Depending on the location of the spinal lesion, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly connected with the structures of the spine, the other part - with a violation of the innervation of those organs and structures that belong to the affected section. Typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. belong to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebrogenic;
- vertebral artery;
- cardiac;
- root.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilage tissues of the spine in osteochondrosis. Violation of the mobility of the joints of the spine, a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae leads to their deformation and limitation of movement in the cervical region.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes of the intervertebral discs are not necessarily associated with age, they can be the result of excessive load, poor posture, etc. , which is particularly evident in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to such causes, even at a young age.
The changes in the tissues can be reversible, however the morphological signs in osteochondrosis are always present and are diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, narrowing and degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
With the aggravation of the process - the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae. Vertebrogenic syndrome is the main in any form of osteochondrosis. Its manifestations in the cervical region:
- Violation of the mobility of the cervical spine;
- Pain when turning or tilting the head
- Changes in the structures of the spine (body and discs).
During an exacerbation of the pain process in the cervical region (cervicalgia), they are also disturbed in a state of immobility. It is characteristic that the pain radiates to the occipital region of the head (cervicocranialgia), sometimes spreads to the whole head, becomes intense, 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 arterial and total intracranial pressure, tinnitus, lethargy and impaired coordination are noted.
Not only mechanical compression due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the artery walls, their nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Intense headache 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 due to osteochondrosis give manifestations in the heart region. Heart syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, a feeling of lack of air. With exacerbations of osteochondrosis, heart syndrome can be combined with jumps in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots emerging from the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, semiparalysis) and sensitivity in the innervating areas.
Signs of conduction disturbances 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: the lesion causes impaired movement and numbness of the fingers - middle and index fingers, 8 pairs - ring and little fingers.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A variety of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the impact of the process on the nerve roots and trunks, which will cause sensory disturbances, motor function, pain and circulatory disturbances of the innervated areas.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, heart disease, and neurological symptoms, which may mask a stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be either a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome or an acute cerebrovascular accident. Pallor, weakness, tachycardia that accompanies the condition are possible in both cases, as reactions of the autonomic system.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis, which requires careful differential diagnosis, is that of the heart. Equally important is the identification of the dependence of blood pressure jumps on osteochondrosis.
Depending on the prevailing 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 dC;
- General blood test.
The intensity of the manifestation of symptoms during periods of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only an extensive examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspicion of danger of emergency conditions: acute neurological or cardiological pathology.