Cervical osteochondrosis is a dystrophic dysfunction of the intervertebral discs in the cervical vertebrae. The disease manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the head, neck and upper back.
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
Symptoms of the development of diseases of the spine in men and women are practically the same, but there are still some differences. In women, cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often. This is due to anatomical features.
Unlike women, men have a well-developed shoulder girdle musculature that supports the cervical vertebrae.
Reference.The condition of the spine is negatively affected by pregnancy and the subsequent period of care for the child.
The reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis in women can be hormonal changes that occur during the aging process. After menopause, there is a slowdown in the metabolic and nutritional processes in the cartilage tissue.
Causes and factors
There are many reasons for the development of SOS in women. The most common is the menopausal changes in the body. During this period, the amount of progesterone in the female body decreases significantly. As a result of these processes, the support of the spine becomes weaker.Other causes include the following factors:
- circulation problems;
- passive lifestyle;
- the presence of excess weight;
- great physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- heredity;
- spinal cord injury;
- hormonal problems;
- hypothermia.
The list of provoking factors is quite extensive. Women should be especially careful to monitor their health and maintain their immune system.
Symptoms
How the disease manifests itself at an early stage
It is important to promptly recognize the signs of the development of the disease.Early symptoms include:
- feeling of stiffness in the neck;
- sudden onset of snoring during sleep;
- frequent headaches;
- discomfort in fingers and shoulder;
- periodic numbness of the limbs;
- shooting pains that radiate to the neck.
local characters
A number of local symptoms appear in cervical osteochondrosis.These include the following manifestations:
- stenosis;
- reflex-irritation syndrome;
- radicular syndrome;
- cardiac syndrome.
Stenosis involves impaired blood circulation in the affected area. The patient feels stiffness and pain. There may be numbness and tingling in the extremities.
The reflex-irritation syndrome can manifest itself in the form of a burning sensation.The pain may radiate to the shoulder joint or chest.
Radicular syndrome causes headaches. Sometimes there are problems with speech.
Cardiac syndrome in its nature resembles an attack of angina pectoris. In some cases, blood pressure rises and arrhythmia occurs.
Signs of an acute condition
During the acute stage, deformations of the vertebrae are observed, which compress the vertebral artery.Due to the fact that blood does not enter the brain, the following deviations are observed:
- speech disorder;
- vertigo;
- noise in the ears;
- double vision.
The pain can radiate to the stomach, heart and lungs. When pinching the nerve endings in the cervical region, a pulling pain appears from the neck to the shoulder blades.
Stages of the disease and their distinguishing characteristics
SHOC takes place in several stages. Each of them has its own distinctive symptoms.In total, there are 4 main stages of development of osteochondrosis:
- In the initial stage, the disease looks like dehydration 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 displacement of the vertebrae.
- The third stage of development is characterized by more pronounced symptoms. Patients develop bulging intervertebral discs and osteoarthritis.
- The fourth stage is the last. Osteophytes are a distinctive feature. Bony outgrowths form on the surface of the vertebrae. There is an increase in fibrous tissue.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can lead to disability.
Diagnosis
If the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor to undergo an examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.In addition to taking an anamnesis, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic tests.
Instrumental research methods
Instrumental diagnostic methods will help to accurately diagnose and determine the patient's condition. The most commonly prescribed procedures are:
- Roentgen;
- myelographic examination;
- ultrasound;
- MRI.
A plain radiograph is needed to obtain a picture of the entire spine or the affected part of it.With its help, the doctor will be able to determine the localization of the pathology. With osteochondrosis, on the photo of the spine, you can see the presence of bone growths and narrowing of the intervertebral disc.
A more complex type of diagnosis is the myelographic examination. It consists in the fact that a contrast liquid is injected 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 an examination allows you to examine 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. An important part is drug therapy.In most cases, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins.
Analgesics include nonsteroidal drugs that relieve pain. Most of these drugs are irritating to the lining of the digestive tract.
Hormonal drugs are prescribed to relieve the inflammatory process.Effective steroid medications include glucocorticosteroid-based ointments and tablets.
Chondroprotectors contain in their composition substances that replace the components of cartilage tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. In order to get a lasting effect from taking such drugs, a rather long therapeutic course is prescribed.
To relax the muscle tone, it is recommended to take muscle relaxants.These are adjunctive medications for pain relief. The muscle relaxant is administered parenterally and only under the supervision of a specialist. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents based on benzimidazole and glycerin are used. 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 composition should contain fat-soluble vitamins E, D, C, E and B vitamins.
Ointments for external use are quite effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis. They help relieve inflammation, warm and relieve pain. Before using them, you should consult a specialist.
Are the drugs effective?
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite effective. It allows you to get rid of the inflammatory process and relieves pain. In order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, taking medication should be combined with therapeutic gymnastics and massage.
Gymnastics
Before starting gymnastics, you should consult a specialist. During exacerbations, it is better to refuse physical activity. It is important that gymnastics does not cause aggravation of pain.
Reference.All exercises are as simple as possible and include head movement and isometric muscle tension.
Such gymnastics can be performed both at home and at work. The starting position for almost all exercises is a sitting position.
Approximate set of exercises:
- The head rotates all the way to the right, then to the left. It is important not to make strong shots. When turning, the voltage must be maintained for 5 seconds.
- He tilts his head to his shoulder. You should try to touch your shoulder with your ear until you have to raise your hand itself. The exercise should be done with a painless amplitude.
- Circular movements of the head counterclockwise and clockwise. Rotations should be done as slowly as possible.
Such a light charge will help stretch the muscles. To give good results, such gymnastics should be performed regularly. In this case, the increase in load should be gradual and painless.
Massage
Massage should only be performed by a professional. It is necessary to work out the cervical area, part of the back and the collar area.The following techniques can be applied:
- stroking;
- squeezing
- trituration;
- kneading.
Massage should not cause pain. A procedure performed by non-professionals can only worsen the situation.
Folk remedies at home
Alternative therapeutic methods can be used as adjuncts.These can be compresses of fresh horseradish leaves. They are applied to the cervical area and should be kept overnight.
Quite effective compress of grated potatoes and honey. This procedure should be performed no more than once a week. Folk remedies will help alleviate the patient's condition, but not cure the disease.
Is it possible to completely cure SHX?
Cervical osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured.Therapy is aimed at improving the patient's condition and stopping the development of the disease. Periodic relapses are possible, so the patient should carefully monitor his condition. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Prevention
Healthy diet
An important place in the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The diet should contain 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 monitor the water balance. 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 will minimize the risk of developing the disease.Women are not recommended to lift more than 10 kg. In case of problems with the spine, it is recommended to wear a special corset.
In order to have a 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. During the period of exacerbation, you cannot visit the bathroom.
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.