Radiculitis of the cervical spine (cervical sciatica)
Content:
- Symptoms of cervical sciatica
- Causes of cervical sciatica
- Types of cervical sciatica
- Diagnostics of the cervical sciatica
- Treatment of cervical sciatica
Radiculitis of the cervical spine is an active inflammatory process in the nerve root, which leaves the spinal cord in the cervical spine.
The presented form of radiculitis with the same frequency occurs in both males and women. The disease is most often exposed to people whose age is in the range of 20 to 35 years.
Symptoms of cervical sciatica
Radiculitis of the cervical spine is characterized by such symptoms as:
- painful sensation in the neck, which are cutting or sharp, in some cases baking. They affect the shoulder region and arms;
- severe pains in the back of the head or crown of the head, differing in intensity, become less in case of taking a lying position;
- dizziness attacks;
- tension and soreness in the neck muscles;
- destabilization of sensitivity in the neck itself, shoulders and arms. Feels like tingling, numbness, crawling "goose bumps";
- decrease in motor volume and strength in the hands;
- constant weakness;
- an increase in the temperature indicator;
- bouts of nausea.
Most often, painful sensations are concentrated in the central and shoulder regions of the central nervous system, as well as in the brachial plexus. If radiculitis of the cervical spine has acquired a chronic character, then painful sensations in the neck and all other symptoms become less noticeable, but become permanent. Experts note the alternation of improvements and exacerbations (with any subsequent cycle, the painful sensations only become stronger). There is a critical change in the bending of the neck and impaired posture.
Causes of cervical sciatica
Cervical radiculitis is formed under the influence of such reasons as:
- frequent exposure to cold;
- inflammation in the cervical spine, or spondylitis, which, depending on the type of infection, is divided into two categories: specific and non-specific;
- pinching of nerve endings due to constant ailments associated with the spine, namely osteochondrosis of the cervical region, two or more hernias in the intervertebral discs of the cervical region, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical region of the spine;
- pinching of the nerve processes due to genetic abnormalities of the cervical spine, for example, scoliosis or lordosis of the neck.
Also, the reasons that affect the formation of the presented form of radiculitis include infringement of the nerve processes after receiving bruises, dislocations and other injuries of the cervical region of the spine. One should not forget about myositis, or inflammation of the muscles in the neck.
Experts determine a list of additional factors that can contribute to the formation of cervical radiculitis:
- activities directly related to a particular posture in which neck muscles are tense (for example: teachers, librarians or jewelers);
- constant stay in cool rooms or in drafts;
- excess weight;
- endocrine gland diseases.
Types of cervical sciatica
In total, there are three types of the described ailment:
- The first of these is cervical sciatica. With this form, painful sensations are noted in the neck, occipital lobe. The pain may well be given to the ear and intensify when trying to cough and any change in head position. Hearing impairment and attacks of dizziness are also noted.
- The next form is cervicobrachial sciatica, which is associated with intense painful sensations of a shooting character in the neck, arms and shoulder girdle.
- The third form is cervicothoracic radiculitis. It can be identified by neck pain that radiates to the chest. In some cases, there may be a sensation of pain in the heart.
On the subject: Injections from sciatica
Diagnostics of the cervical sciatica
The diagnosis of radiculitis of the cervical spine can be made based on the signs, the duration of inflammation, as well as after examining the patient and the need for additional research methods. These include palpation, or pressure on the cervical region of the spine and the exit points of the nerve roots from the spinal cord. This makes it possible to establish in which of the vertebrae the inflammatory process is noted.
An examination by a neurologist will be no less necessary, as a result of which it will be possible to identify specific processes that are associated with modifications of neurological reflexes. If the examination by a neurologist is ineffective, then there is a need for a general blood test. With its help, it will be possible to identify the inflammatory process in the body. Of course, the diagnosis will be incomplete without radiography. Because it is she who reveals the vertebra in which the pathological process was formed.
Additional diagnostic measures that are used exclusively in controversial cases are computed tomography, or CT, magnetic resonance imaging - MRI and electromyography (EMG).
Treatment of cervical sciatica
The recovery process for cervical radiculitis is recommended to start with conservative methods. If the effect of treatment for a maximum of two months is absent, then there is a need for surgical intervention. Primary treatments include medication, physical therapy, and a specially formulated diet.
If we talk about the observance of a rational diet, then it is assigned a leading role in accelerating the processes that are associated with the recovery of the body. The use of medicines has a negative effect on the stomach and intestines, because it provokes painful sensations, heartburn and bloating. However, this can be avoided by adjusting the diet.
On the subject: Home remedies for pain relief
The main surgical intervention, which is used as a last resort, should be considered decompression of the nerve process. Under holistic anesthesia, access to the cervical region of the spine is opened and, with the help of surgical instruments, what caused the pinching of nerve fibers is removed. Most often we are talking about bony outgrowths, small parts of cartilage or muscle.
Thus, radiculitis of the cervical spine needs prompt treatment and prevention, since it can significantly worsen the patient's quality of life.
Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist
Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".
