Depending on the location of the spinal cord lesion, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly related to the structures of the spine, others - 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 tissue of the spine in osteochondrosis. Impairment of mobility in the joints of the spine, reduction of the distance between the vertebrae lead to their deformation and restriction of movement in the cervical region.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes on the intervertebral discs are not necessarily related to age, they can be the result of excessive load, poor posture and the like. , which is especially pronounced in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a consequence of such causes, even at a young age.
Tissue changes may be reversible, however, morphological signs of osteochondrosis are always present and are diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage, and degeneration of intervertebral discs.
With the worsening of the process - the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae. Vertebrogenic syndrome is the main one 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 the worsening of the pain process in the cervical region (cervical pain), they are also disturbed in the state of immobility. It is characteristic that the pain radiates to the occipital part 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 spinal column (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 impaired coordination are observed.
Not only mechanical compression as a result of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the artery walls and their nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Intense migraine-type headaches, fainting 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 consequence of osteochondrosis give manifestations in the heart area. Cardiac syndrome is manifested by chest pain, palpitations, weakness, feeling short of breath. When osteochondrosis worsens, heart syndrome can be combined with blood pressure spikes.
radicular syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots that come out of the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, semi-paralysis) and sensitivity in the areas that innervate.
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 throat (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 difficulty in movement and numbness of the fingers - middle and index finger, 8 pair - ring finger and little finger.
Confirmation of diagnosis
The various symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the impact of the process on the nerve roots and trunks, which will result in sensory disturbances, motor function, pain and circulatory disorders of the innervated zones.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, heart disorders and neurological symptoms, which may mask a stroke or transient cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness may be a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and acute cerebrovascular accident. Paleness, weakness, tachycardia that accompany this condition are possible in both cases, as reactions of the autonomic system.
Another syndrome of cervical osteochondrosis, which requires a close differential diagnosis, is cardiac. Equally important is the identification of the dependence of blood pressure spikes on osteochondrosis.
Depending on the predominant symptoms, the cervical osteochondrosis examination plan 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 manifestation of symptoms in the periods of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only a prolonged examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspicion of danger of emergencies: acute neurological or cardiac pathology.