The neck part is the mobile part of the spine, so it is often exposed to a disease such as osteochondrosis, in which dystrophic processes occur. The cervical spine consists of seven plates, so it is responsible for tilting and turning the head. It is characterized by muscle weakness. If a person overstretches their neck, turns their head in the wrong direction, it can end in any serious injury that leads to the development of osteochondrosis.
Developmental stages of osteochondrosis
- The initial stage is when the first violations appear in the vertebral plates.
- In the second stage, a significant reduction in the gaps between the vertebrae is observed, and then the nerve endings may become pinched, causing discomfort in the neck.
- In the third stage, the ring collapses, a hernia is formed between the vertebrae, and the spine is severely deformed.
- The fourth stage is difficult, the neck and back hurt a lot when moving. A person cannot move completely. Sometimes it becomes lighter, the pain subsides, but growths can form that affect the condition of the vertebrae, making it difficult for a person to move. Osteopondrosis is dangerous at this stage because it can lead to disability.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis
When the spine is compressed, the integrity of the spinal cord is broken, and various symptoms occur. An abnormal process can be observed in the peripheral nervous system, bone and cartilage tissues can be destroyed.
Disruption of blood flow to the vertebral arteries leads to brain problems, lack of oxygen, biologically valuable substances.
The following signs of osteochondrosis can be distinguished:
- Neck pain that can radiate to the back of the head, to the shoulders. Severe headaches and migraines are common. Painkillers do not always help relieve pain.
- Due to osteochondrosis, belching and nausea may occur, these symptoms indicate that blood circulation in the blood vessels of the brain is damaged.
- Weight loss, the body suffers from a lack of useful elements.
- Constant vomiting can torment, turning the head, bending, walking aggravates. These symptoms are due to the fact that blood flow in the vertebral arteries is impaired and not enough oxygen enters the inner ear.
- A person suffers from a lack of oxygen due to the fact that the phrenic nerve is irritated, responsible for the solar plexus in the neck, with the help of which breathing is regulated. The patient has difficulty breathing, in difficult situations a person suffers from a lack of oxygen, shortness of breath, everything can end in suffocation.
- Seizures appear at night, accompanied by respiratory arrest, the patient snoring heavily. Symptoms worsen when a person sleeps in an uncomfortable position in a dream, and when the air in the room is dry, the patient appears to drown. Therefore, in the morning he gets up broken, does not get enough sleep, during the day the person is constantly weak, inoperable. If a person suffers from chronic shortness of breath, abnormal processes can occur in the brain tissues, resulting in attention and memory problems in the future.
Tinnitus is a common symptom of osteochondrosis
With the help of the vertebral arteries, the blood supply to the vestibular apparatus takes place when the inner ear fails, strong tinnitus is observed, which causes hearing problems.
Often a person is unable to distinguish tinnitus in time from the symptoms of other diseases. If the neck is affected, it rings in the ear when the patient is in a position for a long time. Other diseases differ in that tinnitus is constant and intense.
Sore throat due to osteochondrosis
- My throat hurts, there seems to be something stopping me.
- It is difficult for a person to breathe and swallow, the mucous membrane dries out and the throat is itchy. All this suggests that osteochondrosis affected the neurovascular system.
Often the above symptoms can indicate a tumor, a severe inflammation.
Vision problems and loss of consciousness due to osteochondrosis
The carotid arteries are involved in the circulation of the cervical organs and rarely cause severe symptoms. Visual problems most often occur in old age when a person suffers from atherosclerosis or hypotension. The following symptoms appear:
- Veil before my eyes.
- The vision drops.
- Many dots may flash in your mind.
- One cannot focus on a particular topic.
- Show jumps.
Gymnastics, glasses do not help in this situation, it is important that the full examination is done on time.
It is dangerous for a person with osteochondrosis to lose consciousness, due to the fact that blood does not enter the cerebral arteries. There are often spasms in the arteries due to the fact that the nerve endings are irritated, the bony vertebral processes are deformed. You can bring the patient to your senses by raising your legs horizontally. In this way, the cerebral circulation can be improved, later violations related to speech and movement occur.
Failures of arterial pressure with osteochondrosis
Disorders of the blood circulation in the medulla oblongata can lead to disturbances in arterial pressure. In osteochondrosis, dizziness often occurs due to the fact that oxygen does not get into the inner ear.
Body temperature rarely rises when abnormalities occur, which indicates an infectious disease, immune system problems - tumors. Sometimes the temperature rises in the affected area.
Thus, if at least one of the listed symptoms occurs, be sure to consult your doctor, diagnose the disease in time, participate in a therapeutic course, may need massage, special physiotherapy, so you can prevent the disease. from being worse. Keep an eye on the condition of your spine - when walking, sitting, lying down.