Cervical osteochondrosis is a dystrophic dysfunction of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. The disease manifests itself in the form of severe head, neck and back pain.
The danger of osteochondrosis lies not only in the deterioration of the quality of life, but also in the risk of disability.
Characteristics of the course of SOC in women
The symptoms of the development of spinal diseases are practically the same in men and women, but there are differences. Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often in women. This is due to anatomical features.
Unlike women, men have well-developed shoulder girdle muscles that support the cervical spine.
Reference.The condition of the spine is negatively affected by pregnancy and the subsequent period of care.
The cause of female cervical osteochondrosis may be the hormonal changes that occur during the aging process. After menopause, the metabolic and nutritional processes in the cartilage tissue slow down.
Causes and factors
There are many reasons for the development of SOS in women. The most common are the changes in the body that occur during menopause. During this period, the amount of progesterone in the female body decreases significantly. As a result of these processes, the support of the spine weakens.Other causes include the following factors:
- circulation problems;
- passive lifestyle;
- the presence of excess weight;
- high physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- heredity;
- spinal cord injury;
- hormonal problems;
- hypothermia.
The list of provoking factors is quite extensive. Women should pay particular attention to their health and support their immune system.
Symptoms
How it manifests itself in the early stages of the disease
It is important to recognize the signs of the disease in time.Early symptoms include:
- feeling of stiffness in the neck;
- sudden onset of snoring during sleep;
- frequent headaches;
- discomfort in the fingers and shoulders;
- periodic numbness of the limbs;
- shooting pains radiating to the neck.
local signs
In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, there are many local symptoms.These include the following manifestations:
- stenosis;
- reflex-irritative syndrome;
- radicular syndrome;
- heart syndrome.
The narrowing is associated with a violation of blood circulation in the affected area. The patient feels stiffness and pain. Numbness and tingling in the extremities may occur.
Reflex-irritative syndrome can manifest itself in the form of a burning tingling sensation.The pain may radiate to the shoulder joint or chest.
Radicular syndrome causes headaches. Sometimes there are problems with speech.
Cardiac syndrome is similar in nature to an attack of angina pectoris. In some cases, blood pressure rises and arrhythmia occurs.
Signs of an acute condition
In the acute stage, deformations of the vertebrae can be observed, which compress the vertebral artery.Due to the fact that blood does not enter the brain, the following differences can be observed:
- speech disorder;
- dizziness;
- tinnitus;
- double vision.
The pain can radiate to the stomach, heart and lungs. When the nerve endings in the neck region are pinched, there is pain that stretches from the neck to the shoulder blades.
Stages and characteristics of the disease
SHOC takes place in several stages. Each of them has its own characteristic symptoms.Overall, there are 4 main stages of the development of osteochondrosis:
- In the initial stage, the disease looks like a drying out of the nucleus pulposus. The patient develops cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
- The second stage involves sagging of the muscles and ligaments. As a result, there is a motor imbalance of the vertebrae. This stage of the development of the disease is characterized by the displacement of the vertebrae.
- The third stage of development is characterized by more pronounced symptoms. Patients develop protrusions of the intervertebral discs and arthrosis.
- The fourth stage is the last. A special feature is osteophytes. Bone growths form on the surface of the vertebrae. Fibrous tissue grows.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can lead to disability.
Diagnostics
If the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor to conduct an examination and prescribe the appropriate treatment.In addition to taking an anamnesis, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic tests.
Instrumental test methods
Instrumental diagnostic methods help in the accurate diagnosis and determination of the patient's condition. The most commonly prescribed procedures are:
- X-ray;
- myelographic examination;
- ultrasound;
- MRI.
A plain radiograph of the entire spine or the affected part is required.With its help, the doctor will be able to determine the localization of the pathology. In the case of osteochondrosis visible on the image of the spine, the presence of bone growths and the narrowing of the intervertebral disc can be seen.
A more complex type of diagnosis is a myelographic examination. It consists of injecting contrast fluid into the canal of the spinal cord.
Important.Such a procedure can be dangerous, as an allergic reaction or damage to the spinal cord is possible.
Such a study makes it possible to study the internal structure of the spinal canal.
CT and MRI are among the most effective diagnostic methods. According to their results, osteochondrosis can be distinguished from other diseases with similar symptoms.
Treatment
Medical therapy
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive. Drug therapy is an important part of it.In most cases, the following drug groups are prescribed:
- pain relievers;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins.
Pain relievers include nonsteroidal drugs that relieve pain. Most of these drugs irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive system.
Hormonal drugs are prescribed to alleviate the inflammatory process.Effective steroid medications include ointments and tablets based on glucocorticosteroids.
Chondroprotectors contain substances that replace the components of cartilage tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. In order to achieve a lasting effect of taking such drugs, a rather long course of therapy is prescribed.
It is recommended to take muscle relaxants to relax muscle tone.These are pain relievers. The muscle relaxant is administered parenterally and only under the supervision of a specialist. Drugs based on benzimidazole and glycerin are used to treat osteochondrosis. They have a large number of contraindications.
To maintain the functioning of the immune system, vitamin complexes are prescribed. They have a positive effect on the peripheral nervous system. The product must contain fat-soluble vitamins E, D, C, E and B.
Quite effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis ointments for external use.They help reduce inflammation, warm and relieve pain. Consult a professional before using them.
Are the drugs effective?
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite effective. It allows you to get rid of the inflammatory process and relieve pain. In order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, taking the drugs should be combined with therapeutic exercises and massage.
Gymnastics
Consult a specialist before starting the exercise. During exacerbations, it is better to refuse physical activity. It is important that exercise does not cause pain to worsen.
Reference.All exercises are as simple as possible and include head movement and isometric muscle tension.
Such gymnastics can be done at home and at work. The starting position for almost all exercises is a sitting position.
Approximate sequence of exercises:
- The head turns completely to the right and then to the left. It is important not to make strong jerks. When turning, the voltage must be maintained for 5 seconds.
- He tilts his head back. You should try to touch his shoulder with your ear, while you should not raise your hand itself. Exercises should be performed with pain-free amplitude.
- Circular movement of the head in a clockwise direction. The rotation should be performed as slowly as possible.
Such a light load helps to stretch the muscles. In order to bring good results, such gymnastics should be done regularly. In this case, the increase in load should be gradual and painless.
Massage
The massage can only be performed by a specialist. The neck region, part of the back and the collar area should be worked out.The following techniques can be used:
- Caress;
- pressing;
- rubbing off;
- kneading.
Massage should not cause pain. The procedure carried out by non-professionals can only make the situation worse.
Folk remedies at home
Alternative therapeutic methods can also be used as a supplement.Fresh horseradish leaves can be used as poultices. It is applied to the neck region and should be kept overnight.
Quite an effective poultice made of grated potatoes and honey. This procedure should be performed no more than 1 time per week. Folk remedies help alleviate the patient's condition, but they do not cure the disease.
Is it possible to completely cure SHX?
Cervical osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured.The goal of therapy is to improve the patient's condition and stop the development of the disease. Periodic relapses are possible, so the patient must carefully monitor his condition. The sooner the treatment starts, the better the result.
Prevention
Proper nutrition
An important place in the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The diet should include products that contain synthesized substances for cartilage tissue. It can be jelly, jelly or gelatin.
Important.The body must have enough protein.
It is found in fish, eggplant and meat. It is important to check the water balance. A lack of water can lead to dehydration of the intervertebral discs.
The diet should include foods rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, pork and beef.
Active lifestyle
An active lifestyle minimizes the risk of developing the disease.Women are not recommended to lift more than 10 kg. In case of spine problems, it is recommended to wear a special corset.
For quality and long sleep, it is best to buy a special orthopedic mattress and pillow. Experts recommend swimming, but it is better to refuse running and jumping. You cannot visit the spa during the period of exacerbation.
Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often in women.It is important to notice the first signs of deviation in time and start treatment. The earlier the therapy starts, the more effective it will be.