Depending on the location of the spinal cord injury, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly related to the structures of the spine, while others are associated with a violation of the innervation of organs and structures belonging to the affected part. Symptoms characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis. belongs to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebrogenic;
- vertebral artery;
- heart;
- radical
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilage tissues of the spine in osteochondrosis. Impaired mobility in the joints of the spine, reduced distance between the vertebrae leads to their deformation and restriction of movement in the cervical region.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are not necessarily associated with age, they are associated with overload, poor posture, etc. may be the result of, especially in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes, even at a young age.
Tissue changes may be reversible, but morphological signs are always present in osteochondrosis and are diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage, and degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
With the complication of the process - the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae. Vertebrogenic syndrome is the basis of any form of osteochondrosis. Its manifestations in the cervical region:
- Impaired mobility of the cervical spine;
- Pain when turning or bending the head;
- Changes in the structures of the spine (body and discs).
During the exacerbation of pain in the cervical region (cervical), they also become restless. It is characteristic that the pain spreads 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 exacerbation) is manifested by impaired blood flow to the brain and signs of hypoxia. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, changes in general arterial and intracranial pressure, tinnitus, lethargy and impaired coordination are noted.
As a result of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, not only mechanical compression, but also irritation of the walls of the arteries, their nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Intensive migraine-type headaches, fainting with sharp turns of the head are typical manifestations of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis.
Heart syndrome
Compression of nerve roots in the cervical region, reflex spasms of blood vessels as a result of osteochondrosis are manifested in the heart region. Heart syndrome manifests itself with pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath. With exacerbation of osteochondrosis, heart syndrome can be combined with jumps in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
Compression of nerve roots from the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, semi-paralysis) and sensitivity in the areas they innervate.
Symptoms of conduction disorders in cervical osteochondrosis:
- 1-2 pairs of roots: headache behind the head, numbness or increased sensitivity;
- 3-4 pairs of roots: localization of pain and sensory disturbances in the pharynx (tongue), larynx (sobs, difficulty swallowing), throat, ears;
- 5-6 pairs of roots: pain and movement disorders in the arms, shoulders, shoulder blades;
- 7 pairs of roots: the injury causes disruption and numbness of the fingers - the middle and index, 8 pairs - the ring and little fingers.
Confirmation of the diagnosis
In cervical osteochondrosis, various symptoms are associated with the effect of the process on the nerve roots and trunks, which will result in sensory disturbances, motor function, pain and circulatory disorders in the innervated areas.
If a patient has hypertension, heart disease, and neurological symptoms that may mask a stroke or transient cerebral ischemia, it can be difficult to diagnose.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be both a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and an acute cerebrovascular accident. Accompanied by pallor, weakness, tachycardia, autonomic system reactions are possible in both cases.
Another syndrome that requires a close differential diagnosis in cervical osteochondrosis is the heart. It is equally important to determine the dependence of blood pressure jumps 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 symptoms during the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only extensive examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspicion of the danger of an emergency: acute neurological or cardiological pathology.