A feeling of numbness with osteochondrosis is a neurological symptom that indicates damage to the radicular nerve or its branches. This may be a consequence of radiculitis, radicular syndrome, protrusion, inflammatory edema, etc.
Numbness of the body with osteochondrosis occurs localized, in the area for which the affected nerve structure is responsible for innervation. For example, the C6 radicular nerve is responsible for the innervation of part of the upper limb; its branches are involved in the formation of the brachial nerve joint. Therefore, when the root is compressed between the C6-C7 vertebral bodies, paresthesia and sensory disturbances may occur at certain points of the arm. This could be the forearm, shoulder, their inner or outer side, the back of the hand, fingers, etc.
An experienced neurologist can localize the site of numbness and make a preliminary diagnosis with an exact indication of the affected intervertebral disc. Osteochondrosis and numbness of the limbs are not always directly related to each other. Sometimes numbness can be the result of a complication of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. When the intervertebral discs between the second, third and fourth vertebrae are damaged, posterior vertebral artery syndrome may develop. This is a dangerous disease in which hemodynamics in cerebral structures are disrupted. Against the background of vertebral artery syndrome, an ischemic stroke can develop, which will be the direct cause of numbness and weakness in the upper and lower limbs on one side of the body.
Spinal stenosis is also a potential danger. This is the same complication of osteochondrosis. Due to the protrusion of the affected intervertebral disc, it partially protrudes into the cavity of the spinal canal. It narrows and becomes less passable. Compression of the spinal cord gives a pronounced neurological clinical picture. It manifests itself in the form of numbness, muscle weakness, disruption of the process of innervation and blood supply.
If you experience numbness in the upper and lower extremities, head, face, tongue or other parts of the body, you should consult a neurologist as soon as possible. In Moscow, you can make a free appointment with this specialist at our manual therapy clinic. Here you will be given a preliminary diagnosis and given individual recommendations for examination and treatment.
Numbness of the arms and legs due to osteochondrosis
The process of disruption of the innervation of the upper and lower extremities can occur when:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine;
- cauda equina syndrome;
- back and neck injury;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- intervertebral disc herniation;
- spondyloarthrosis of uncovertebral, facet and facet vertebral joints;
- poor posture and curvature of the spinal column;
- hematomas, inflammatory edema, etc.
Sudden numbness in the arms and legs due to osteochondrosis is a reason to urgently seek medical help. This condition signals that the innervation process is disrupted. This means that the soft tissues of the upper or lower limb do not receive blood supply, and atrophic processes begin in them. With prolonged compression of the nerve fiber, it will be very difficult to restore its functionality in the future.
A particular danger is numbness of the legs with osteochondrosis, since in this case a rather large nerve, the sciatic, is pinched. It can be affected both at the exit from the spinal column and in the tunnel located in the thickness of the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region.
Numbness of the lower extremities with lumbosacral osteochondrosis may be caused by damage to the L4 and L5 radicular nerves. They can be compressed as a result of protrusion of the intervertebral disc or prolapse of the nucleus pulposus through a crack in the annulus fibrosus. Also, numbness of both lower extremities with osteochondrosis may be a consequence of the development of cauda equina syndrome. This is a life-threatening condition that, without timely medical care, leads to paralysis of the lower extremities, intestines and bladder. The patient may remain disabled for the rest of his life.
Numbness in sleep
External prerequisites
- The pillow is too hard.
- Uncomfortable position (for example, on your stomach).
- Tight nightwear and jewelry (rings, bracelets) compress the blood vessels.
Internal Prerequisites
- Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, scoliosis is manifested by the fact that the body becomes numb, nerve fibers are pinched, and the blood supply to the periphery deteriorates. If, after the person has stood up and warmed up, the paresthesia goes away, the source of discomfort is in the spinal column.
- A stroke often occurs at night; with right-sided hemorrhage, the left arm, hand, and fingers go numb. If there is confusion of consciousness, speech, or the person has forgotten counting and the alphabet, call an ambulance.
Numbness of the head with cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis can cause numbness in the head only if a degenerative dystrophic disease develops in the tissues of the C3-C4 intervertebral discs. The radicular nerves extending here are responsible for the innervation of the ear, cheek, lips, and nose. They also form the facial nerve. The so-called paired cranial nerves emerge from the brain stem. Some of them form the solar plexus, the vagus nerve. Some give rise to the trigeminal nerve and roots responsible for innervation of the scalp.
When cranial nerves are pinched, numbness of the head with cervical osteochondrosis is always accompanied by severe pain, increased intracranial and blood pressure, headaches, decreased performance, etc. Such conditions require immediate assistance. With prolonged compression of paired cranial nerves, serious pathologies can develop that significantly worsen the patient’s quality of life. For example, if the intervertebral discs in the upper part of the cervical spine are damaged, trigeminal neuralgia may develop.
Numbness of the face with cervical osteochondrosis
Periodically occurring numbness of the face with cervical osteochondrosis is not necessarily associated with serious destructive processes in the area of the intervertebral discs. Often, numbness of the face with cervical osteochondrosis is a consequence of inflammatory edema or excessive strain of the neck muscles during prolonged static load. A so-called tension headache occurs and numbness begins to be felt in certain parts of the face.
Any numbness with cervical osteochondrosis has distinctive features:
- localization is usually unilateral and not symmetrical;
- unpleasant sensations spread along the nerve;
- may be accompanied by a feeling of tingling, coldness;
- the color of the skin changes to pale and even bluish, which is a consequence of impaired blood circulation in the capillary bed;
- have restrictions on distribution.
Periodically occurring numbness in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may accompany a mild stage of destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. A constantly present feeling of numbness and coldness indicates that there is atrophy of the nerve fiber.
Osteochondrosis of the hand: symptoms and treatment
The first symptoms of the development of osteochondrosis of the hand include numbness in the joints and nagging aching pain. At the initial stage of development of the disease, the pain may not be severe, so many patients postpone visiting the doctor, wasting precious time when treatment could already begin. Therefore, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor; you should seek help at the first signs of osteochondrosis.
Numbness in the fingers occurs after prolonged work. For example, after working with a computer keyboard, knitting, jewelry making, and other work that requires fine finger movements. Also, with osteochondrosis, there is stiffness in the hands after waking up. The numbness usually goes away after a few minutes of rest or light exercise, but can last quite a long time.
Pain in the hand appears after a sudden movement or prolonged monotonous work. As the disease progresses, pain may also occur at rest. Gradually, the pain will only intensify, worsening the person’s quality of life.
If there are complaints of pain in the arm area, doctors carry out a differential diagnosis with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This type of disease is also reflected by discomfort in the hands, in addition, it is accompanied by headache and dizziness.
Accurate determination of the location of the lesion is very important for prescribing the correct treatment. Therefore, before performing therapeutic measures, the patient must undergo a thorough examination. At the Yusupov Hospital, diagnosis of osteochondrosis is carried out using modern technology, which allows us to obtain the most accurate results during the examination.
Treatment for osteochondrosis of the hand will include medication and physical therapy. Both components of therapy are very important to obtain a good result. Medicines prescribed include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, antispasmodics, and vitamin complexes.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the hand will include:
- laser therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrasound therapy;
- massage;
- physical therapy.
Numbness of the tongue with cervical osteochondrosis
Numbness of the tongue due to osteochondrosis is a fairly rare symptom. It may appear when the C5 radicular nerve is compressed. It is responsible for the innervation of the root of the tongue, vocal cords and cleft, and larynx.
With cervical osteochondrosis, numbness of the tongue may be accompanied by the following clinical symptoms:
- hoarseness, hoarseness;
- sore throat, feeling of dryness and soreness;
- paroxysmal dry cough of a non-productive nature (without sputum discharge);
- pain around the neck.
When examining the pharynx, no pathological changes can be detected. With prolonged compression of the nerve fiber, atrophy of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and throat develops, and secondary forms of pharyngitis, laryngitis, and tonsillitis begin to appear. There is a risk of losing your voice.
Numbness of hands and fingers
Numbness of the hands due to osteochondrosis is a very common clinical symptom. The root nerves C6, C7 and T1 are formed by their branches at the brachial nerve joint. It is responsible for the performance and sensitivity of the shoulder and shoulder joint, forearm, elbow joint, hand, fingers, wrist joint, etc. If the integrity of the radicular nerve is violated at the level of exit through the foraminal foramen in the vertebra, the numbness effect spreads throughout the entire limb.
Isolated numbness of the fingers with osteochondrosis is relatively rare. Most often, this symptom is a manifestation of a completely different disease. Most often, numbness of the fingers due to osteochondrosis is accompanied by areas of sensory impairment located throughout the upper limb. Along the branch that is ultimately responsible for the innervation of certain fingers of the hand.
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops, then numbness of the hands does not appear immediately, but some time after the onset of exacerbation. The frequency with which cervical osteochondrosis and numbness of the hands occur is 2-3 times a year. As the degenerative process progresses, periods of exacerbations become longer and more frequent.
Mild numbness of the fingers with cervical osteochondrosis can be easily diagnosed and classified. For example, if numbness of the fingers due to cervical osteochondrosis affects only the index, middle and part of the ring finger, then there is a high probability of damage to the median nerve, which originates from the C6 root. If numbness is localized in the area of the little finger and affects the lateral surface of the ring finger, then the ulnar nerve, which originates from the C7 root, is most likely damaged.
Thus, based on numbness of the fingers due to cervical osteochondrosis, an experienced neurologist will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis and clarify the location of the degenerative intervertebral disc. This will significantly simplify laboratory diagnostics and allow effective treatment to begin as early as possible.
How to treat numbness with osteochondrosis
Before treating numbness due to osteochondrosis, it is necessary to conduct a series of diagnostic tests. It is important to exclude diseases such as cubital, carpal tunnel, and carpal syndromes. It is important to promptly diagnose plexitis, a dangerous neurological disease in which the patient can become disabled. An experienced doctor also excludes the possibility of developing spinal canal stenosis and acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
For diagnosis, an X-ray image of the part of the spine in which the doctor suspects the presence of degenerative dystrophic changes in the area of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is used. At an early stage, an x-ray may only show a decrease in the joint space in the intervertebral joints. At the second stage, a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and an increase in the area they occupy are visible. A disc herniation can be seen during an MRI examination.
Neck hurts and radiates to arm
If your neck hurts and it radiates to your arm
, then, in all likelihood, you have a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
During the examination, your doctor should rule out diseases with similar symptoms. Such as:
- Pain in the trapezius muscle, trigger points in it.
- Spondyloarthrosis.
Briefly the essence of this disease:
The human intervertebral disc is very vulnerable and begins to deteriorate early. A crack in the fibrous ring may appear there and a section of the soft nucleus pulposus may be squeezed out through it. The release of the hernia is accompanied by pain in the neck. If the hernia puts pressure on the root, the hand hurts and goes numb.
Here are the main symptoms of this disease:
- First the neck hurts. Neck pain may persist for several years.
- Then the pain moves to the arm, while the neck may stop hurting.
- The pain in the arm can reach the elbow, maybe the hand.
- Fingers go numb in some cases.
How to avoid making a mistake with a diagnosis?
50% is an examination by a specialist. It is very important that the doctor has experience in successfully solving such problems.
To clarify the diagnosis, we prescribe an MRI of the cervical spine. This is usually enough to take the correct treatment tactics
After making a diagnosis, we choose one of 2 ways:
Therapeutic or immediately surgical.
The most therapeutically effective procedures in our experience:
- Blockades under X-ray
- Shock wave therapy
- Kinesitherapy (motion therapy)
- Acupuncture
- Myofascial trigger massage.
Surgical treatment:
The operation is indicated for compression of the spinal cord herniation (required). Or if the hernia puts pressure on the root and the pain does not go away or lasts for more than 2 months.
The operation is performed from a small approach along the front surface of the neck. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Patients are allowed all types of movements 2 hours after surgery in the collar. You can go home the next day after surgery. Light labor in 10-14 days. You will be able to drive a car in a month.
Pain treatment in our Clinic is available to residents in Kaluga. Also, treatment of a herniated disc in the cervical spine in Moscow, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Tula, Bryansk, Serpukhov can be replaced with a comfortable solution to your problem with us. Patients from different cities actively come for treatment at the Kaluga Pain Clinic. For out-of-town patients there is a comfortable hospital and hotel services.
If you need our help, call right now: (4842) 12/28/12 or fill out the call back form or online appointment. If you are from another region, do not forget to reserve a place in the hospital.
And remember:
This type of pain can be treated well in one way or another, and you will be able to fully live again, rather than exist.
Treatment of numbness in osteochondrosis
Treatment of numbness in the arms, legs, head or body due to osteochondrosis cannot be carried out without treating the underlying disease. Since the cause of the development of the sensation of numbness is largely radicular compression syndrome, therapy should begin with traction traction of the spine. This procedure allows you to increase the intervertebral spaces using special equipment. This will create conditions for straightening the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc and removing pressure from the radicular nerves. The patient experiences improvement after 2-3 sessions.
To treat numbness of the hands due to osteochondrosis, massage of the collar area is used. This procedure improves muscle condition and relieves excess pressure from the radicular nerves.
In addition, our manual therapy clinic uses the following techniques:
- therapeutic exercises and kinesiotherapy – increase muscle tone, restore diffuse nutrition of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs;
- reflexology allows you to start the process of regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue by using the hidden reserves of the human body;
- osteopathy and massage improve microcirculation of blood and lymphatic fluid, increase the elasticity of soft tissues;
- physiotherapy, laser treatment, electrical myostimulation allow you to get a positive effect from the treatment even faster.
If you need effective treatment for numbness due to osteochondrosis, you can sign up for a free consultation with a neurologist at our manual therapy clinic. Here you will be diagnosed and given safe treatment.
How to help yourself
In other situations, contacting doctors is done as planned. The Center for Progressive Medicine "Doctor Pozvonkov" offers consultations with a vertebroneurologist, neurologist, surgeon, orthopedist, and doctors of other specialties. At the clinic, you can undergo diagnostics, therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures and unique underwater traction of the spine, even with a one-sided lesion (which is especially important if the left arm or hand is numb). The latter is impossible even on imported equipment. Registration is made via online chat on the website.