Depending on the location of the spinal injury, 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 the organs and structures that belong to the affected section. Typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. belong to several groups or syndromes:
- vertebrogenic;
- vertebral artery;
- heart;
- root.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilaginous 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 intervertebral discs are not necessarily associated with age, they may be due to 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 in osteochondrosis are always present and are diagnosed radiologically: dehydration, shrinkage and degeneration of the 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 cervical spine mobility;
- Pain when turning or tilting the head;
- Changes in spinal structures (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 it spreads to the entire head, becomes intense, unbearable.
vertebral artery syndrome
Vertebral artery compression 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 observed.
Not only mechanical compression as a result of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also irritation of the walls of the artery, its nerve endings contribute to the manifestation of specific symptoms.
Severe 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. Cardiac syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, feeling short of breath. With exacerbations of osteochondrosis, cardiac 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 tenderness in the areas they innervate.
Signs of conduction disorders in cervical osteochondrosis:
- 1-2 pairs of roots: headache at the back of the head, numbness or increased sensitivity;
- 3-4 pairs of roots: location 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 arms, shoulders, shoulder blades;
- 7 pairs of roots: the lesion causes impaired movement and numbness of the fingers - middle and index, 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 result in sensory disturbances, motor function, pain and circulatory disturbances of the innervated zones.
Difficulties in diagnosis arise if the patient has symptoms of hypertension, cardiac disorders, and neurological symptoms, which may mask a stroke or transient cerebral ischemia.
Sudden loss of consciousness can be a sign of osteochondrosis with vertebral artery syndrome and acute stroke. Pallor, weakness, tachycardia accompanying the condition are possible in both cases as autonomic system reactions.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis, which requires a close differential diagnosis, is cardiac. Equally important is the identification of the dependence of blood pressure jumps on osteochondrosis.
Depending on the predominant symptoms, the exam plan for cervical osteochondrosis includes:
- Radiographic examination of the spine;
- CT and MRI of the spine and brain;
- Electrocardiography and ultrasound of the heart;
- Holter AD;
- General blood analysis.
The intensity of the manifestation of symptoms during periods of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may require not only a prolonged examination, but also hospitalization in case of suspicion of the danger of emergency conditions: acute neurological or cardiological pathology.