Depending on the localization of the lesion of the spine, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly connected to the structures of the spine, the other part - with a violation of the innervation of the organs and structures belonging to the affected section. Typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. belong to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebral;
- vertebral artery;
- Heart;
- radicular.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilage tissue of the spine in osteochondrosis. Violation of mobility in the joints of the spine, a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae lead to their deformation and restriction of movement in the neck area.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are not necessarily age-related, they can be the result of overloading, poor posture, etc. , which is particularly evident in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes from an early age.
Tissue changes can be reversible, but morphological signs in osteochondrosis are always present and diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage and degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
With the aggravation of the process - the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae. Vertebrogenic syndrome is the most important in any form of osteochondrosis. Its manifestations in the cervical region:
- Violation of the mobility of the cervical spine;
- pain when turning or tilting your head;
- Changes in the structures of the spine (body and intervertebral discs).
With an aggravation of the course of pain in the neck area (cervicalgia), they are also disturbed in the state of immobility. It is characteristic that the pain radiates to the back of the head (cervicocranialgia), sometimes spreading to the entire head, becoming intense and unbearable.
vertebral artery syndrome
Compression of the vertebral artery as a result of degenerative processes in the spine (or tissue edema during periods of exacerbation) is manifested by impaired blood flow and symptoms of hypoxia in the brain. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, changes in total arterial and intracranial pressure, tinnitus, lethargy, and incoordination are noted.
Not only mechanical compression as a result of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the walls of the arteries, the nerve endings of which contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Intense headaches of the migraine type, fainting with sharp turns of the head are typical manifestations of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis.
cardiac syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots of the cervical region, reflex spasms of blood vessels as a result of osteochondrosis show manifestations in the area of \u200b\u200bthe heart. Cardiac syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness and a feeling of lack of air. With exacerbations of osteochondrosis, cardiac syndrome can be combined with jumps in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
The compression of the nerve roots emerging from the cervical spine manifests itself in movement disorders (paralysis, semi-paralysis) and sensitivity in the areas innervated by them.
Signs of conduction disorders in cervical osteochondrosis:
- 1-2 pairs of roots: headache in the back of the head, numbness or increased sensitivity;
- 3-4 pair of roots: localization of pain and sensory disturbances in the throat (tongue), larynx (hiccups, difficulty swallowing), pharynx, ears;
- 5-6 pair of roots: pain and movement disorders in arms, shoulders, shoulder blades;
- 7 pair of roots: the lesion causes limitation of movement and numbness of fingers - middle and index fingers, 8 pairs - ring and little fingers.
confirmation of the diagnosis
A variety of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the impact of the process on the nerve roots and trunks, which will lead to sensory disturbances, motor activity, pain and circulatory disorders of the innervated zones.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise when the patient has symptoms of hypertension, heart disease, and neurological symptoms that can mask stroke or transient cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be a sign of both osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and an acute cerebrovascular accident. Pallor, weakness and tachycardia are possible side effects in both cases as reactions of the vegetative system.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis that requires narrow differential diagnosis is cardiac. Equally important is the identification of the dependence of jumps in blood pressure on osteochondrosis.
Depending on the predominant symptoms, the examination plan for cervical osteochondrosis includes:
- X-ray examination of the spine;
- CT and MRI of the spine and brain;
- electrocardiography and ultrasound of the heart;
- Holter AD;
- General blood analysis.
The intensity of the manifestation of symptoms during periods of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only an extended examination, but also hospitalization if there is a suspicion of the threat of emergency conditions: acute neurological or cardiological pathology.