerve fibers exiting the cervical spine. Therefore, these nerve structures can suffer in the presence of cervicobrachial osteochondrosis. All of these nerves are mixed, meaning they have both sensory and motor functions. Depending on which root is affected, the symptoms are different. For example, the sensitivity of the second or third finger may be lost and paralysis of one or more muscles may occur. All of these signs of nerve damage are divided into separate syndromes that only a neurologist can determine.
Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia occurs when the large and small occipital nerves, which are formed by the 2nd, 3rd and 4th pairs of cervical spinal nerves, are damaged. When these structures are compressed, irritated or inflamed due to a degenerative process in the spine, it results in a headache in the back of the head, which women often complain about.
This pain is so typical that only its description allows a correct diagnosis in 90% of cases. It is also called shooting cranialgia. An attack of pain occurs suddenly, is localized on one side (it rarely hurts on both sides), patients compare the nature of the pain with an electric shock. The attack lasts several minutes but can be repeated several times a day. The pain occurs on the posterolateral surface of the neck and spreads upward to the occipital prominence (repeating the anatomical course of the occipital nerve). At the same time, there may be a loss of sensitivity in the skin on the back of the head (numbness, crawling sensation).
cardiac syndrome
This name is due to the fact that this manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is very similar to angina pectoris and other heart diseases. The reason for this phenomenon is damage to the nerve fiber that innervates the pectoralis major muscle and the phrenic nerve, the fibers of which are woven into the pericardium of the heart.
The cause of the pain is a spasm of the pectoralis major muscle due to pathological impulses along the damaged nerve fiber. At the same time, patients very often confuse such pain with heart pain. Unlike coronary pain, pain syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis is of long duration (sometimes several hours or days), which is not the case with angina pectoris, is not associated with physical activity, but there is a connection with posture. The pain increases with sudden movements, turning the head, coughing, sneezing, which is not the case with angina pectoris. Antianginal drugs (nitroglycerin, etc. ) are not effective.
Important! In any case, such symptoms require a thorough differential diagnosis, because atypical variants of angina pectoris and heart attack also occur. In order not to miss a serious illness, you must first do an ECG. With osteochondrosis, no pathological changes are recorded.
Symptoms associated with vertebral artery injury
Compression of the vertebral artery in cervical osteochondrosis can cause a variety of unpleasant phenomena, mainly associated with reduced blood flow and hypoxia of the part of the brain supplied by this vessel (the posterior third of the brain and the posterior third of the brain). cerebellum).
Signs of Vertebral Artery Syndrome:
- Headache of a diffuse or pulsating nature in the back of the head, temples and vertex area;
- Dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- visual disturbances;
- ringing in the ears, reduced hearing acuity;
- impaired coordination and balance;
- Development of drop attacks (sudden falls without loss of consciousness due to sudden head turns);
- Memory problems, reduced performance, ability to concentrate.
Important to note! If there are pronounced changes in the spine, the artery can be compressed to such an extent that an ischemic stroke develops in the vertebrobasilar area of the brain. Therefore, it is important to detect pathology in a timely manner and take all necessary measures to improve the health of the spine and prevent further pathological changes.
FAQ
What symptoms are associated with cervical osteochondrosis?
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and tingling or numbness in the arms and shoulders.
How can you relieve the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
To relieve the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to engage in physical activity, maintain correct posture, avoid prolonged sitting in one position, use special pillows and mattresses, and also use physical therapy methods.
Helpful advice
Tip #1
Watch for pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms, which may be symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The pain can be stabbing, dull or localized to specific points.
Tip #2
Watch out for numbness or weakness in your arms, fingers, or shoulders, as these may also be due to cervical osteochondrosis.
Tip #3
Watch out for headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus, as these symptoms may also be associated with cervical osteochondrosis.