Cervical osteochondrosis is a dystrophic dysfunction of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. 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.
Features of the course of SPC in women
The symptoms of the development of spinal disease in men and women are practically the same, but there are still some differences. Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often in women. This is due to anatomical features.
Unlike women, men have well-developed musculature of the shoulder girdle, which supports the cervical spine.
Reference.The state of the spine is negatively affected by pregnancy and the further period of child care.
The reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis in women can be 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 changes in the body are in 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 becomes weaker.Other reasons include the following factors:
- circulation problems;
- passive lifestyle;
- the presence of excess weight;
- great physical activity;
- weak immunity;
- heredity;
- spinal injury;
- hormonal problems;
- hypothermia.
The list of provoking factors is quite extensive. Women should be especially careful to monitor their health and support the immune system.
Symptoms
How the disease manifests itself in the early stages
It is important to recognize the signs of disease development in time.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 limbs;
- shooting pains radiating into the neck.
local signs
Cervical osteochondrosis causes a number of local symptoms.These include the following events:
- stenosis;
- reflex-irritative syndrome;
- radicular syndrome;
- cardiac syndrome.
Stenosis involves 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 sensation.The pain may radiate to the shoulder joint or chest.
Radicular syndrome causes headaches. Sometimes there are problems with speech.
Cardiac syndrome by its nature resembles an attack of angina pectoris. In some cases, there is an increase in blood pressure and the appearance of arrhythmia.
Signs of an acute condition
In 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;
- dizziness;
- tinnitus;
- double vision.
The pain can spread to the stomach, heart and lungs. When the nerve endings of the cervical region are compressed, a pulling pain occurs from the neck to the shoulder blades.
Stages of the disease and their characteristic features
SHOC takes place in several stages. Each of them has its own characteristic symptoms.In total, there are 4 main stages in the development of osteochondrosis:
- In the initial stage, the disease looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus. The patient develops fissures in the annulus fibrosus.
- The second phase involves relaxing the muscles and ligaments. As a result, there is a motor imbalance of the vertebrae. This stage of disease development is characterized by the movement of the vertebrae.
- The third stage of development is characterized by more pronounced symptoms. Intervertebral disc protrusions and arthrosis occur in patients.
- The fourth stage is final. A special feature is osteophytes. Bony outgrowths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae. Fibrous tissue increases.
In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can lead to disability.
Diagnostics
If the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to undergo an examination and prescribe the appropriate treatment.In addition to collecting anamnesis, the doctor prescribes a series of diagnostic studies.
Instrumental test methods
Instrumental diagnostic methods will help to accurately diagnose and determine the patient's condition. The most commonly prescribed procedures are:
- x-ray;
- myelographic study;
- ultrasound;
- MRI.
A plain radiograph is needed to get an image of the whole spine or the affected part of it.With his help, the doctor will be able to determine the localization of the pathology. In the case of osteochondrosis, the presence of bony growths and narrowing of the intervertebral disc can be seen on the image of the spine.
A more complex type of diagnosis is a myelographic study. It consists of injecting a contrast liquid into the canal of the spinal cord.
Important.Such a procedure can be dangerous, because an allergic reaction or damage to the spinal cord is possible.
Such a study allows you 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. 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 NSAIDs that relieve pain. Most of these drugs irritate the lining of the digestive tract.
Hormonal drugs are prescribed to alleviate the inflammatory process.Effective steroid medications include glucocorticosteroid-based ointments and tablets.
Chondroprotectors contain substances that replace cartilage tissue components - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. In order to achieve 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 pain relievers. Miorelaxan is applied 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 must contain fat-soluble vitamins E, D, C, E and B vitamins.
Quite effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis ointment for external use.They help relieve inflammation, warm and relieve pain. Before using them, you should consult a specialist.
Are the drugs effective?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with drugs 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 medication should be combined with therapeutic exercises 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 the pain to worsen.
Reference.All exercises are as simple as possible and include head movements 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.
A general set of exercises:
- The head turns all the way to the right, 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 to his shoulders. You must try to touch your shoulder with your ear, and you should not raise your hand itself. The exercise should be performed with a painless amplitude.
- Circular movements of the head towards and in a clockwise direction. Rotations should be performed as slowly as possible.
Such a light charge will help stretch the muscles. In order to bring good results, such gymnastics must be performed regularly. In this case, the load increase should be gradual and painless.
Massage
Massage should only be performed by a professional. It is necessary to develop the cervical region, part of the back and neck area.The following techniques can be applied:
- caressing;
- squeezing;
- trituration;
- kneading.
Massage should not cause pain. A procedure performed by non-professionals can only make the situation worse.
Folk remedies at home
Alternative therapy methods can be used as additional ones.These can be wraps made of fresh horseradish leaves. They are applied to the cervical region and must be kept overnight.
A fairly effective poultice made of grated potatoes and honey. This procedure should be carried out 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.The 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 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 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.
Food rich in vitamins and minerals should be included in the diet. For example, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, pork and beef.
Active lifestyle
An active lifestyle will reduce 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 bath.
Cervical osteochondrosis is more often diagnosed in women.It is important to spot the first signs of deviation in time and start treatment. The sooner the therapy starts, the more effective it will be.