Definition
A chronic cervical spine syndrome describes a clinical picture in which permanent or recurring complaints that originate in the neck and shoulder area occur over a long period of time. In addition to pain and restricted movement, the irritation of nerves can lead to a wide variety of symptoms. There can be different causes for a cervical spine syndrome and the individual complaints are also not the same. In the case of chronic cervical spine syndrome it is often not possible to achieve complete recovery. The aim of treatment is therefore usually to alleviate symptoms and deal with the disease as well as possible.
Causes of the chronic cervical spine syndrome
The chronic cervical spine syndrome is a not clearly defined complex of various symptoms that can occur in different constellations and degrees of severity. Due to the various possible causes of chronic cervical spine syndrome, there are also various possibilities for the doctor to code the present clinical picture according to the ICD-10 catalogue of diseases. If the physician suspects signs of aging or if these are proven by imaging, the diagnosis is classified in category M47 as a so-called degenerative cervical spine syndrome.
In many cases, on the other hand, muscular tension is the cause, so that coding according to M62 as myogelosis in the cervical spine area can be made. In case of a sprain or strain of joints and ligaments in the cervical region as the cause of the chronic cervical spine syndrome, a coding according to category S13 is appropriate. If no clear cause can be identified but appropriate symptoms of the syndrome are present, a diagnosis according to M53 can be made as another disease of the spinal column.
Symptoms of chronic cervical spine syndrome
Since chronic cervical spine syndrome is a heterogeneous disease complex with sometimes very different causes and connections, the possible symptoms are manifold. Most people only suffer from some of the symptoms, but new ones may appear during the course of the disease and others may subside. Most people with a chronic cervical spine syndrome primarily suffer from frequent pain in the neck or shoulder area.
These may radiate, often being felt in the back of the head. In addition, many affected people suffer from limited movement in the cervical spine due to muscular tension and poor posture. Since this is actually the most mobile part of the spine, restrictions there can affect the entire musculoskeletal system.
Some people who suffer from a chronic cervical spine syndrome therefore also report walking insecurity. Other common symptoms are As such symptoms can also indicate other causes such as a slipped disc in the cervical spine, such newly occurring complaints should be clarified by a visit to the doctor. – Dizziness,
- Nausea,
- Visual disturbances and
- Dizzy.
- Some people also suffer from discomfort in their arms or hands. N
- Even pain can cause tingling or numbness. – In some cases even a muscle weakness in the arms occurs.
Radicular symptoms can be attributed to the impairment of a particular nerve or nerve root. The nerve fibres leave the spinal cord in pairs between the vertebral bodies and supply the body in segments. In addition, the nerve tracts are laid together to form nerve cords, each of which is responsible for certain areas of the skin with regard to sensations (sensitivity) and movements caused by muscle tension (motor function).
If the symptoms are clearly radicular, there is a suspicion of a herniated disc through which a nerve root is pressed
- Pain,
- Numbness,
- Tingling or
- Paralysis,
Brachialgia is a pain in the arm caused by an irritation of the brachial plexus, from which the nerves of the arm originate. This plexus can be irritated in a chronic cervical spine syndrome, for example due to tension in the neck muscles. In addition to arm pain (brachialgia), this can also lead to sensations in the arms or hands such as numbness or tingling. Brachialgia in a chronic cervical spine syndrome usually occurs on one side, but can also exist on both sides if the plexus is irritated on both sides of the body.
