Osteochondrosis (chondrosis) of the cervical spine: symptoms, diagnosis

Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not an entirely correct expression. Speaking of cervical chondrosis, we mean such a disease as osteochondrosis, which has a chronic, gradually progressive course. The essence of this pathology lies in degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical vertebrae and 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, and so on. In this article, we will consider the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, and also talk about its diagnosis.

How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested?

pain in the neck with osteochondrosis

The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.

Some patients point to a rather intense, sharp pain in the neck, aggravated by the slightest movements. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a sick person, due to painful sensations, cannot turn his head and holds it in a forced, causing the least discomfort, posture.

However, most often the presence of dull, constant 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, and so on. Forced posture in such people is absent. However, they still have to somewhat limit their motor activity, for example, try to avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head.

In addition, the clinical picture can be supplemented by sensory disorders in the cervical region, for example, a feeling as if on the neck "creeping".

With the further progression of osteochondrosis and the formation of an intervertebral hernia, the pain syndrome becomes much more intense. A sick person indicates constant severe neck pain, which significantly reduces the quality of his life.

Diagnostics of the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The primary method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is an X-ray examination performed in two projections. According to the results of radiography, the following can be detected:

  • Straightening of the cervical lordosis;
  • Flattening of the intervertebral discs;
  • Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
  • Marginal bone growths and so on.

A more informative diagnostic method that allows not only to identify osteochondrosis, but also to carry out differential diagnostics with other diseases is magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography can also be done. In 2015, scientists from the Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education published a work, according to the results of which it was found that quantitative computed tomography is the method that allows to identify the earliest changes in bone tissue.

In addition, the survey plan can be supplemented by:

  • Myelography;
  • Discography;
  • Electrophysiological research and so on.