Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not a completely correct expression. Speaking of cervical chondrosis, we mean a disease such as osteochondrosis, which has a chronic and gradually progressive course. The essence of this pathology lies in the degenerative-dystrophic changes of the cervical vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them. The main complication of this disease is the formation of an intervertebral hernia, which, in turn, can compress the spinal cord, blood vessels, etc. In this article, we will look at the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and also talk about its diagnosis.
How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest itself?
<1_img_centerxx>The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.
Some patients report quite severe and sharp neck pain, made worse by the slightest movements. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a sick person, due to painful sensations, cannot turn their head and keep them in a forced posture, causing as little discomfort as possible.
However, the presence of dull, persistent pain of moderate intensity is most often noted. The patient complains of discomfort in the neck, which is accentuated with active physical activity, after sleeping in an uncomfortable position, etc. Forced posture in such people is absent. However, they still need to limit their motor activity somewhat, for example, trying to avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head.
In addition, the clinical picture may be supplemented by sensitive disorders in the cervical region, for example, a sensation as if on the neck "crawling".
With the progression of osteochondrosis and the formation of an intervertebral hernia, the pain syndrome becomes much more intense. A sick person indicates severe and constant pain in the neck, which significantly reduces the quality of his life.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main method of diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is an X-ray examination performed in two projections. X-ray results can reveal:
- Recovery of cervical lordosis;
- Flattening of the intervertebral discs;
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
- Marginal bone growth and so on.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a more informative diagnostic method that not only identifies osteochondrosis, but also makes differential diagnoses with other diseases. Computed tomography can also be done. In 2015, scientists from the Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education published a book, according to the results of which it was found that quantitative computed tomography is the method that can identify the first changes in bone tissue.
In addition, the survey plan can be supplemented by:
- Myelography;
- Discography;
- Electrophysiological research and so on.