The neck part is a movable part of the spine, so it is often exposed to a disease such as osteochondrosis, in which dystrophic processes occur. The cervical spine has seven intervertebral discs and is therefore responsible for tilting and rotating the head. It is characterized by muscle weakness. If a person strains their neck, turns their head in the wrong direction, it can all lead to a serious injury, which will lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
Developmental stages of osteochondrosis
- The initial stage when the first injuries appear in the intervertebral discs.
- At the second stage, there is a noticeable decrease in the gaps between the vertebrae, then the nerve endings can be pinched, there are unpleasant sensations in the neck.
- In the third stage, the ring begins to collapse, a rupture is formed between the vertebrae, the spine is severely deformed.
- The fourth stage is difficult, it hurts a lot in the neck and back when moving. A person cannot move fully. Sometimes it becomes easier, the pain subsides, but growths can form, they affect the state of the vertebrae, therefore it becomes difficult for a person to move. Osteochondrosis at this stage is dangerous as it can lead to disability.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis
When the spine is compressed, the integrity of the spinal cord is disturbed, various symptoms appear. A pathological process is observed in the peripheral nervous system, bone and cartilage tissues can be destroyed.
Because the blood flow in the vertebral arteries is disturbed, problems arise with the brain, it suffers from a lack of oxygen, biologically valuable substances.
The following signs of osteochondrosis can be distinguished:
- Neck pain that may radiate to the back of the head and shoulders. Severe headaches and migraines are common. Analgesics don't always help relieve pain.
- Due to osteochondrosis, belching, nausea may appear, these symptoms indicate that the blood supply to the vessels of the brain is impaired.
- Body weight decreases, the body suffers from a lack of useful elements.
- Constant vomiting can be tormenting, it is aggravated by turning the head, stooping and walking. These symptoms are due to the fact that blood flow to the vertebral arteries is impaired and not enough oxygen is getting into the inner ear.
- A person suffers from a lack of oxygen, this is due to the fact that the phrenic nerve is irritated, it is responsible for the cervical solar plexus, which is used to control breathing. Breathing is difficult for the patient, in difficult situations the person suffers from a lack of oxygen, shortness of breath, everything can lead to suffocation.
- Seizures occur at night, accompanied by respiratory failure, the patient snores heavily. Symptoms are exacerbated if in a dream a person sleeps in an uncomfortable position, if the room has dry air, it seems to the patient that he is suffocating. Therefore, in the morning he gets up broken, does not sleep enough, during the day a person is constantly weak, incapable of functioning. When a person suffers from chronic shortness of breath, pathological processes can occur in the brain tissues, for this reason, problems with attention and memory will arise in the future.
Tinnitus is a common symptom of osteochondrosis
With the help of the vertebral arteries the vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood; if the function of the inner ear is disturbed, loud noises in the ear can be observed, which leads to hearing problems.
Often times, a person cannot distinguish the ringing in the ears from the symptoms of other diseases. If the neck is affected, the ears will ring when the patient is in one position for a long time. Other diseases differ in that the tinnitus is constant and intense.
Sore throat from osteochondrosis
- It hurts in the throat, it seems like something is in the way.
- It is difficult for a person to breathe, swallow, the mucous membrane is dry, itching in the throat. All of this suggests that osteochondrosis has affected the neurovascular system.
Often times, the above symptoms can indicate a tumor or severe inflammation.
Visual disturbances and loss of consciousness due to osteochondrosis
The carotid arteries are involved in the blood flow to the neck organs and rarely cause severe symptoms. Most often, problems with vision appear in old age, when a person suffers from atherosclerosis, hypotension. The following symptoms occur:
- A veil before my eyes.
- The eyesight decreases.
- A large number of points can flicker in front of the eyes.
- A person cannot focus on a specific topic.
- Leaps in view.
Gymnastics, glasses will not help in this situation, it is important to timely complete the entire course of the examination.
It is dangerous for a person with osteochondrosis to lose consciousness because blood is not entering the cerebral arteries. Often spasms appear in the arteries, they occur because the nerve endings are irritated, the bony vertebral processes are deformed. You can bring the patient to their senses by lifting their legs horizontally. So it is possible to improve cerebral blood flow, later there are violations with language, movements.
Arterial pressure failure with osteochondrosis
The disturbed blood flow to the medulla oblongata can lead to arterial pressure disorders. Often with osteochondrosis, dizziness occurs, it occurs because oxygen does not get into the inner ear.
Body temperature rarely rises, if there are abnormalities, this indicates an infectious disease, problems with the immune system - tumors. Sometimes the temperature rises in the affected area.
So, if at least one of the listed symptoms appears, then it is imperative to consult your doctor, timely diagnose the disease, undergo therapy, you may need massage, special therapeutic exercises, so that you can prevent the disease from getting worse. Constantly monitor the condition of your spine - while walking, sitting, lying down.