Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine, which damages the intervertebral discs, nerve roots and soft tissues of the spinal column.
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by a variety of symptoms.This disease always becomes chronic.With osteochondrosis, cracks appear in the discs, pathological mobility (instability) of the vertebrae and herniated intervertebral discs form.In this case, not only the nerve roots most often suffer from compression, but also the vertebral arteries, which pass directly into the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The most common complaint with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is headache.Headache caused by pathological changes in the cervical spine may be accompanied by dizziness and pain in the cervical and collar areas.
Causes of development of cervical osteochondrosis
The causes of changes in the cervical spine are varied: prolonged stay in one position at the computer, static loads, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, hypothermia, injuries.As a result of such physical activity, the outflow of blood through the vessels of the cervical spine is disrupted.Tension headache occurs.Headaches can occur sporadically or be chronic and worsen with physical activity, coughing, bending or tilting the head.Typically, a headache develops slowly, is moderate or moderate in intensity, and is characterized by persistence and monotony.Sometimes it is migraine in nature, in severe cases it can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, after which temporary relief occurs.
Tension headaches, as a rule, have a one-sided localization with irradiation to the temporal and ocular region; there may be heaviness in the eyelid area, pain in the eyes, and decreased vision.In more severe cases, dizziness occurs, including loss of consciousness.The most severe form of tension headache is transient ischemic attacks, up to the development of ischemic stroke.
Any headache requires observation and careful examination to exclude more serious pathology of the brain.If you experience headaches, contact a specialist immediately - a neurologist.The Clinic’s specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating headaches of any origin.A timely, correct diagnosis and prescription of adequate treatment will save you from many troubles and complications.
Where to start treating osteochondrosis?
If you suspect that you or your loved ones have cervical osteochondrosis, we recommend that you start by consulting a neurologist and examining the vessels of the cervical spine.
Read more about related diseases and symptoms:
- Panic attacks and depression in osteochondrosis
If a person does not have an innate predisposition to a depressive state, there have been no significant events in life that “knocked him out of the rut”, in 90% of cases we are talking about problems with the physical state of vital systems - cardiovascular and circulatory.The cause of uncontrollable panic and reluctance to enjoy life in the case of osteochondrosis is degeneration of vertebral cartilage in one form or another, which leads to disruption of the functioning of surrounding nerve roots and blood vessels.
- Depression in osteochondrosis: Treatment.
The main reason for increased anxiety, apathy and depression in osteochondrosis is oxygen starvation of the brain.With sedentary and stressful work, inactivity, and lack of regular physical activity, deformation of the bone tissue in the neck area occurs.
- About the causes of depression
Despite doctors' warnings that pain cannot be tolerated, not everyone heeds this advice.And regular pain, combined with stress, physical inactivity and bad habits, leads to a state of depression.This is the first phase of depression.
- Depression in osteochondrosis: Causes and prerequisites
The experience of neurologists shows that diseases of a physiological and psychological nature are often interrelated.The body cannot constantly work “like a clock,” especially if there is no regular “winding up.”An active lifestyle, physical exercise, proper nutrition, positive emotions - people deprive themselves of these pleasures in the pursuit of material well-being.Result: cartilage degeneration, circulatory disorders, and associated consequences: dizziness, inadequate reaction to psycho-emotional stimuli, increased anxiety, sometimes panic attacks.
- Spinal hernia.Everything you need to know.
The leading specialists of the Clinic, based on their many years of experience, have collected for you all the necessary information on the prevention, treatment and prevention of intervertebral disc herniation.