Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not an entirely correct expression. When we speak of cervical chondrosis, we mean a disease like osteochondrosis, which has a chronic, gradually progressive course. The essence of this pathology lies in degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical vertebrae and the intervertebral discs 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 consider the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, and also talk about its diagnosis.
How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest itself?
The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.
Some patients point to a rather severe, sharp pain in the neck, which is aggravated by the slightest movement. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, due to painful sensations, a patient is unable to turn his head and keeps it in a forced, the least uncomfortable position.
Most often, however, the presence of dull, persistent pain of moderate intensity is noted. The patient complains of discomfort in the neck, which becomes more pronounced with active physical activity, after sleeping in an uncomfortable position, etc. Such people lack compulsive posture. However, they still need to limit their motor activity a little, for example trying to avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head.
In addition, the clinical picture can be supplemented by sensitive disorders in the neck area, for example a feeling like "crawling" on the neck.
With the further progression of osteochondrosis and the formation of a herniated disc, the pain syndrome becomes much more intense. A sick person indicates constant severe neck pain, which significantly affects his quality of life.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The primary method of diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is a two-projection x-ray. X-ray results can show:
- Straightening of the neck lordosis;
- Flattening of the intervertebral discs;
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
- Marginal bone growth and so on.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a more meaningful diagnostic method that makes it possible not only to detect osteochondrosis, but also to carry out differential diagnostics for other diseases. Computed tomography is also possible. In 2015, scientists from the Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education published a paper, the results of which found that quantitative computed tomography is the method by which the earliest changes in bone tissue can be identified.
In addition, the survey plan can be supplemented by:
- Myelography;
- Discography;
- Electrophysiological research and so on.