Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not quite the correct expression. When we talk about cervical chondrosis, we mean such a disease as osteochondrosis, which has a chronic, gradually progressive course. The essence of this pathology lies in the degenerative-dystrophic changes in 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 consider the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and talk about its diagnosis.
How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest itself?
The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is the pain syndrome.
Some patients report quite intense, sharp pain in the neck, aggravated by the slightest movement. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a sick person, due to painful sensations, can not turn his head and hold it forcibly, causing the least discomfort, posture.
Most often, however, the presence of dull, constant pain of moderate intensity is noted. The patient complains of discomfort in the neck, which becomes more pronounced during active physical activity, after sleeping in an awkward position, etc. Forced posture in such people is absent. However, they should limit their motor activity to some extent, for example, try to avoid sharp turns and tilts of the head.
In addition, the clinical picture may be supplemented by sensitive disorders in the area of the cervix, such as a feeling as if the neck is "creeping".
With the further progression of osteochondrosis and the formation of an intervertebral hernia, the pain syndrome becomes much more intense. A sick person shows constant severe pain in the neck, which significantly reduces the quality of his life.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is an X-ray examination performed in two projections. X-ray results can reveal:
- Straightening of the cervical lordosis;
- Alignment of the intervertebral discs;
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
- Marginal bone growths and so on.
A more informative diagnostic method, which allows not only to identify osteochondrosis, but also to perform differential diagnosis with other diseases, is magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography can also be done. In 2015, scientists from the Medical Academy for Postgraduate Education published a paper, 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 study plan may be supplemented by:
- Myelography;
- Discography;
- Electrophysiological studies and so on.