Depending on the localization of the spinal column lesion, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are connected directly with the structure of the spine, other parts - with a violation of the conservation of organs and structures belonging to the affected part. Typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. belong to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebrogenic;
- vertebral arteries;
- heart;
- radicular.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Caused by changes in the bone and cartilage tissue of the spine in osteochondrosis. Violation of mobility in the spinal joints, a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae leads to deformation and restriction of their movement in the cervical region.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc are not necessarily associated with age, they can be caused by excessive load, poor posture, etc. , which are especially evident in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes, even at a young age.
Changes in tissue are reversible, however, morphological signs in osteochondrosis are always present and diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage and degeneration of the intervertebral disc.
With the deterioration of the process - the formation of bone growth on the vertebrae. Vertebrogenic syndrome is the predominant in any form of osteochondrosis. Manifestations in the cervical region:
- Violation of the mobility of the cervical spine;
- Pain when turning or tilting the head;
- Changes in the structure of the spine (body and discs).
During the exacerbation of the pain process in the cervical area (cervicalgia), they are also disturbed in a state of immobility. It is characteristic that the pain radiates to the occipital area of the head (cervicocranialgia), sometimes spreading to the rest of the head, becoming intense, unbearable.
vertebral artery syndrome
Compression of the vertebral arteries due to degenerative processes in the spinal column (or tissue edema during periods of exacerbation) is indicated 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 impaired coordination were observed.
Not only mechanical compression due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the arterial walls, their nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of certain symptoms.
Intense migraine -type headache, fainting with sharp rounding of the head is a typical manifestation of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis.
Heart syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots of the cervical region, reflex spasm of blood vessels due to osteochondrosis give manifestations in the heart region. Cardiac syndrome is indicated by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath. With exacerbation of osteochondrosis, cardiac syndrome can be combined with a jump in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
Nerve root compression arising from the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, partial paralysis) and sensitivity in the areas they innervate.
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 pairs of roots: localization of pain and sensory disturbances in the pharynx (tongue), larynx (hiccups, difficulty swallowing), throat, ears;
- 5-6 pairs of roots: pain and movement disorders in the arms, shoulders, shoulder blades;
- 7 pairs of roots: lesions cause impaired movement and numbness of the fingers - middle and forefinger, 8 pairs - rings and little fingers.
Confirmation of the diagnosis
Various symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the effect of the process on the roots and trunks of nerves, which will result in sensory disturbances, motor function, pain and circulatory disorders of the innervated zone.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, heart disorders and neurological symptoms, which may obscure a temporary stroke or cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome, and acute cerebrovascular accident. Pale, weakness, tachycardia that accompanies the condition is possible in both cases, in response to the autonomic system.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis, which requires a close differential diagnosis, is cardiac. Equally important is the identification of the dependence of blood pressure jumps on osteochondrosis.
Depending on the symptoms, screening plans for cervical osteochondrosis include:
- X-ray examination of the spine;
- CT and MRI of the spine and brain;
- Electrocardiography and cardiac ultrasound;
- Holter AD;
- General blood analysis.
The intensity of symptom manifestations during the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only further examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspected danger of an emergency situation: neurological pathology or acute cardiology.