Osteochondrosis is considered today as one of the most common diseases, it often affects women over 25 years of age. The disease is characterized by an acute, rapid course, especially when comparing the course of the disease in male patients.
The pathological process that accompanies this disease is the destruction of articular tissue, the intervertebral disc. Pathology in 30% of cases is the cause of headaches. If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur in women, you should immediately seek medical help, this will help to prevent further progression of the disease.
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 are different.
The main load falls on the lower back, but with the defeat of the cervical area, there are many more problems. This is due to the anatomical features of the body, in the cervical area there are many fibers and nerve endings, there are also channels on which blood circulation in the brain depends.
The cervical area is considered more vulnerable because of its proximity to the vertebrae and its distance to the arteries involved in the delivery of nutrients to the brain. Vertebral displacement leads to compression of nerve roots and arteries, after which changes occur in the intervertebral cartilage, hernias and protrusions develop. These changes in the intervertebral disc 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 hormone medications - this leads to metabolic disorders;
- increased load on the spine and spinal muscles (developed as a result of irregular workplace, when working in hazardous industries or by lifting weights, professional sports);
- dietary violations, unhealthy food consumption, lack of nutrients;
- inadequate water intake (pure, without additives and harmful impurities) - this leads to drying of cartilage tissue, ligaments, which leads to blockage of the body with toxins;
- low physical activity - against the background of lack of physical exercise, there is a violation of blood circulation in the muscles, inadequate nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
- genetic predisposition, congenital curvature of the spinal column;
- previous diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia, vasospasm, etc. );
- transferred injuries to the spinal space;
- constant stress - they are often psychosomatic, with a background of tension, uncontrolled muscle contraction occurs, as a result, the circulatory process, the flow of lymph fluid slows down, deposits of toxins and toxins are observed.
Secondary risk factors:
- incorrect spinal position during sleep and rest, incorrect choice of mattresses and pillows;
- sleep without a pillow;
- pregnancy;
- overweight.
Age - as the body ages, vertebral wear occurs, cartilage tissue wears out, calcium is washed away, improper weight distribution on the legs, 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 often absent.
The occurrence of pain is often associated with poor sleep, frequent stress. In some cases, the signs of normal 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, resulting in the inability to lift her head from the pillow. This condition is a reason to seek medical help, at this stage, you can easily overcome the symptoms of the disease.
Common symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of the acute stage of cervical osteochondrosis in women are more pronounced. Cartilage puts pressure on nerve roots, putting pressure on arteries that run along the spine. There is a risk of short -term memory loss, due to oxygen starvation, frequent fainting. 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 syndrome, a symptom that occurs against the background of constant irritation of spinal cord receptors, as a result of which neurons reflexively in an excited state.
This leads to a lack of nutrients, metabolic processes, at the same time blood vessels and nerves are compressed.
Reflex syndrome is divided into:
- Pain - back pain, neck pain, back of the head, simultaneous pain in the neck, shoulders/forearms.
- Muscle tonic - constant muscle tension, resulting in oxygen starvation, swelling, seals.
Periodically, cramps can also occur in the muscles of the head, in the cervical area, and the shoulder girdle.
In the early stages of disease development, inferior oblique muscle syndrome of the head, scapular-costal syndrome, vertebral artery syndrome, scalene muscle tension often occur.
radicular syndrome
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women, radicular syndrome often occurs, which is accompanied by compression of the root canal of the spinal cord. Pathology is accompanied by impaired movement of the hands, loss of sensitivity. In this case, there is also a violation of the function of internal organs (urinary pathology, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, memory impairment). Violations of blood vessels can occur unexpectedly, with sudden movements in the affected area.
Vascular syndrome
Against the background of symptoms of spinal cord compression, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur in women, in severe cases, ischemic spinal stroke develops. These complications are accompanied by a violation of the motor activity of the limbs, there is a decrease in sensitivity, a deterioration in the function of internal organs. Sometimes the organs stop functioning, and if the kidneys fail, there is a high probability of death.
The stage of development of osteochondrosis
There are four stages of the disease, all of which are accompanied by specific pathological changes.
1 level
In the first stage of disease development, damage to the pulp nucleus of the intervertebral disc is observed. This phenomenon occurs against the background of violations of metabolic processes in the body, as a result of dehydration, dry core, its size decreases, 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 levels
At this stage, the fibrous ring is damaged, tears and cracks appear on the surface of the intervertebral disc as a result of the load on the spine. The rings become thinner, the cores are 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 levels
With third -degree osteochondrosis, an intervertebral hernia is formed, the fibrous ring is torn. The nucleus pulposus moves into the subglotic cavity, resulting in disc herniation. The pathological process leads to damage to nearby vascular, muscle tissue, ligaments, and nerves.
4 levels
This stage is accompanied by degenerative recovery of the spinal column, the duration of which 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 vertebral area. Thus, the formation of osteophytes occurs, as a result of which the mobility of the spine is reduced, the destructive process stops.
Methods of Treatment
Treatment of any stage of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be aimed primarily at eliminating the cause of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, this approach will help to prevent further spread of pathological processes.
Treatment action should be aimed at restoring or activating lymph outflow and venous outflow from the affected area. 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 very effective.
After giving first aid, you should see a doctor, he will help prescribe the right treatment.
Medicine
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 it has a negative effect on the function 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 negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Antispasmodic - effectively relieves muscle spasms, has a relaxing effect on muscles, activates the circulatory process.
- Epidural blockade - during its implementation, the introduction of painkillers, hormones into the space between the meninges and the vertebral periosteum is indicated.
As part of the treatment of osteochondrosis, the use of chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants is also indicated, the dose and duration of therapy is prescribed by a doctor.
Gymnastics
Physiotherapy exercises for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are recommended to be performed according to the doctor's instructions. All movements should be discussed with a specialist, as incorrect neck and arm positioning can worsen the condition.
Effective neck exercises:
- Lying with hands outstretched to the sides, lift them with a slight round of the body. The right palm 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, turning your head alternately in different directions. The edge of the ear should touch the floor, do 10 repetitions.
- Standing upright with shoulders straightened, slowly turn your head in different directions, repeat 6-7 times.
- With fingers closed at the back of the head, close the elbows, 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, to eliminate the pathological manifestations of the disease, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic methods. Their actions are aimed at eliminating pain, reducing uncomfortable sensations, and activating circulatory 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, loss of mobility back. Physical effects on the affected area activate the circulatory process, reduce tone, strengthen muscles. The use of the method minimizes the risk of pathological processes in the future.
During treatment, different massage methods are used, much depending on the clinical picture, the characteristics of the patient's body, the degree of the disease.
Massage has contraindications, which must be taken into account before prescribing the procedure. Caution should be observed in cases of vascular pathology, hypertension, injuries, skin inflammation are also considered contraindications.
Food
An important role in osteochondrosis is played by diet, it must be balanced, it is best 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, spicy dishes should be replaced by steamed ones. It is recommended to give preference to protein products (legumes, dairy), chondroitin, sprouted grains, sesame. Prohibited coffee, alcoholic beverages, strong tea.
Alternative treatments
Alternative treatments are also recommended for use in combination with traditional methods. A doctor's consultation is required first. Such a method can reduce the severity of symptoms, but does not eliminate the cause of the development of pathological processes. As part of folk remedies, 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 filtered mixture 1 tbsp. l. Every day.
- Heat the green leaves of burdock or carrot in a steam bath, apply on the neck for an hour.
- Mix honey and grated potatoes in equal proportions, use the mixture to compress.
Therapeutic bath
Therapeutic bath effects:
- thermal - under the influence of high temperatures, circulatory processes are accelerated, intensified, receptor sensitivity 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;
- chemistry - after adding salt, minerals, plants, water acquires healing properties, baths also have a stimulating effect on the excretory system, as a result, the body's resistance to disease increases.
Conifer baths, salt, mustard show high efficiency, the duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. After the session, it is recommended to lie in a warm bed, because the cold can cancel the entire effect of therapy. The procedure should be abandoned in the presence of cancer, problems with the heart and blood vessels.