Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Every year, doctors diagnose this disease more and more often and its course becomes more serious. According to statistics, in women, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the upper part of the spine occur more often, especially in patients in the postmenopausal period. The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are pain, difficulty moving and cerebrovascular insufficiency, which is dangerous not only for health, but also for life. To protect yourself from the dangerous consequences of pathology, it is necessary to start its treatment in the early stages. It is important to carry out complex therapies and change your lifestyle to prevent the destruction of spinal segments and prevent serious complications.
Development of the disease
The cervical spine is more vulnerable to various injuries and degenerative changes. This is due to the fact that this segment is the most mobile and the muscles here are weak. The small cervical vertebrae bear heavy loads every day, which leads to the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs. The vertebrae press against each other, which causes the cartilaginous cushions between them to lose a lot of fluid and begin to degrade and become deformed.
Also, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to insufficient nutrition of cartilaginous tissue. And the spinal canal in this area is narrow, so it is often compressed, which causes neurological symptoms.
Pathology in women in the initial stages is manifested by heaviness in the back of the head, tingling in the hands, etc. Patients often mistake the first signs of the disease for fatigue.
There are a large number of blood vessels and nerve roots located in the neck region, and when compressed, neurological disorders can also occur. It is especially dangerous if a deformed disc or vertebra compresses the vertebral artery, which supplies important parts of the brain. When it is compressed, coordination of movements is impaired, the woman may lose balance, vision and hearing deteriorate, and the risk of stroke increases.
Reference.According to statistics, most often cervical osteochondrosis is found in patients aged 25 to 40 years. This is due to a massive decrease in physical activity and sedentary work. Women are more often diagnosed with the disease than men, as they have more fragile vertebrae and thin bone tissue.
Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Stage 1– the intervertebral disc loses some of its moisture, its height decreases and cracks may appear in the fibrous ring (outer shell). This is the stage of cervical chondrosis, which is difficult to identify, as it presents unexpressed symptoms. The neck gets tired quickly, there is discomfort, heaviness in the injured area, sometimes there is a slight pain that passes quickly.
- Stage 2– the fissures on the surface of the disc increase, the nucleus pulposus (the gelatinous contents of the disc) shifts and may protrude through the damaged areas. This is how protrusions of the cartilaginous coating appear, which can compress the spinal cord and its roots. Severe pain, weakness, limited mobility appear periodically and numbness may occur in the face, neck, shoulders and arms.
- Step 3– the protrusion breaks the outer layer of the disc, thus forming a hernia. The pain becomes more pronounced and neurological disorders are present.
- Stage 4– the disc is almost completely destroyed, the vertebrae rub against each other and bone growths (osteophytes) appear on their edges, which aim to stabilize the damaged segment. Nerve endings, spinal cord and blood vessels are violated. Adjacent joints begin to be damaged. Clinical signs are pronounced.
It is easiest to stop degenerative-dystrophic changes in the first two stages of osteochondrosis of the spine. In stage 3, comprehensive treatment will help prevent further destruction of the spinal segment. In the last stage, surgery cannot be avoided.
Causes
Osteochondrosis of the spine is a complex and lengthy process, which most often has several causes. In most cases, pathology occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and metabolic disorders. Often the disease occurs due to an injury or the natural aging of the body and the weakening of its defenses.
Doctors identify the main causes of osteochondrosis of the spine in women:
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Chronic muscle tension around the cervical segment.
- Posture distortion.
- Deficiency of fluids and nutrients in the body.
- Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position (neck stretched forward and back hunched).
- Excessive weight.
- Frequent use of high-heeled shoes.
- Injury SHOP.
- Lift heavy objects.
- Autoimmune pathologies.
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Hypothermia.
- Infectious diseases.
- Too long or short neck, etc.
All these factors provoke malnutrition of the intervertebral discs and lead to their degeneration.
Female cervical osteochondrosis can be caused by vertebral artery pathologies associated with genetic predisposition, intrauterine disorders and injuries during childbirth. The disease can occur due to rheumatism, endocrine disorders, excessive load on the cervical segment during pregnancy and local overload.
Important.The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis in women is menopause, as well as the changes associated with this period. At this stage, the concentration of progesterone in the body decreases, which is very important for bone tissue. The likelihood of degenerative changes is associated with age-related weakening of the neck muscles and weakening of spinal support in this area.
Symptoms
Osteochondrosis is characterized by a wave-like course, when the acute period is replaced by remission. Exacerbation can be caused by infections, injuries, hypothermia, and prolonged neck strain.
The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women are headaches, discomfort and heaviness in the neck. It is important to distinguish pain due to migraine chondrosis or autonomic dysfunction in time.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine in women are caused by neurological syndromes:
- Cervical discalgia occurs when nerve endings are irritated by fragments of the damaged cartilaginous lining. A specific crisis then appears in the neck, pain that becomes more pronounced when moving the head and after sleeping.
- Scalene syndrome is a consequence of damage to the vessels and nerves of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery. This symptom complex is accompanied by pain from the inner surface of the shoulder to the hand on the injured side. The limb becomes pale, cold, swollen and numbness occurs. Neck pain extends to the back of the head when the patient turns his head.
- Periarthrosis of the humerus syndrome - dystrophic changes affect the tendon fibers surrounding the shoulder. Painful sensations from the neck radiate to the shoulders and shoulder girdle. There is a forced position of the neck - it is tilted to the affected side and the shoulder is slightly lowered.
- Vertebral artery syndrome - a blood vessel is compressed by fragments of a damaged disc or osteophytes (depending on the stage of the disease). The patient feels dizziness and headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. The pain is localized to the back of the head, crown and temples.
- Cardiac – the nerve bundles in the spinal cord are damaged. Heart pain and arrhythmias occur. If C3 is damaged, pain appears in half of the neck, the tongue swells and the patient is unable to chew food normally. If C4 is injured, discomfort appears in the region of the shoulder girdle, clavicle and heart. When C5 is affected, the painful reaction from the neck spreads to the shoulder girdle, the inner surface of the shoulder. C6 irritation causes pain from the neck and shoulder blade to the shoulder girdle and spreads down the entire arm to the thumb. If C7 is damaged, the pain syndrome spreads to the back of the shoulder girdle, affecting the entire hand, including the index and middle fingers. When C8 is compressed, the pain spreads from the affected area to the elbow and little finger.
Also, a woman's emotional sphere may be disturbed, weakness may occur, she becomes anxious and sensitive. Insomnia often occurs, memory and attention are weakened due to regular headaches.
Stroke symptoms occur when a woman suddenly throws her head back, tilts it, or performs work that puts pressure on her arms and cervical spine, for example, when she digs, paints the ceiling, or carries heavy objects.
Poor cerebral circulation is manifested by dizziness, unsteady gait, spots before the eyes, tinnitus, weakness and nausea. In some patients, the voice becomes hoarse, sometimes it disappears and a sore throat appears.
Osteochondrosis during menopause is accompanied by migraines, increased body sweating in the area between the neck and shoulder girdle. When the vertebral artery is compressed, the functioning of the cardiovascular system is disturbed.
If the disease lasts a long time, circulatory failure occurs in important centers that perform neuroendocrine functions. Due to the increased permeability of the vascular walls, atherosclerosis of the cerebral and cardiac arteries develops.
Establishing diagnosis
If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, see a therapist. After a visual examination, the specialist will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist or neurologist.
The following methods are used to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis:
- X-ray allows you to find out that the patient's vertebrae are displaced, there are osteophytes on the edges, the distance between the vertebrae has decreased, etc. To detail the characteristic changes, the doctor takes targeted photographs.
- CT scan of the cervical spine provides detailed information about pathological changes in the vertebrae. This method allows three-dimensional images to be obtained for a more detailed study, and is used in serious diagnostic cases.
- MRI is used to accurately assess the condition of the soft tissues (nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles) in the affected area.
- Electromyography allows checking the conductivity of the nerve fiber.
Doctors may also prescribe an ultrasound scan (Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain) to determine the status of blood flow in that area.
Conservative treatment
In the initial stages, treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine in women can be carried out at home. However, a doctor must draw up a treatment regimen. It is important to understand that this is a long process and a full recovery is unlikely to be possible (especially for older women).
Complex treatment includes:
- Taking medications.
- Use of orthopedic devices.
- Physiotherapy.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures.
- Massage, manual influence.
- Alternative treatments.
Conservative methods will help relieve pain, inflammation, normalize muscle tone, improve metabolic processes, nourish damaged segments of the spine, etc. With timely therapy, it is possible to stop pathological changes.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is carried out using medications that help improve the metabolism of the cartilaginous pads between the vertebrae, relieving inflammation and pain. The following medications are used for this purpose:
- Ines. They will help relieve inflammation and pain of mild or moderate severity.
- Painkillers. Relieves the pain.
- Medicines to improve cerebral circulation.
- Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors. They help prevent disc destruction, improve metabolic processes and speed up recovery.
- Magnesium-based medicines.
- Nootropics. They stimulate brain function, normalizing blood circulation and have a mild sedative effect.
Reference.For severe pain that is not relieved by oral medications, therapeutic blocks are used, for example with anesthetic solution or NSAIDs.
Treatment can be complemented with anti-inflammatories and analgesics in the form of gels, creams and ointments. They will be effective in the remission phase or in combination with oral medications.
The decision on the choice of drug combinations rests with the doctor. The specialist will draw up a medication regimen and also determine its dosage. It is important to follow their recommendations, as many of the medications described above can lead to dangerous complications.
During the acute stage of osteochondrosis of the spine, a woman should refuse intense physical activity. To relieve the cervical segment, it is necessary to wear a special corset (Schants collar), which will fix the vertebrae in the correct position. This device is recommended for use during prolonged or heavy sedentary physical work.
Physiotherapeutic procedures will help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in the damaged area:
- Diadynamic therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic, glucocorticosteroid and proteolytic agent.
- Electroanalgesia.
- Ultraviolet irradiation, etc.
The therapeutic effect appears approximately after the third session, then headaches, hearing and visual disturbances, dizziness weaken or disappear, sleep normalizes and the general condition improves.
Using underwater traction of the cervical segment, you can expand the distance between the vertebrae, free a nerve or blood vessel from compression and restore the normal position of the vertebrae.
Massage will normalize muscle tone and reduce the flow of lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling. After several sessions, blood circulation in the damaged area improves.
Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the most effective methods of treating osteochondrosis of the spine. Exercise therapy allows you to strengthen weak neck muscles, which will then take on some of the load from the spine and help stop or slow down degenerative changes. During exercise, blood circulation improves, metabolic processes and disc nutrition are accelerated, which has a positive effect on its condition.
Women should exercise every day. They consist of simple but effective exercises. The complex consists of turns, tilts of the head in different directions, as well as neck movements, during which the arms are used. These elements can be performed at home, but only after authorization from your doctor. Physiotherapy is carried out only in the remission phase.
Complex treatment can be supplemented with reflexology (acupuncture), hirudotherapy (leech treatment), swimming, etc.
Surgery
The operation is prescribed in the last stages of osteochondrosis of the spinal cord, which are accompanied by severe destruction of osteochondral structures. Also, surgical intervention cannot be avoided if conservative methods are ineffective or the spinal canal has significantly narrowed.
In the above cases, an anterior cervical discectomy is performed. During the procedure, the doctor immobilizes the injured segment of the spine and removes the hernia that was compressing the spinal nerve. Then the vertebrae between which the disc was removed are fused. If necessary, the space between the vertebrae is filled with a synthetic insert (cage).
After 3-5 days the patient is discharged home. The rehabilitation period is about 12 weeks. To speed up recovery, you need to take medications, wear a corset, lead a healthy lifestyle, undergo physiotherapeutic procedures and, possibly, undergo exercise therapy.
Lifestyle recommendations
To quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis and stop degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment, you need to adjust your lifestyle. To do this, the patient must follow these recommendations:
- Take walks every day, avoid running, jumping and other explosive activities.
- Do not carry heavy objects.
- You cannot sit for a long time, in extreme cases wear a corset and periodically take a horizontal position.
- Do special physical exercises for your back muscles at home.
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress and special pillow.
- Follow a diet, replenish your diet with foods rich in magnesium, calcium (nuts, dairy products, seafood, legumes), as well as vegetable fiber, chondroitin (gelatinized meat, jelly). Avoid fatty, fried, salty foods and alcohol. Your doctor will advise you in more detail about nutritional rules. But in any case, it must be correct.
Hypothermia should not be allowed, warming will be beneficial in the absence of an inflammatory process.
Complications
In the absence of timely treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, a woman may suffer from the following consequences of the pathology:
- The likelihood of a protrusion, which after some time turns into a hernia. The bulge compresses the spinal cord and also its nerves, causing neurological disorders.
- Osteophytes appear when the disc is severely damaged and irritate the spinal nerves and blood vessels.
- In advanced cases, severe weakening of the neck muscles or incomplete paralysis is possible, and then the head involuntarily falls to the side or forward.
- Compression of the vertebral arteries, impaired circulation in the affected area. This condition can cause neuralgia (pain along the nerve), hearing and vision problems.
- Paralysis (incomplete or complete) of the hands.
- Stroke, etc.
If a woman addresses the problem in the early stages of spinal cord osteochondrosis, she can prevent the conditions described above.
Preventive measures
Ideally, prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine should be carried out during the period of intrauterine development. The expectant mother must exclude factors that negatively affect the development of the fetus: infections, lack of oxygen, intoxication. If there was an injury during birth, the newborn must undergo treatment.
To reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis of the spine, a woman should follow these recommendations:
- Load the spine evenly, for example, carry a load with both hands or alternately with the right and then the left.
- Don't lift too much weight alone.
- Try to avoid neck injuries and hypothermia.
- When working in vegetable gardens, take a break every 1. 5 hours and lie down to rest for 20 minutes.
- Choose shoes with elastic soles that soften impacts when running or jumping.
- When sitting for long periods of time, use a high-back chair with a headrest or wear a corset.
It is also important to eat well, control your weight, avoid stress, take vitamin supplements for medical reasons and promptly treat pathologies that can cause osteochondrosis. During the remission phase, it is recommended to go to sanatoriums for treatment.
The most important
As you can see, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs more often in women than in men, since the former have more fragile vertebrae and thin bone tissue. Patients during the postmenopausal period are especially susceptible to pathology. The disease is manifested by pain, neurological disorders, as well as dangerous symptoms of a stroke. It is recommended to start treatment in the early stages to avoid dangerous complications of osteochondrosis. To do this, a woman must take medication, adjust her lifestyle, undergo physiotherapy, massage, physiotherapy, etc. Surgical treatment is only indicated in advanced cases. To prevent pathology, it is necessary to maintain moderate physical activity, promptly treat injuries and diseases that can provoke osteochondrosis, etc.