Depending on the localization of the spinal cord injury, each department is characterized by its own symptoms of osteochondrosis. Some of them are directly connected with the structures of the spinal column, the other part - with 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;
- spinal artery;
- cardiac;
- root.
Vertebrogenic syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in the bone and cartilage tissues of the spine in osteochondrosis. The violation of mobility in the joints of the spine, the 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 manifests itself especially in the cervical spine. Cervical osteochondrosis occurs as a result of such causes, even at a young age.
The changes in the tissues 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 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 mobility of the cervical spine;
- Pain when turning or tilting the head;
- Changes in the structures of the spinal column (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 entire 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 total and intracranial blood pressure, tinnitus, lethargy, and impaired coordination are noted.
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 headaches of the migraine type, fainting with sudden turns of the head are typical manifestations of the vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis.
cardiac syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots of the cervical region, reflex spasms of blood vessels as a result of osteochondrosis give manifestations in the heart region. Cardiac syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum, palpitations, weakness, a feeling of shortness of breath. With exacerbations of osteochondrosis, cardiac syndrome can be combined with jumps in blood pressure.
root syndrome
Compression of the nerve roots emerging from the cervical spine is manifested by movement disorders (paralysis, semi-paralysis) and tenderness in the areas they innervate.
Signs of conduction disorders 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 pair of roots - the lesion causes impaired movement and numbness of the fingers: middle and index, 8 pair - ring and little.
Confirmation of the diagnosis
A variety of symptoms in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with 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, cardiac disorders, 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 an acute stroke. The pallor, weakness, and tachycardia that accompany the condition are possible in both cases as autonomic reactions.
Another syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis, which requires a 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 the spine and brain;
- Electrocardiography and ultrasound of the heart;
- DA Holter;
- General blood tests.
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.