Osteochondrosis is a joint disease that affects bone and cartilage tissues. At the heart of the disease is damage to the intervertebral discs. There are three types, each with its symptoms. ## Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine __Clear symptoms:__ - Blurred vision, dizziness, increased blood pressure for no apparent reason, fainting, loss of balance, headaches - Painful sensations in the shoulder region, neck, upper limbs - The inability to normally turn the neck or tilt the head - Tinging in the ears, discomfort in the throat, loss of sensitivity in the hands __Indirect symptoms:__ - Snoring - Hoarseness or change in voice - Numbness of the face and neck - Tachycardia - Tooth decay ## Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region __Clear symptoms:__ - Chest pain that worsens at night, as well as during physical activity, walking, hypothermia - Shoulder blades discomfort when lifting the arms - A feeling that the back and chest were squeezed by a hoop __Indirect symptoms:__ - Digestive system disturbances - Loss of sensitivity in the chest, back, abdomen - Discomfort in the esophagus and pharynx - Peeling of the skin - Brittle nails - Itching, burning, coldness in the lower extremities ## Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine __Clear symptoms:__ - Discomfort in the lower back, especially after physical activity, often radiating to the leg. Gets deeper when coughing, sneezing, lifting weights. __Indirect symptoms:__ - Skin of the legs turns pale - Constant tension in the muscles of the back - Phlebeurysm - Increased sweating - In men, erectile dysfunction - Goosebumps and tingling in the legs - Limbs numbness - Foot cramps ## What should you do? If you feel several symptoms—especially clear symptoms—it’s time to see a neurologist. Visual examination and instrumental studies (X-ray or MRI) will help make a diagnosis. If this happens at an early stage, the disease can be completely cured with the help of physiotherapy, manual therapy and massage, medications, and the right diet. A proper diet for dystrophy of cartilaginous tissue should contain large amounts of protein, including fish, cottage cheese, nuts, and legumes—as well as foods rich in calcium such as dairy products, seafood, and eggs. If you postpone the visit to the doctor until the very last minute, you may need surgery, and recovery after that takes a very long time.