Depending on the location of the lesion of the spine, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly related to the structures of the spine, and the other part - with a violation of the innervation of those organs and structures that belong to the affected part. Symptoms typical of cervical osteochondrosis. belong to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebrogenic;
- vertebral artery;
- cardiac;
- radicular.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilage of the spine in osteochondrosis. Impaired mobility in the joints of the spine, reducing the distance between the vertebrae lead to their deformation and restrict movement in the cervical region.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes of the intervertebral discs are not necessarily related to age, they can be the result of overload, poor posture and more. , which is especially pronounced in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes, even at a young age.
Tissue changes may be reversible, but the morphological signs of osteochondrosis are always present and diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, contraction, and degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
With worsening 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:
- Impaired mobility of the cervical spine;
- Pain when turning or tilting the head;
- Changes in the structures of the spine (body and discs).
During the exacerbation of the process of pain in the cervical region (cervicalgia), they are also disturbed in a state of immobility. Characteristically, the pain radiates to the occipital region of the head (cervicocranialgia), sometimes spreads throughout the head, becomes intense, unbearable.
vertebral artery syndrome
Compression of the vertebral artery as a result of degenerative processes in the spine (or swelling of the tissues during periods of exacerbation) is manifested by impaired blood flow and symptoms of hypoxia in the brain. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, changes in total blood pressure and intracranial pressure, tinnitus, lethargy and impaired coordination have been reported.
Not only mechanical compression as a result of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the walls of the artery, their nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Intense migraine headaches, seizures with sharp turns of the head are typical manifestations of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis.
Heart syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots of the cervical region, reflex spasms of blood vessels as a result of osteochondrosis give manifestations in the heart. Cardiac syndrome is manifested by sternal pain, palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath. In exacerbation of osteochondrosis, cardiac syndrome can be combined with jumps in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots coming out of the cervical spine is manifested by motor disorders (paralysis, semi-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 hypersensitivity;
- 3-4 pairs of roots: localization of pain and sensory disorders in the pharynx (tongue), larynx (hiccups, difficulty swallowing), throat, ears;
- 5-6 pairs of roots: pain and movement disorders in the arms, shoulders, shoulders;
- 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 the diagnosis
A variety of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the impact of the process on nerve roots and trunks, which will lead to sensory disorders, motor function, pain and circulatory disorders in the innervated areas.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, heart disorders, and neurological symptoms that may mask stroke or transient cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be both a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and an acute cerebrovascular accident. Accompanying the condition pallor, weakness, tachycardia are possible in both cases as reactions of the autonomic system.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis that requires a close differential diagnosis is cardiac. It is equally important to identify the dependence of blood pressure spikes 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 test.
The intensity of the 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 emergencies: acute neurological or cardiac pathology.