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

Acute chondrosis of the cervical spine is not a completely correct expression. Speaking of cervical chondrosis, we mean a disease such 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 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 does cervical osteochondrosis manifest itself?

neck pain with osteochondrosis

The main clinical sign of cervical osteochondrosis is pain syndrome.

Some patients indicate a rather intense and sharp neck pain, 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 posture, causing minimal discomfort.

However, dull and persistent pain of moderate intensity is most often 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 these people is absent. However, they still have to somehow limit their motor activity, for example, try to avoid sharp bends and tilts of the head.

In addition, the clinical picture can be complemented by sensitive disturbances in the cervical region, for example a sensation as if on the neck "crawling".

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 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 cervical lordosis;
  • Flattening of the intervertebral discs;
  • Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen;
  • Marginal bone growth 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 turned out that quantitative computed tomography is the method that allows you to identify the first changes in bone tissue.

Furthermore, the investigation plan can be supplemented by:

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