Osteochondrosis - dystrophic changes in the articular cartilage and bone tissue, is increasingly found.
Separate symptoms of osteochondrosis can also occur at 18 years old.This is explained by a sitting lifestyle.
The disease can affect any area of the spine, 52 varieties of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
The first place belongs to the lumbosacral, the second place in terms of frequency of appearance belongs to cervical osteochondrosis (osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae).
Cervical osteochondrosis - features, development stages
There are 4 stages of cervical osteochondrosis, which have their own characteristics and symptoms.
- At the first stageThe cartilage is affected.A person suffering from osteochondrosis of the 1st degree feels some discomfort, tension in the muscles, but nothing more.Symptoms at this stage are insignificant and do not cause a patient to see a doctor.
- The second stageOsteochondrosis is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the fibrous ring, a decrease in the lumen between the vertebrae, while it is possible to pinch the vertebrae and the appearance of unpleasant sensations.The cervical osteochondrosis of the second degree is most common.
- The third stageThe disease is characterized by the further destruction of the intervertebral disc, the deformation of the vertebral bodies, the formation of bone processes, the appearance of a hernia (protrusion of a fibrous ring) is possible.
- At the fourth stageOsteochondrosis is painful to move, the vertebrae are destroyed and strongly deformed.
Cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by small vertebrae sizes.The junction of the occipital bone of the skull with the cervical vertebrae is pierced by nerve endings, blood and lymph vessels.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis.
- The movable cervical region is articulated with a sedentary thoracic department.This increases the load on the vertebrae of the cervical region.
- The vertebrae of the vertebrae with cervical osteochondrosis occurs in the lateral direction.
- The vertebral artery, which goes through the side holes of 2-6 cervical vertebrae, is involved in destructive processes.
Symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
Frequent manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are headaches that occur in the back of the head and spread in the parietal and temporal region.During the exacerbation of the disease, the pain is so severe that it is difficult to turn or tilt your head.
Compression of the vertebral artery with cervical osteochondrosis is manifested by dizziness, flickering flies in front of the eyes.With a sharp turn of the head, you can lose consciousness.Pain is given into their hands and shoulders.
The defeat of the vertebral artery is also manifested in violation of coordination, hearing and vision.
When pinched the nerve in the vertebrae of the cervical region, the pain descends from the neck to the shoulder blade and through the hand to the fingers.The patient feels tingling, the appearance of goosebumps, numbness of the fingers, forearms, brushes.The pain intensifies by morning, gives to the chest.
Damage to the vertebral artery is manifested by pulsating pain in the head arches, nape, temples.Loss of consciousness, nausea, pain in the eyes, pain in the heart are possible.
Violation of blood circulation can lead to a deterioration in memory and a decrease in intelligence.Pressure pain in the heart resembles the symptoms of true angina pectoris.
The causes of the disease are a decrease in physical activity with the age of physical activity, the appearance of excess weight, hypothermia, violation of posture congenital or acquired, injuries.
The disease can also affect people involved in heavy physical work and office workers.