Osteochondrosis is considered today one of the most common diseases, it often affects women over 25 years old. The disease is characterized by an acute, rapid course, especially when comparing the course of the disease in male patients.
The pathological processes that accompany the disease are the destruction of articular tissues, intervertebral discs. Pathology in 30% of cases is the cause of headache. If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur in women, you should immediately seek medical help, this will help to avoid further development of the disease.
What is cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, it is 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 many more problems. This is due to the anatomical features of the body, in the cervical region 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 the delivery of 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 develop. These changes in the intervertebral discs often have an age-related character, the disease can also manifest itself at a young age.
Predisposing factors
There are a large number of reasons for the development of female cervical osteochondrosis, the predisposing factors include the following:
- taking hormonal medications - this leads to metabolic disorders;
- increased load on the spine and spinal muscles (develops as a result of an improperly organized workplace, when working in hazardous industries or with weight lifting, professional sports);
- violation of the diet, the use of unhealthy foods, a deficiency of nutrients;
- insufficient water intake (pure, without harmful additives and impurities) - this leads to drying of cartilage tissues, ligaments, which leads to clogging of the body with toxins;
- low physical activity - against the background of the lack of physical exercises, there is a violation of blood circulation in the muscles, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
- genetic predisposition, congenital curvature of the spinal column;
- previous illnesses (arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia, vasospasm, etc. );
- transferred injuries of the spinal column;
- constant stresses - they are often psychosomatic in nature, against the background of tension, uncontrolled muscle contraction occurs, as a result, the processes of blood circulation, the flow of lymphatic fluid slow down, deposits of toxins and toxins are observed.
Secondary risk factors:
- incorrect position of the spinal column during sleep and rest, the wrong choice of mattress and pillow;
- sleeping without a pillow;
- pregnancy;
- overweight.
Age - as the body ages, wear of the vertebrae occurs, cartilage tissues wear out, calcium is washed out, improper distribution of body weight on the feet, uneven load on the spine.
Symptoms of cervical chondrosis in women
Cervical osteochondrosis can be asymptomatic for a long time, many attribute the limitation 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, frequent stress. In some cases, signs of ordinary cervical osteochondrosis in women appear quite quickly. A day ago, a woman may feel well, 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 running along the spine. There is a risk of short-term memory loss, due to oxygen starvation, frequent fainting occurs. Lack of therapy in the presence of 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 occur 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 - backache, pain in the neck, back of the head, simultaneous pain in the neck, shoulder / forearm.
- Muscular tonic - constant muscle tension, resulting in oxygen starvation, swelling, seals.
Periodically, spasms can also occur in the muscles of the head, in the cervical region, and the shoulder girdle.
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, syndromes of the inferior oblique muscle of the head, scapular-costal syndrome, vertebral artery syndrome, tension of the scalene muscle often occur.
radicular syndrome
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women, radicular syndrome often occurs, which is accompanied by compression of the vessels of the nerve roots of the spinal cord. Pathology is accompanied by impaired movements in the hands, loss of sensitivity. In this case, there are also violations of the functioning of internal organs (pathology of urination, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, memory impairment). Infringement of 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, an ischemic spinal 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 internal organs. Sometimes the organs stop functioning, and if the kidneys fail, there is a high probability of death.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are four stages of the disease, all of which are accompanied by certain pathological changes.
1 stage
At the first stage of the development of the disease, damage to the pulpous nucleus 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 out, decreases in size, and becomes less durable. The spine becomes more vulnerable to physical stress, there is no pain syndrome at this stage. Diagnosis at this stage does not require medication.
2 stage
At this stage, the fibrous ring is damaged, tears and cracks appear on the surface of the intervertebral disc due to loads on the spine. The ring becomes thinner, the core is displaced into tears and cracks, which leads to their expansion. The enlarged disc protrudes beyond the vertebrae, disc protrusion occurs, the process is accompanied by pain.
3 stage
With osteochondrosis of the third degree, an intervertebral hernia is formed, the fibrous ring is torn. The nucleus pulposus moves into the subglottic cavity, resulting in a disc herniation. The pathological process leads to damage to nearby vascular, muscle tissues, ligaments, and nerves.
4 stage
This stage is accompanied by degenerative restoration of the spinal column, its duration reaches 12 months. During this period, there is a change in the nature of bone growth, they begin to grow in width, which leads to an increase in the area of the vertebra. 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 be primarily aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, this approach will help to avoid the further spread of the pathological process.
The action 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, and NSAIDs are highly effective.
After providing first aid, you should consult a doctor, he will help prescribe the correct treatment.
Medical
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets, injections) - their action is aimed at reducing pain, eliminating the inflammatory process. Therapy can take several months, while they have a negative impact on 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
Physiotherapy exercises for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are recommended to be done according to the doctor's indications. All movements should be discussed with a specialist, as incorrect positioning of the neck and arms can aggravate the situation.
Effective neck exercises:
- Lying with arms outstretched to the sides, raise them up with slight turns of the body. The right palm should reach the left and vice versa, repeat 5-6 times.
- Lying on your stomach with arms extended along the body, try to relax your muscles, turn your head alternately in different directions. The edges of the ears should touch the floor, do 10 repetitions.
- Standing straight with straightened shoulders, slowly turn your head in different directions, repeat 6-7 times.
- With fingers closed at the back of the head, bring the elbows together, attach the chin to the forearms, do 6-7 repetitions.
All exercises are recommended to be carried out regularly, only in this case the effectiveness of therapy is achieved.
Physiotherapy and massage
Pinching of the vertebrae is accompanied by severe pain, in order to eliminate the pathological manifestations of the disease, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic methods. Their action is aimed at eliminating pain, reducing uncomfortable 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, as a result, lost mobility returns. Physical impact on the affected area activates the processes of blood circulation, reduces tone, strengthens muscles. The application of the method minimizes the risk of pathological processes in the future.
During the treatment, different methods of massage are used, much depends on the clinical picture, the characteristics of the patient's body, the stage of the disease.
Massage has contraindications, which must be taken into account before prescribing the procedure. Caution should be observed in case of vascular pathologies, high blood pressure, injuries, skin inflammations are also considered contraindications.
Food
An important role in osteochondrosis is played by the diet, it must be balanced, it is best to contact a nutritionist. The consumption of salty foods and mineral water should be minimized. It is recommended to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions, fried, baked, spicy dishes should be replaced with steamed ones. It is recommended to give preference to protein products (legumes, dairy), chondroitins, sprouted grains, sesame. Banned coffee, alcoholic drinks, strong tea.
Alternative treatment
Alternative treatment is also recommended to be used in combination with traditional methods. A doctor's consultation is required first. Such methods can reduce the severity of symptoms, but not eliminate the cause of the development of the pathological process. As part of folk treatment, ointments, infusions, decoctions, compresses, rubbing, baths are widely used. In their manufacture, various herbs, alcohol, oils, honey, etc. are used.
Effective Recipes:
- Place a handful of chopped celery in 200 ml of boiling water, insist for 5 hours, drink the strained mixture 1 tbsp. l. daily.
- Warm the green leaves of burdock or horseradish in a steam bath, apply to the neck for an hour.
- Mix honey and grated potatoes in equal proportions, use the mixture for compresses.
Therapeutic baths
The effect of therapeutic baths:
- thermal - under the influence of elevated 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, as a result, tissues are saturated with oxygen and useful elements;
- chemical - after adding salt, minerals, plants, water acquires healing properties, baths also have a stimulating effect on the excretion system, as a result, the body's resistance to diseases increases.
Coniferous, salt, mustard baths show high efficiency, the duration of the procedure is 20–30 minutes. After the session, it is recommended to lie down in a warm bed, as the cold can nullify the entire effect of the therapy. The procedure should be abandoned in the presence of cancer, problems with the heart and blood vessels.