Osteochondrosis is considered one of the most common diseases today, it often affects women over 25 years old. The disease is characterized by an acute, rapid course, especially when compared to the course of the disease in male patients.
The pathological processes that accompany the disease are the destruction of joint tissues, intervertebral discs. Pathology is the cause of headaches in 30% of cases. If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear in women, you should immediately consult a doctor, this will help to avoid further development of the disease.
What is cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease accompanied by damage to one or more parts of the spine. Depending on this, the clinical manifestations of the disease differ.
The main load falls on the lower back, but with the defeat of the cervical region there are much more problems. This is due to the anatomical features of the body, in the neck area there are many fibers and nerve endings, there are also vessels on which blood circulation in the brain depends.
The cervical region is considered more vulnerable due to the proximity of the vertebrae and their proximity to the arteries involved in delivering nutrients to the brain. The displacement of the vertebrae leads to compression of the nerve roots and arteries, after which changes occur in the intervertebral cartilage, hernias and protrusions appear. These changes in the intervertebral discs are often age-related, and the disease can also manifest itself at a young age.
Predisposing Factors
There are a variety of reasons for the development of cervical osteochondrosis in women. Predisposing factors include the following:
- taking hormonal drugs - this leads to metabolic disorders;
- increased load on the spine and spinal muscles (arising as a result of an improperly organized workplace, when working in hazardous industries or when lifting weights, professional sports);
- Violation of nutrition, use of unhealthy foods, nutrient deficiencies;
- insufficient water intake (pure, without harmful additives and impurities) - this leads to drying of cartilage tissue and ligaments, which leads to congestion of the body with toxins;
- low physical activity - against the background of a lack of physical activity, there is a violation of blood circulation in the muscles, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
- genetic predisposition, congenital curvature of the spine;
- Pre-existing conditions (arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia, vasospasm, etc. );
- referred injuries of the spine;
- constant loads - they are often of a psychosomatic nature, against the background of tension there is uncontrolled muscle contraction, as a result of which the processes of blood circulation slow down, the flow of lymphatic fluid slows down, deposits of toxins and toxins are observed.
Secondary Risk Factors:
- wrong position of the spine during sleep and rest, wrong choice of mattress and pillow;
- sleeping without a pillow;
- Pregnancy;
- overweight.
Age - as the body ages, wear and tear of the vertebrae occurs, cartilage tissue wears out, calcium is washed out, improper distribution of body weight on the feet, uneven loading on the spine.
Symptoms of cervical chondrosis in women
Cervical osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic for a long time, many attribute the restriction of motor activity to fatigue, pain in the initial stages of the disease is often absent.
The occurrence of pain is often associated with poor sleep and frequent stress. In some cases, signs of ordinary cervical osteochondrosis appear quite quickly in women. A day before, a woman can feel fine, and the next day severe pain does not allow her to move freely, up to the inability to raise her head from the pillow. This condition is a reason to seek medical help. At this stage, you can easily cope with the signs of the disease.
General symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of the acute stage of cervical osteochondrosis in women are more pronounced. Cartilage puts pressure on the nerve roots, puts pressure on the arteries that run along the spine. There is a risk of short-term memory loss, fainting attacks are common due to lack of oxygen. Failure to treat pain, numbness in the shoulder area, tingling in the fingers and other symptoms can lead to paralysis.
reflex syndrome
Manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in women are often associated with reflex syndromes, the symptoms of which appear against the background of constant irritation of the spinal cord receptors, as a result of which the neurons are reflexively in an excited state.
This leads to malnutrition, metabolic processes, at the same time blood vessels and nerves are compressed.
Reflex syndromes are divided into:
- Painful - back pain, pain in the neck, back of the head, simultaneous pain in the neck, shoulder / forearm.
- Muscle tonic - constant muscle tension, which leads to oxygen starvation, swelling and seals.
There may also be periodic cramps in the muscles of the head, neck and shoulder girdle.
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, syndromes of the lower oblique muscle of the head, scapular-costal syndrome, vertebral artery syndrome and tension of the scalene muscle are common.
radicular syndrome
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women, there is often a radicular syndrome, which is accompanied by compression of the vessels of the nerve roots of the spinal cord. The pathology is accompanied by movement disorders in the hands and loss of sensitivity. In this case, there are also violations of the functioning of internal organs (pathology of urination, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, memory impairment). Injury to blood vessels can occur unexpectedly, with sudden movements in the affected area.
Vascular Syndrome
Against the background of symptoms of compression of the vessels of the spinal cord, a symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs in women, in extreme cases ischemic stroke develops. This complication is accompanied by a violation of the motor activity of the limbs, there is a decrease in sensitivity, a deterioration in the functioning of the internal organs. Sometimes the organs stop working, and if the kidneys fail, there is a high chance of death.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are four stages of the disease, each of which is accompanied by certain pathological changes.
1st stage
At the first stage of the development of the disease, damage to the pulpal core of the intervertebral disc is observed. This phenomenon occurs against the background of a violation of metabolic processes in the body, as a result of dehydration, the core dries up, decreases in size and becomes less durable. The spine becomes more vulnerable to physical loads, there is no pain syndrome at this stage. Diagnosis at this stage does not require medication.
2 steps
At this stage, the fibrous ring is damaged, cracks and tears appear on the surface of the intervertebral disc due to loads on the spine. The ring becomes thinner, the core is shifted into cracks and cracks, which leads to their expansion. The enlarged disc protrudes beyond the vertebrae, a herniated disc occurs, the process is accompanied by pain.
3 steps
With osteochondrosis of the third degree, an intervertebral hernia is formed, the fibrous ring is torn. The nucleus pulposus migrates into the subglottic cavity, resulting in a herniated disc. The pathological process leads to damage to nearby vessels, muscle tissues, ligaments and nerves.
4 levels
This stage is accompanied by degenerative recovery of the spine, its duration is 12 months. During this period, the nature of bone growth changes, they begin to increase in width, which leads to an increase in the area of \u200b\u200bthe vertebrae. Thus, the formation of osteophytes occurs, as a result of which the mobility of the spine decreases, the destructive processes stop.
treatment methods
Treatment of any stage of cervical osteochondrosis in women should primarily be aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, this approach will help to avoid further spread of the pathological process.
The effect of the treatment should be aimed at restoring or activating the lymphatic outflow and venous outflow from the affected areas. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is considered an excellent prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. As part of first aid, painkillers are indicated, NSAIDs are highly effective.
After providing first aid, you should consult a doctor who will help prescribe the right treatment.
Medical
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets, injections) - their action is aimed at reducing pain and eliminating the inflammatory process. Therapy can last for several months, while negatively affecting the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (hormones) - prescribed for severe pain. They show effectiveness in eliminating inflammation, pain, but also have side effects in the form of a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Antispasmodics - effectively relieve muscle spasms, have a relaxing effect on muscles, activate blood circulation processes.
- Epidural blockade - during its implementation, the introduction of painkillers, hormones into the space between the meninges and the periosteum of the vertebrae is indicated.
As part of the treatment of osteochondrosis, the use of chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants is also indicated, the dosage and duration of therapy are prescribed by the doctor.
gymnastics
It is recommended to do physiotherapy exercises for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women according to the doctor's indications. All movements should be discussed with a specialist, as incorrect posture of the neck and arms can aggravate the situation.
Effective Neck Exercises:
- Lie down with your arms stretched out to your sides and lift them up with slight body twists. The right palm should reach the left and vice versa, repeat 5-6 times.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms outstretched, try to relax your muscles, alternately turn your head in different directions. The edges of the ears should touch the ground, do 10 repetitions.
- Standing straight with your shoulders straight, slowly turn your head in different directions, repeat 6-7 times.
- With fingers closed at the back of your head, bring your elbows together, pin your chin to your forearms and perform 6-7 repetitions.
It is recommended to perform all exercises regularly, only in this case the effectiveness of therapy will be achieved.
Physiotherapy and massage
Pinching the vertebrae is accompanied by severe pain, to eliminate the pathological manifestations of the disease, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic methods. Their action is aimed at eliminating pain, reducing unpleasant sensations and activating blood circulation processes.
With osteochondrosis, the following physiotherapeutic methods are most often prescribed:
- shock wave therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- Acupuncture;
- laser therapy;
- balneotherapy;
- Massage.
Massage shows effectiveness in eliminating pain, thereby returning lost mobility. Physical impact on the affected area activates blood circulation processes, reduces tone and strengthens muscles. The application of the method minimizes the risk of pathological processes in the future.
Various methods of massage are used during treatment, a lot depends on the clinical picture, the characteristics of the patient's body and the stage of the disease.
Massage has contraindications that must be considered before prescribing the procedure. Caution should be exercised with vascular pathologies, hypertension, injuries, skin inflammation are also considered contraindications.
meal
An important role in osteochondrosis is played by nutrition, it must be balanced, it is best to consult a nutritionist. The consumption of salty foods and mineral water should be minimized. It is recommended to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day, fried, baked, spicy dishes should be replaced with steamed ones. It is recommended to give preference to protein products (legumes, dairy products), chondroitins, sprouted grains and sesame. Forbidden coffee, alcoholic beverages, strong tea.
alternative treatment
It is also recommended to use alternative treatments in combination with traditional methods. First, a medical consultation is required. Such methods can reduce the severity of symptoms, but cannot eliminate the cause of the development of the pathological process. As part of folk treatment, ointments, infusions, decoctions, compresses, rubbing and baths are widely used. Various herbs, alcohol, oils, honey, etc. are used in their preparation.
Effective Recipes:
- Put a handful of chopped celery in 200 ml of boiling water, insist 5 hours, drink the strained mixture 1 tbsp. l. Daily.
- Warm the green leaves of burdock or horseradish in a steam bath and apply to the neck for an hour.
- Mix honey and grated potatoes in equal parts, use the mixture for compresses.
spas
The effect of medicinal baths:
- thermal - under the influence of increased temperature, blood circulation processes are accelerated, intensified, the sensitivity of receptors increases, enzymes are activated, inflammatory processes are reduced;
- mechanical - under water pressure, blood circulation is activated, which saturates the tissues with oxygen and useful elements;
- chemical - after adding salt, minerals, plants, water acquires healing properties, baths also have a stimulating effect on the excretory system, which increases the body's resistance to diseases.
Coniferous, salt and mustard baths show high efficiency, the duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. After the session, it is advisable to lie down in a warm bed, as the cold can negate the entire effect of the therapy. The procedure should be stopped in case of cancer, problems with the heart and blood vessels.