Osteochondrosis is considered today one of the most common diseases, often affecting women over 25 years of age. The disease is characterized by an acute and rapid course, especially when comparing the course of the disease in male patients.
The pathological processes that accompany the disease are the destruction of joint tissues, intervertebral discs. Pathology in 30% of cases is the cause of the headache. If the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur in women, you should immediately seek medical help, this will help to prevent the disease from developing.
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 many other 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 most vulnerable due to the proximity of the vertebrae and its 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 develop. These changes in the intervertebral discs often have an age-related character, the disease can also manifest at a young age.
predisposing factors
There are a large number of reasons for the development of female cervical osteochondrosis, predisposing factors include the following:
- taking hormonal drugs - this leads to metabolic disorders;
- increased load on the spine and muscles of the spine (develops as a result of a poorly organized workplace, when working in dangerous industries or with weight lifting, professional sports);
- violation of the diet, use of unhealthy foods, nutrient deficiency;
- insufficient intake of water (pure, without harmful additives and impurities) - this leads to the drying of cartilage tissues, ligaments, which leads to the clogging of the body with toxins;
- low physical activity - against the background of the lack of physical exercise, there is a violation of blood circulation in the muscles, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
- genetic predisposition, congenital curvature of the spine;
- previous diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia, vasospasm, etc. );
- transferred injuries of the spine;
- constant tensions - often they are of a psychosomatic nature, against the background of tension, uncontrolled muscle contraction occurs, as a result, the processes of blood circulation, the flow of lymph fluid slow down, deposits of toxins and toxins are observed.
Secondary risk factors:
- incorrect position of the spine during sleep and rest, wrong choice of mattress and pillow;
- sleep without a pillow;
- pregnancy;
- overweight.
Age - as the body ages, the vertebrae wear out, cartilage tissues wear out, calcium is washed away, 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 early stages of the disease is usually absent.
The occurrence of pain is often associated with poor sleep, frequent stress. In some cases, signs of cervical osteochondrosis common in women appear quickly. A day ago, a woman may feel fine, and the next day, intense pain does not allow her to move freely, until the inability to lift her head from the pillow. This condition is a reason to seek medical help, at this stage you can easily deal 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 presses on nerve roots, presses on arteries that run along the spine. There is a risk of short-term memory loss, due to lack of oxygen, frequent fainting occurs. Lack of therapy in the presence of pain, numbness in the shoulder area, tingling 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 spinal cord receptors, as a result of which 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, neck pain, back pain, simultaneous neck, shoulder/forearm pain.
- Muscle Tonic - Constant muscle tension resulting in lack of oxygen, bloating, seals.
Periodically, spasms can also occur in the muscles of the head, cervical region and shoulder girdle.
In the early stage of the development of the disease, syndromes of the inferior oblique muscle of the head, scapular-costal syndrome, vertebral artery syndrome, scalene muscle strain 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. The pathology is accompanied by impaired movements in the hands, loss of sensation. In this case, there are also violations of the functioning of internal organs (urination pathology, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, memory impairment). Violation 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 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 working and if the kidneys fail there is a high probability of death.
Developmental stages of osteochondrosis
There are four stages of the disease, all accompanied by certain pathological changes.
1 stage
In the first stage of the development of the disease, damage to the nucleus pulposus 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 is more vulnerable to physical stress, there is no pain syndrome at this stage. Diagnosis at this stage does not require medication.
2 stages
At this stage, the annulus fibrosus 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 in tears and cracks, which leads to its expansion. The enlarged disc protrudes beyond the vertebrae, the disc protrudes, the process is accompanied by pain.
3 stages
With third-degree osteochondrosis, an intervertebral hernia is formed, the annulus fibrosus is ruptured. The nucleus pulposus moves into the subglottic cavity, resulting in a herniated disc. The pathological process leads to damage to nearby vascular, muscle, ligament and nerve tissues.
4 stages
This phase is accompanied by degenerative restoration of the spine, 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 decreased mobility of the spine, destructive processes stop.
treatment methods
Treatment of any stage of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be aimed primarily at eliminating the causes of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, this approach will help to prevent the spread of the pathological process.
The treatment action should aim to restore or activate lymph flow and venous flow to the affected areas. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is considered an excellent prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. As part of first aid, analgesics are indicated and NSAIDs are highly effective.
After providing first aid, you should consult a doctor, he will help prescribe the correct treatment.
Doctor
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (pills, 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 they 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 block - during its implementation, the introduction of analgesics, 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.
Fitness
It is recommended that physiotherapy exercises for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women be done as per the doctor's instructions. All movements should be discussed with a specialist, as incorrect positioning of the neck and arms can exacerbate the situation.
Effective neck exercises:
- Lying down with your arms extended to your sides, lift them with slight turns of your body. The palm of the right hand should reach the left and vice versa, repeat 5-6 times.
- Lying on your stomach with your arms extended along your 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 with straight shoulders, slowly turn your head in different directions, repeat 6-7 times.
- With your fingers closed at the back of your head, bring your elbows together, tuck your chin into your forearms, do 6-7 repetitions.
It is recommended that all exercises are performed regularly, only in this case the effectiveness of therapy is achieved.
Physiotherapy and massage
Compression of the vertebrae is accompanied by severe pain, in order to eliminate the pathological manifestations of the disease, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic methods. Its action aims to eliminate pain, reduce uncomfortable sensations and activate 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 blood circulation processes, reduces tone, strengthens muscles. The application of the method minimizes the risk of pathological processes in the future.
During treatment, different massage methods 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. Care should be taken 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 better to contact a nutritionist. 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 and spicy dishes should be replaced with steamed ones. It is recommended to give preference to protein products (legumes, dairy products), chondroitins, sprouted grains, sesame. Forbidden coffee, alcoholic beverages, 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 do not eliminate the cause of the development of the pathological process. As part of folk treatment, ointments, infusions, decoctions, compresses, rubs, baths are widely used. In its manufacture, various herbs, alcohol, oils, honey, etc. are used.
Effective recipes:
- Put a handful of chopped celery in 200 ml of boiling water, insist for 5 hours, drink the mixture strained 1 tbsp. I. diary.
- Heat 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 high 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, the tissues become 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.
Conifer, salt and mustard baths show high efficiency, the duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. After the session, it is recommended to lie down on a warm bed, as the cold can nullify the entire effect of the therapy. The procedure should be abandoned in the presence of cancer, heart and blood vessel problems.