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 severe. According to statistics, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the upper part of the spine occur more often in women, especially in the post-menopausal period. In women, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are pain, limited movement and cerebrovascular insufficiency, and this is dangerous not only for health, but also for life. In order to protect yourself from the dangerous consequences of pathology, you need to start treatment at an early stage. It is important to carry out complex therapy and change lifestyle in order to stop the destruction of spinal segments and prevent serious complications.
The development of the disease
The cervical spine is the most sensitive 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 withstand heavy loads every day, which leads to the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs. The vertebrae press against each other, causing the cartilage pads between them to lose a lot of fluid and begin to break down and deform.
In addition, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to insufficient nutrition of cartilage tissue. And the spinal canal in this area is narrow, so it is often compressed, which causes neurological symptoms.
The pathology of women in the early stage is heaviness in the back of the head, tingling in the hands, etc. Is manifested. Patients often confuse the first signs of the disease with fatigue.
There are a large number of blood vessels and nerve roots in the neck area, and when these are compressed, neurological disorders can also occur. It is especially dangerous if a deformed disc or vertebra compresses the vertebral artery that supplies important parts of the brain. When it is compressed, movement coordination is impaired, the woman may lose her balance, her vision and hearing deteriorate, and the risk of stroke increases.
Reference.According to statistics, cervical osteochondrosis occurs most often in patients aged 25-40. This is due to a significant reduction in physical activity and sedentary work. Women are diagnosed with the disease more often than men because they have more fragile vertebrae and thinner bone tissue.
Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Section 1– due to the loss of moisture of the intervertebral disc, its height decreases, cracks may appear on the fibrous ring (outer shell). This is the stage of cervical chondrosis, which is difficult to identify, as it has unexpressed symptoms. The neck gets tired quickly, there is discomfort and heaviness in the injured area, sometimes there is a slight pain that disappears quickly.
- Section 2– the cracks on the surface of the disc increase, the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like content of the disc) shifts and can extend through the damaged areas. This is how the extensions of the cartilage lining appear, which can compress the spinal cord and its roots. Occasionally, severe pain, weakness, limited movement, and numbness of the face, neck, shoulder, and arm may occur.
- Section 3– the protrusion breaks through the outer shell of the disc, causing a hernia. Pain becomes more pronounced and neurological disorders appear.
- Section 4– the disc is almost completely destroyed, the vertebrae rub against each other, bone growths (osteophytes) appear on their edges, which are meant to stabilize the damaged segment. Nerve endings, spinal cord and blood vessels are damaged. Adjacent joints begin to be damaged. Clinical symptoms are pronounced.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes are easiest to stop in the first two stages of osteochondrosis of the spine. In stage 3, comprehensive treatment helps stop further destruction of the spinal segment. In the last stage, surgery cannot be avoided.
Cause
Osteochondrosis of the spine is a complex and lengthy process, which usually has several causes. In most cases, the pathology occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and metabolic disorders. The disease often occurs due to 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 neck segment.
- Distortion of posture.
- Lack of fluid and nutrients in the body.
- Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position (neck bent forward and backward).
- Overweight.
- Frequent wearing of high heels.
- BOLT injuries.
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Autoimmune pathologies.
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Hypothermia.
- Infectious diseases.
- The neck is too long or short, etc.
All these factors provoke malnutrition of the intervertebral discs and lead to their degeneration.
The cause of female cervical osteochondrosis can be pathologies of the vertebral artery, which are associated with genetic predisposition, intrauterine abnormalities 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 and the changes associated with this period. During 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 the age-related weakening of the neck muscles and the weakening of the vertebral support in this area.
Symptoms
Osteochondrosis is characterized by a wave-like course, when the acute period is replaced by remission. Aggravation can be caused by infections, injuries, hypothermia and prolonged strain on the neck.
The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women are headaches, discomfort and neck stiffness. It is important to distinguish pain caused by chondrosis from migraine or autonomic dysfunction in time.
The clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine in women are caused by neurological syndromes:
- Cervical discalgia occurs when the nerve endings are irritated by fragments of the damaged cartilage lining. Then a special crunch appears in the neck, the pain becomes stronger when moving the head and after sleep.
- Scalenus syndrome is the result of damage to the vessels and nerves of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery. This set of symptoms is accompanied by pain from the inner surface of the shoulder to the hand on the injured side. The limb becomes pale, cool, swollen, and numb. Neck pain spreads to the back of the head when the patient turns his head.
- Humeral periarthrosis syndrome - dystrophic changes affect the tendon fibers surrounding the shoulder. Painful sensations from the neck radiate to the shoulder and shoulder girdle. There is a forced position of the neck - it tilts to the affected side, and the shoulder is slightly lowered.
- Vertebral artery syndrome - the blood vessel is compressed by fragments of the damaged plate or osteophytes (depending on the stage of the disease). The patient feels dizzy, headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. The pain is localized in the back of the head, crown and temples.
- Heart - spinal cord nerve bundles are damaged. Heart pain and arrhythmia occur. If C3 is damaged, pain occurs in half of the neck, the tongue swells, and the patient cannot chew food normally. If C4 is damaged, there will be discomfort in the shoulder girdle, collarbone and heart area. When C5 is affected, the pain radiates from the neck to the shoulder girdle, the inner surface of the shoulder. C6 irritation causes pain from the neck and scapula to the shoulder girdle and radiates up the arm to the thumb. If C7 is damaged, the pain syndrome spreads to the back of the shoulder girdle and affects 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.
In addition, the woman's emotional sphere can also be disturbed, weakness can occur, she becomes anxious and sensitive. Insomnia often occurs, memory and attention are weakened due to regular headaches.
Symptoms of cerebrovascular accident occur when a woman suddenly throws back, tilts her head, or does work that puts stress on her arms and cervical spine, such as digging, painting ceilings, or carrying heavy objects.
Poor cerebral circulation manifests itself in dizziness, unsteady gait, spots before the eyes, tinnitus, weakness and nausea. In some patients, the voice becomes hoarse, sometimes disappears, and a sore throat appears.
Osteochondrosis that develops during menopause is associated with migraines and increased 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 for a long time, circulatory failure occurs in important centers providing neuroendocrine functions. Due to the increased permeability of the vessel walls, atherosclerosis of the cerebral and heart arteries develops.
Making a diagnosis
If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, consult a therapist. After an eye examination, the specialist will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist or neurologist.
The following methods are used to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis:
- An X-ray allows us to find out that the patient's vertebrae have shifted, there are osteophytes on their edges, the distance between the vertebrae has decreased, etc. For this, the test is carried out in different planes. To detail the characteristic changes, the doctor takes targeted photographs.
- A CT scan of the cervical spine provides detailed information about pathological changes in the vertebrae. This method makes it possible to create three-dimensional images for a more detailed examination, 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 makes it possible to check the conductivity of the nerve fiber.
Doctors may also order an ultrasound scan (Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain) to determine the state of blood flow in that area.
Conservative treatment
In the early stages, treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine in women can be done at home. However, the doctor must develop the treatment regimen. It is important to understand that this is a long process and it is unlikely that complete recovery will be possible (especially for older women).
Complex treatment includes:
- Taking medicines.
- Use of orthopedic devices.
- Physiotherapy.
- Physiotherapy procedures.
- Massage, manual influence.
- Alternative treatments.
Conservative methods help relieve pain, inflammation, normalize muscle tone, improve metabolic processes, nourish damaged segments of the spine, etc. Pathological changes can be stopped with timely therapy.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is carried out with the use of drugs that improve the metabolism of the cartilage pads between the vertebrae, relieve inflammation and pain. The following drugs are used for this purpose:
- NSAIDs. They help relieve mild to moderate inflammation and pain.
- Pain relievers. It relieves pain.
- Medicines that improve cerebral circulation.
- Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors. They help stop the destruction of the disc, improve metabolic processes and speed up recovery.
- Medicines based on magnesium.
- Nootropics. They stimulate the functioning of the brain by normalizing its blood circulation and have a mild sedative effect.
Reference.In severe pain that cannot be relieved by oral medications, therapeutic blockades are used, such as anesthetic solution or NSAIDs.
The treatment can be supplemented with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agents in the form of gels, creams and ointments. They will be effective in the phase of remission or in combination with oral drugs.
The doctor decides on the selection of drug combinations. The specialist prepares the medication regimen and determines their dosage. It is important to follow their recommendations, as many of the drugs described above can lead to dangerous complications.
In the acute stage of osteochondrosis of the spine, a woman should refuse heavy physical activity. To relieve the neck segment, you have to wear a special corset (Schants collar) that fixes the vertebrae in the right position. This device is recommended for prolonged sitting or heavy physical work.
Physiotherapy procedures help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in the injured area:
- Diadynamic therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic, glucocorticosteroid, proteolytic agent.
- Electroanalgesia.
- Ultraviolet radiation, etc.
The therapeutic effect appears approximately after the third session, then headaches, hearing and vision disorders, dizziness weaken or disappear, sleep normalizes, and the general condition improves.
By towing the cervical segment underwater, you can increase the distance between the vertebrae, release a nerve or blood vessel from compression, and return the vertebrae to their normal position.
Massage normalizes muscle tone and reduces 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 then take some of the load off the spine and help stop or slow down degenerative changes. During training, blood circulation improves, metabolic processes and plate nutrition accelerate, which positively affects their condition.
Women should exercise every day. They consist of simple but effective exercises. The complex consists of turns, head tilts in different directions, and neck movements, during which the arms are used. These items can be done at home, but only with the doctor's permission. Physiotherapy is performed only in the phase of remission.
The complex treatment can be supplemented with reflexology (acupuncture), hirudotherapy (leech treatment), swimming, etc.
Surgery
The operation is prescribed in the last stage of osteochondrosis of the spinal cord, which is accompanied by severe destruction of osteochondral structures. Surgical intervention cannot be avoided either if conservative methods are ineffective or if the spinal canal is significantly narrowed.
In the above cases, an anterior cervical discectomy is performed. During the procedure, the doctor fixes the damaged segment of the spinal column and removes the hernia that is 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 approximately 12 weeks. In order to speed up the recovery, you need to take medicines, wear a brace, lead a healthy lifestyle, do physiotherapy procedures and finally do exercise therapy.
Lifestyle suggestions
In order to quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis and stop degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment, you need to change your lifestyle. For this, the patient must follow the following recommendations:
- Walk every day, avoid running, jumping and other explosive activities.
- Do not carry heavy objects.
- You can't sit for a long time, in extreme cases, wear a corset and regularly take a horizontal position.
- Do special physical exercises for the back muscles at home.
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a special pillow.
- Follow the diet, replenish your diet with foods rich in magnesium, calcium (nuts, dairy products, seafood, legumes), as well as vegetable fibers, chondroitin (jelly, jelly). Avoid fatty, fried, overly salty foods and alcohol. Your doctor will provide more detailed information about the nutritional rules. But it must be correct in all cases.
Hypothermia should not be allowed, in the absence of an inflammatory process, rewarming will be beneficial.
Complications
In the absence of timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a woman may experience the following consequences of the pathology:
- Probability of protrusion, which after some time turns into a hernia. The bulge compresses the spinal cord and 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 partial paralysis is possible, and then the head hangs involuntarily to the side or forward.
- Compression of the vertebral arteries, circulatory disturbance in the affected area. This condition can cause neuralgia (nerve pain), hearing and vision problems.
- Paralysis of the hands (incomplete or complete).
- Stroke etc.
If a woman deals with the issue in the early stages of osteochondrosis of the spinal cord, she will be able to prevent the conditions described above.
Preventive measures
Ideally, prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine should be carried out during intrauterine development. The expectant mother must exclude factors that negatively affect the development of the fetus: infections, oxygen starvation, poisoning. If a birth injury has occurred, the newborn should be treated.
To reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis of the spine, a woman should follow the following recommendations:
- Evenly load your spine, for example, carry a load in both hands, or alternately with the right and then the left.
- Do not lift too much weight alone.
- Try to avoid neck injuries and hypothermia.
- When working on garden plots, take a break every 1. 5 hours and lie down to rest for 20 minutes.
- Choose shoes with flexible soles that absorb shock when running or jumping.
- If you sit for long periods of time, use a high-backed chair with a headrest or wear a corset.
It is also important to eat well, control body weight, avoid stress, take vitamin supplements for medical reasons, and immediately treat diseases that can lead to osteochondrosis. In the remission stage, it is recommended to visit sanatoriums to take part in a course of 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 in the postmenopausal period are particularly susceptible to pathology. The disease manifests itself with pain, neurological disorders, and dangerous symptoms of cerebral circulation accident. In order to avoid dangerous complications of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start treatment at an early stage. For this, the woman must take medicines, change her lifestyle, undergo physiotherapy procedures, massage, physical therapy, etc. Surgical treatment is recommended only in advanced cases. In order to prevent pathology, you should maintain moderate physical activity, immediately treat injuries and diseases that cause osteochondrosis, etc.