Cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis, the concentration of which is noted, as can be determined from the name, in the neck, is a fairly common pathology.Cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which cannot always be unambiguously considered exclusively as this disease, taking into account the features of its localization and local processes, often leads to the treatment of other areas, this symptoms are so contradictory.

General description

Mostly the development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, which is especially contributed to a significant switch from physical labor, albeit to a moderate degree previously widespread to work intellectual, which, again, is accompanied by sitting work.

In general, before we move on to the consideration of symptoms inherent in cervical osteochondrosis, I would like to notice that it can be seen in it of certain differences from symptoms that accompanies osteochondrosis as a whole, which, perhaps, should not be particularly amazing, given the anatomical features that the specific, which interests us has (itself).

The vertebrae concentrated in the neck adjacent to each other quite tightly.Meanwhile, the frame located in the cervical region is not developed too well, which is contributing to the factor to displacement of the vertebrae.It, in turn, causes compression of nerves and blood vessels, which in the cervical region is more than plentiful.So, for example, it is here that the vertebral artery runs, with whose help the blood supply to the brain is ensured (or rather, its hind parts, presented in the form of an oblong brain and cerebellum).

The compression (that is, compression) of the vertebral artery due to a decrease in blood circulation can provoke the ischemia of the spinal cord and brain, and if we consider acute variants of such a course, then even cause a spinal stroke.By the way, such a lesion of the artery can be judged by the appearance of symptoms in the form of a violation of coordination of movements, frequent dizziness, as well as disorders associated with vision and hearing.

The overall compactness that the cervical department has can cause that even a slight muscle tension or vertebral displacement will lead to squeezing the nerve endings, which implies pinching in the cervical nerve, which can also be subjected to vascular structures.Osteophytes, which are formed against the background of such conditions, lead only to a deterioration in the situation, given the compactness characteristic of the cervical region.Recall our readers that the growths of small sizes that form directly on the bones are determined as osteophytes, those substances that are formed in the process of pathological in essence of the hypertrophic process (that is, in the general understanding of hypertrophy - this is a process in which an increase in a separate part of the body/organ) acts.

Cervical osteochondrosis causes the development of protrusions and hernias in the spine, the effects of which, in addition to such features as the vertebral displacement, stress of the vertebrae and the formation of osteophites, also squeezes the nervous root, and thereby leads to the development of edema and inflammation in it.As a result, returning, again, to the compact size that the spinal canal of the department of interest to us has, it remains to accentuate that the spine covers its volume completely, as a result of which additional compression occurs - this time directly in the spinal canal.As a pronounced manifestation of such a course of the disease, pain syndrome is observed.

Further, osteochondrosis can also lead to squeezing the brain, and, given the narrowness characteristic of the spinal canal of the department in question, occurs so much more often than when considering processes in the lumbar and thoracic parts.It is noteworthy, the damage zone is reduced with cervical osteochondrosis not only to the defeat of the neck and head itself, but also to the defeat of the limbs (according to the upper, such a result is diagnosed much more often).Given these features of cervical osteochondrosis, it is he who becomes one of the frequent causes of disability of patients.

So, let's try to summarize in which, in particular, I would like to touch again those factors that lead to compression of the nervous and vascular structures in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.

• Slipping (or displacement) of the spinal disk.This state implies a specific definition - spondylolistz.For the most part, this type of displacement is minimal in terms of their occurrence in practice, moreover, it is important that even a slight displacement provokes the development of paralysis, not to mention the more serious shift, which leads to anything else as a fatal outcome.
• Osteophytes.Cervical osteochondrosis, as we have already noted, provokes the development of the corresponding growths, that is, osteophytes.They, in turn, are located from the sides of the vertebral bodies, lead to the irritation of those muscles that directly fit them, which ensures an increase in their tone.The load that affects the vertebrae is thus increases, this already provokes an increase in the pressure on the intervertebral disc in the same height.Against the background of such a process, the risk of protrusion increases.Osteophytes directed to the passage of the vertebral artery can provoke a narrowing.
• Formation of protrusion, spinal hernia.All this is one of the options for the outcome of the development of processes that are relevant for cervical osteochondrosis.
• Changing the height of the spinal disk (that is, its flattening).In frequent cases, a reduction in height occurs due to a decrease in the size of the intervertebral hole.In addition, it is important to note that even an unsuccessful rotation of the neck can lead to a subluxation of the cervical vertebrae, as a result of which additional compression is ensured (that is, compression).

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms

Changes occurring with the spine with cervical osteochondrosis occur in combination with many clinical manifestations.It is noteworthy that the listing of them can be allocated about three dozen options, while the most interesting and unexpected for the patients themselves may turn out to be the fact that in addition to “traditional” pain in the neck, one has to face symptoms that completely do not fall under the first glance under the disease under consideration.So, for example, not everyone will introduce pain in the elbow joint, weakness of the legs or visual disorders, as well as some other manifestations that we will also try to cover in the consideration below.

To represent those basic symptoms that may accompany cervical osteochondrosis, we conventionally distinguish for them three main groups determined in accordance with the predominant involvement of the central nervous system in the pathological process.

• I group.This includes the neurological symptoms of the disease, considered as its complication, which arose due to the influence of the process directly on the discs and nerve roots, as well as on nerves and plexus (in other words, the process concerns the peripheral section of the nervous system).
• II group.In this case, we are talking about the symptoms that is relevant for cervical osteochondrosis, which manifests itself with the direct effect of the pathological process on the spinal cord.
• III group.Symptoms associated directly with the processes that occur in the brain with cervical osteochondrosis, and, therefore, in the cranial nerves, in the structures and shells of its hemispheres, in the trunk and in the vessels of the brain.

In short, for each of the groups it can be noted that the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the first group are mainly in pain, the symptoms of the second are in motor disorders, and the symptoms of the third are in phenomena associated with the pathological effects exerted on the vessels in vascular phenomena.Of course, in frequent cases, there is a manifestation of these symptoms not only in their pure form, but also in the form of combined with each other, which, however, does not exclude the possibility of determining the leading group of the listed options based on the symptoms.

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms of the first group

As we previously noted, the first group contains symptoms in the form of painful manifestations, which occurs due to damage in the nervous system of the peripheral department.This includes both constant pains in the neck (defined by both “cervical cerebrals”) and cervical radiculite, cervical shutter.In addition, muscle, joint pain (wrist joint, joint of elbow or shoulder), pain in the chest area may also appear (which may imply pain in the heart, liver).

It should be noted that the pain in the neck is the first symptom of cervical osteochondrosis, and it is observed in almost all patients with this diagnosis.Such pains appear in the morning after awakening, intensifying at the time of attempts to roll over in a lying position, as well as with laughter, cough, unsuccessful turning of the head or when sneezing, which is already possible in any other position of the body.The nature of pain can be defined as a drilling and stupid, in some cases the pain can be shooting, however, regardless of a specific option, the localization of these pain is focused in the very depths of the neck.As for the duration of pain, it can be either periodic and constant.

The pain, appearing with awakening, is subject to reduction in its own intensity, which occurs during the day, their complete disappearance becomes possible.Irradia of pain (its distribution) to the shoulder region and to the surface of the neck is not excluded.

The tension of the neck muscles (moderate), the difficulty of breathing in the cervical region can also be noted.The acute period of the manifestation of the disease is characterized by the adoption of a somewhat peculiar pose by patients, in which they strive to keep their heads slightly under the slope forward and at the same time to the side.In the case of a shift, limitedness is often observed in the rotational movements made by the head.

Frequent characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are distinguished by the presence of noise phenomena that occur at the time of rotation of the head in the form of a crunch and cod, which allows you to bring an analogy with the friction of the stone on sand.Often in such cases it is possible to diagnose the statute of the course of cervical osteochondrosis, excluded in the part of the listed symptoms of patients from attention.

In addition to cervical pain and shutter, osteochondrosis of the cervical region can occur in a complex with cervical and cervical radiculitis, these states are manifested in the form of pain concentrated in the upper cervical departments and in the nape.Strengthening the pain is noted at the time of turning the head in one direction or another, to a lesser extent, such a manifestation of pain is relevant in other actions.Often the spread of pain with cervical osteochondrosis occurs to the shoulder girdle and to the hands (to one or to both).In particular, this happens at the moment of muscle tension, directly related to specific roots of nerves, the compression of which occurs by vertebrae.

Tentatively, it can be noted that cervical radiculitis accounts for about 90% of cases of squeezing roots in 6 and 7 departments, in 5% - in 5 and 8 departments.So, the defeat of the sixth department leads to the appearance of unpleasant sensations or to the pain, concentrated within the framework of the anterior outer surface of the region of the forearm with a thumb;The involvement of the seventh cervical spine leads to unpleasant sensations and pain in the middle finger;The involvement of the eighth root leads to the appearance of unpleasant sensations and pain in the little finger.

If the lesion affects the upper vertebrae and cervical discs, then this can lead to the involvement of the occipital nerve innervating the skin in the process of the occipital.This is manifested, respectively, with pain in the nape, they are constant, characterized by periodic reinforcement.Also, the nape area loses sensitivity, a specific pain point can be detected in the form of painful seal and stress.

Cervical osteochondrosis often leads to the development of crooked, which is due to a spasm of the neck muscles against the background of the head of the head and curvature of the neck characteristic of this state.In this case, in patients, the head is slightly shifted to the side/forward or to the side/backward.There is practically no possibility of moving the neck, an attempt to turn towards the head is accompanied by the appearance of certain pain in the neck, shoulder shoulder or in the back of the head.

The compression of the vessels for osteochondrosis due to insufficiency for this reason of blood supply leads to the weakening of the pulse in the radial artery and with attacks of pain with the simultaneous pale of the fingers.

Another manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis is a complication in which pain concentration occurs in the shoulder joint, which is defined asshoulder -shoulder periarthritis.It develops due to violations in the shoulder-lopate area of innervation, due to which dystrophic changes in the gradual way, grades growing.These disturbances appear with the beginning of a painful process that accompanies cervical osteochondrosis, but for a long time they are simply invisible.

The main symptoms of this pathology are pain in the joint, as a rule, which occurs without visible causes, the manifestations of this pain in an enhanced form are noted at night.Subsequently, the abduction towards the hand leads to pain (mainly from the outer part of the joint), probing determines the painful zones.Due to the patient's desire to ensure the rest of the painful limb, the joint becomes stiffereal against the background of reflex muscle contraction in it (“frozen shoulder”).Subsequently, in the absence of treatment, raising the hand more than above the horizontal level becomes impossible.

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms of the second group

Symptoms of the second group consist in syndromes that occur against the background of damage at the cervical level of the spinal cord.Two mechanisms can lead to it, it is either compression, which is produced from the disk with a pulpoose core due to the softness of its consistency, or injury to the spinal cord from the side of solid (long -standing) discs or outgrowths from the posterior neck vertebrae.In women, the first is more often observed, in men - the second mechanism.

Symptoms of this course are often accompanied by weaknesses of the arms and legs, and in the legs there is an increase in tone without muscle weight loss, in the hands, on the contrary, the tone is reduced, the volume is reduced.Sensitive muscle twitching in their hands can also develop, without pain.Most often, such a complication is diagnosed at the age of 40 to 55 years, somewhat less often - at the age of senile, and even less often - at the age of young.The relevance of such a complication can be discussed in the presence of a patient in violations associated with cardiac activity (arrhythmias) or with atherosclerosis.

Changes arising in the spinal cord are defined asMyelopathy, it develops against the background of pathological changes in the disk located in the area between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae.Its development can provoke its development of the spine, excessive overstrain, affecting the muscles of the shoulder girdle, as well as negative emotions and alcohol intoxication.

One of the varieties of manifestation of myelopathy is the disappearance of temperature and pain sensitivity due to the features of the listed clinical manifestations.Accordingly, patients lose the possibility of sensation of the irritating effects that in one way or another on the skin in the cervical region, the upper parts in the chest and the arms (on one side).Thus, the plot that has lost sensitivity has the form of a fencing.Along with the listed symptoms, spontaneous pains (breaking, aching) arise, from the side of the defeat the hand weakens.

Another type of manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis is the “semiconductor disorders syndrome” that occurs with insufficient supply of the side pillars of the spinal cord (its departments) with blood.This leads to increased fatigue of the lower extremities marked when walking/standing, as well as to intermittent chromium.Nun of the hands, as well as unpleasant sensations in them (which is relevant for daytime time), in some cases, such manifestations are noted in the feet are not excluded.When closing the eyes, a violation of coordination occurs.The listed phenomena, despite their own constancy, do not limit the ability to work capacity.

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms of the third group

The third group of symptoms contains the brain manifestations of the disease under consideration, which occurs due to lack of blood flow in the system responsible for supplying the brain stem with blood.The vertebral arteries act as the main vessels forming such a system.We highlight the main types of syndromes that are relevant in this case.

• Hypotalamic syndrome.It is diagnosed most often, manifested in symptoms indicating impaired hypothalamus, or rather, in the form of neurotic disorders.This is irritability and increased fatigue, anxiety and touchiness, instability of moods and sleep disorders (its superficiality, sleep is characterized by the ease of rise without a sense of rest, difficulties with falling asleep).Also, the possibility of concentration on something is lost, the ability to remember is reduced, unpleasant sensations often appear in various organs.Severe cases are accompanied by the appearance of causeless fears, anger, longing, anxiety.Patients are pale, they have a cooling of the limbs, increased sweating, increasing pressure and pulse.The appetite, like sex drive, is reduced, urination is quicked.
• Drops syndrome.It consists in the attacks of a causeless fall into a fainting of the patient with simultaneous loss of consciousness (possibly without his loss), which also occurs due to vascular spasm.Restoration of consciousness occurs quickly enough when the patient is laid in a horizontal position (the head is lowered).After an attack, patients have pronounced weakness in the legs and breakdown, headache is possible.
• Vestibular-barrel syndrome.The only manifestation of the syndrome at the initial stage of the disease is dizziness that occurs due to the sensitivity of the vestibular apparatus to the lack of blood supply.Nausea and vomiting are possible in combination with some fluctuations in the movements of the eyeballs, instability while walking.
• Kochlear-barrel syndrome.It manifests itself in the form of ringing and noise in the ears, mainly on one side.Hearing may decrease, the congestion of the ear occurs, mainly the syndrome is associated with the previous one, however, its independent course is not excluded.By the way, it is not always easy to determine the connection with cervical osteochondrosis with such symptoms.
• Sydrome Gworight-Board.The main manifestations consist in the appearance of the presence of a foreign object in the throat that causes difficulties in swallowing, also this feeling of dry throat is possible with itching.The voice loses its sonority, survival appears in the larynx and in the throat, pain in these areas.Fatigue is noted during conversation, requiring a break, difficulties in swallowing thick foods along with spasm of the esophagus are possible, and reducing such manifestations occurs after rest.
• Visual disorders.Various types of visual disorders: “fog” in front of the eyes, a drop in visual acuity, etc., alternation of various violations during the day.

Treatment

A complete recovery with the disease we are considering is not possible, because its treatment is generally focused on slowing down the current process, and in particular, a specific period of the course of the disease.Exacerbations require hospitalization and semi -water regime.

As for drug therapy, it consists in the appointment of various types of analgesics, the possibility of using novocaine muscle blockade is not excluded.In parallel with the treatment, the main emphasis is on vitamin therapy, muscle relaxants can be prescribed.The effectiveness of the results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is achieved in the use of physiotherapy methods (electrophoresis using anesthetics, ultrasound procedures, etc.).Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis also implies the need to wear the so -called Shants collar, massage procedures are prescribed for periods of remission.

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist, and the direction to this specialist can be obtained with an erroneous assumption in the need to visit Laura, therapist, cardiologist and other specialists.

Migraine is a fairly common neurological disease, accompanied by a pronounced paroxysmal headache.Migraine, the symptoms of which are actually in pain, concentrated from one half of the head mainly in the eye, temples and foreheads, in nausea, and in some cases in vomiting, occurs without reference to tumor formations of the brain, to strokes and serious head injuries, although it may indicate the relevance of certain pathologies.

The syndrome of chronic fatigue (SOKR. CU) is a state in which mental and physical weakness arises, due to unknown factors and lasting from six months or more.Chronic fatigue syndrome, the symptoms of which are supposed to be associated with infectious diseases, in addition, is closely associated with an accelerated pace of life and an increased information stream that literally collapses on a person for their subsequent perception.

Ischemic stroke is an acute type of cerebrovascular cerebral circulation due to insufficiency of reckoning to a certain area of the blood brain or to the complete cessation of this process, in addition, it is damaged by brain tissue in combination with its functions.The ischemic stroke, the symptoms of which, as well as the disease itself, are most often observed among the most common types of cerebrovascular diseases, is the cause of subsequent disability and often fatal outcome.

Avitaminosis is a painful state of a person that occurs as a result of an acute shortage of vitamins in the human body.Distinguish between spring and winter vitamin deficiency.There are no restrictions on the floor and age group, in this case.

Asthenovegetative syndrome (ABC) is a pathological process in which a functional violation of the autonomic system is taking place, which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs.Most often, such a violation arises as a result of a person’s inability to adequately respond to stressful situations.

With the help of physical exercises and abstinence, most people can do without medicine.