Depending on the localization 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, the other part - to a violation of the innervation of the organs and structures belonging 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 mobility in the joints of the spine, a decrease in the 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 can be the result of excessive load, poor posture, etc. , which is especially evident in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes even at a young age.
Tissue changes can be reversible, however, the morphological signs of osteochondrosis are always present and are diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage 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 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 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 blood pressure and total intracranial pressure, tinnitus, lethargy and impaired coordination are noted.
Not only mechanical compression resulting from 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-like 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 result of osteochondrosis give manifestations in the region of the heart. Heart syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, a feeling of lack of air. With exacerbations of osteochondrosis, cardiac syndrome can be associated with jumps in blood pressure.
radicular syndrome
Compression of nerve roots emerging from the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, semi-paralysis) and sensitivity of the areas they 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 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 finger.
Confirmation of diagnosis
A variety of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the impact of the process on the nerve roots and trunks, which will lead to sensory disturbances, motor functions, pain and circulatory disturbances of innervated areas.
Diagnostic difficulties arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, cardiac disturbances and neurological symptoms, which may mask stroke or transient cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be both a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and acute stroke. The pallor, weakness, tachycardia accompanying the condition are possible in both cases, as reactions of the autonomic system.
Another syndrome of cervical osteochondrosis, which requires narrow differential diagnosis, is cardiac. Equally important is the identification of 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 spine and brain;
- Electrocardiography and ultrasound of the heart;
- AD Holter;
- General blood test.
The intensity of the manifestation of symptoms during periods of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only a thorough examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspected emergency danger: acute neurological or cardiological pathology.