Acute chondropathy of the cervical spine is not a completely correct statement. Speaking of cervical spondylosis, we are referring to diseases like osteochondrosis, which have a chronic and gradual process. The essence of this pathology lies in the degenerative dystrophic changes of the cervical vertebrae and the intervertebral discs between them. The main complication of this disease is the formation of intervertebral hernia, which compresses the spinal cord and blood vessels. In this article, we will consider the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and discuss its diagnosis.
What are the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis?
The main clinical symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.
Some patients point out that there is quite severe pain in the neck, which can be exacerbated by slight movements. Patients suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, because of pain, cannot turn their heads and hold their heads forcefully, causing the least discomfort in the posture.
However, the most common is dull and persistent pain of moderate intensity. Patients complain of neck discomfort. After active sports activities, sleeping in an uncomfortable posture, etc. , neck discomfort will become more obvious. There is no forced posture of such a person. However, they still have to restrict their movement to a certain extent, for example, try to avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head.
In addition, the clinical picture can be supplemented by sensitive diseases in the neck area, for example, the feeling of "peristalsis" in the neck.
With the further development of osteochondrosis and the formation of intervertebral hernias, the pain syndrome becomes more serious. The patient reported persistent severe pain in the neck, which significantly reduced his quality of life.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The main method of diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is X-ray examination in two projections. X-ray examination results may show:
- Straighten cervical lordosis;
- Flattening of intervertebral discs;
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
- Edge bone growth, etc.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a more informative diagnostic method that can not only identify osteochondrosis, but also differentiate it from other diseases. Computer tomography can also be performed. In 2015, scientists from the Graduate School of Education and Medical Sciences published a paper in which they found that quantitative computed tomography is the earliest method to identify changes in bone tissue.
In addition, the survey plan can add:
- Myelography
- record;
- Electrophysiological research, etc.