Cervical osteochondrosis is a dystrophic dysfunction of the intervertebral discs of 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 SOC course for 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 musculature of the shoulder girdle, which supports the cervical spine.
Reference.The state of the spine is negatively affected by pregnancy and the additional period of caring for the child.
The reason for the development of female cervical osteochondrosis may be hormonal changes that occur during the aging process. After menopause, there is a slowdown in 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 are the bodily changes of menopause. During this period, the amount of progesterone in the female body decreases significantly. As a result of these processes, the spinal support becomes weaker.Other reasons include the following factors:
- circulatory problems;
- passive lifestyle;
- the presence of excess weight;
- great physical activity;
- low immunity;
- heredity;
- Spinal injury;
- hormonal problems;
- hypothermia.
The list of provoking factors is quite long. Women should take special care to monitor their health and support their immune system.
Symptoms
How the disease manifests itself at an early stage
It is important to recognize the signs of the development of the disease in a timely manner.Early symptoms include:
- feeling of stiffness in the neck;
- sudden onset of snoring during sleep;
- frequent headaches;
- finger and shoulder discomfort;
- periodic numbness of limbs;
- shooting pains that radiate to the neck.
local signs
With cervical osteochondrosis, a number of local symptoms appear.These include the following manifestations:
- 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. There may be numbness and tingling in the extremities.
The reflex-irritative syndrome can manifest itself in the form of a burning and tingling sensation. The pain may radiate to the shoulder joint or the chest.
Radicular syndrome causes headaches. Sometimes there are problems with speech.
Heart syndrome, by its nature, resembles an attack of angina pectoris. In some cases, blood pressure rises and arrhythmia appears.
Signs of an acute condition
In the acute stage, there are deformities of the vertebrae 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 may radiate to the stomach, heart and lungs. When the nerve endings in the cervical region are pinched, there is a pulling pain from the neck to the shoulder blades.
Stages of the disease and their distinctive features
SHOC proceeds in several steps. Each of them has its own distinctive symptoms.In total, there are 4 main stages in the development of osteochondrosis:
- At the initial stage, the disease resembles dehydration of the pulpy nucleus. The patient develops fissures in the annulus fibrosus.
- The second stage involves the sagging of muscles and ligaments. This results in 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 intervertebral disc protrusions and osteoarthritis.
- The fourth stage is the last. Osteophytes are a distinguishing feature. Bony growths 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.
Diagnostic
If the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor for examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.In addition to collecting an anamnesis, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic studies.
Methods of instrumental examination
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 standard x-ray is needed to get an image of the entire spine or its affected part.With its help, the doctor will be able to establish the localization of the pathology. With osteochondrosis in the image of the spine, you can see the presence of bone growths and the narrowing of the intervertebral disc.
A more complex type of diagnosis is a myelographic study. 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, since 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:
- painkillers;
- 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.
To relieve the inflammatory process, hormonal drugs are prescribed.Effective steroid drugs include glucocorticosteroid ointments and tablets.
Chondroprotectors contain in their composition substances that replace the components of cartilage tissue - hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. To achieve a lasting effect from taking such drugs, a rather long therapeutic course is prescribed.
To relax muscle tone, it is recommended to take muscle relaxants.These are auxiliary drugs for pain relief. 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.
Quite effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis ointments for external use.They help relieve inflammation, warm up 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. To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, taking medication should be combined with therapeutic exercises and massage.
Gymnastic
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 exacerbation of pain.
Reference.All exercises are as simple as possible and involve 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 seated position.
Approximate set of exercises:
- The head turns completely to the right, then to the left. It is important not to make strong jerks. While turning, the tension must be maintained for 5 seconds.
- Bows from head to shoulders. You need to try to touch your shoulder with your ear, while you should not raise your hand itself. Exercise should be done with painless amplitude.
- Circular movements of the head against and clockwise. Rotations should be done as slowly as possible.
Such a light load will help stretch the muscles. In order for it to give good results, such gymnastics must be practiced 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 region, part of the back and the collar area.The following techniques can be applied:
- caress;
- pressing;
- trituration;
- kneading.
The massage should not cause pain. An intervention carried out by non-professionals can only aggravate the situation.
Folk remedies at home
Alternative therapy methods can be used as additional methods.It can be compresses from fresh horseradish leaves. They are applied to the cervical region and must 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.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 her condition. The earlier treatment is started, the better the outcome.
Prevention
Adequate nutrition
Proper nutrition is an important place in the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. The diet should contain products containing 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 quality and long sleep, it is better to purchase 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 notice the first signs of deviation in time and start treatment. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it will be.