Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not a completely correct expression. When we talk about cervical chondrosis, we mean a disease such as osteochondrosis, which is a chronic, progressive course. The essence of this pathology is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them. The main complication of this disease is the spinal cord, blood vessels, etc. It is the formation of an intervertebral hernia that can compress. In this article, we will look at the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and talk about the diagnosis.
How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest?
The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.
Some patients point to a very sharp, sharp pain in the neck aggravated by the slightest movement. A person with cervical lumbar osteochondrosis is unable to turn his head due to painful sensations and keeps it in a forced position, causing the least discomfort and posture.
However, moderately intense, persistent pain is most commonly noted. The patient complains of discomfort in the neck, which is more pronounced after active physical activity, restless sleep, and so on. Such people do not have a forced posture. However, they still have to limit their motor activities, for example, try to avoid sharp turns and bends of the head.
In addition, sensitive diseases in the cervical region, such as a feeling of "creeping" in the neck, can add to the clinical picture.
With the further development of osteochondrosis and the formation of intervertebral hernia, the pain syndrome is exacerbated. The patient shows persistent severe pain in the neck of a person, which significantly reduces the quality of life.
Diagnosis of cervical spine osteochondrosis
The main method for the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is an X-ray examination performed in two projections. X-ray results may reveal the following:
- Correction of cervical lordosis;
- Straightening of intervertebral discs;
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
- Marginal bone growths, etc.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a more informative diagnostic method that allows not only the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, but also the differential diagnosis of other diseases. Computed tomography can also be done. In 2015, scientists from the Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education published a study that found that quantitative computed tomography was a method that allowed the detection of the earliest changes in bone tissue.
In addition, the following may be added to the survey plan:
- Myelography;
- Discography;
- Electrophysiological studies, etc.