Osteochondrosis of the neck - symptoms and treatment

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 it progresses more and more severely. According to statistics, in women, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the upper spine occur more often, especially for patients in the postmenopausal period. The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are pain, limited mobility, insufficient cerebral circulation and this is dangerous not only for health but also for life. To protect yourself from the dangerous consequences of pathology, you should start treating it in the early stages. It is important to perform complex therapies, change your lifestyle in order to stop the destruction of the spinal segments and prevent serious complications.

Development of the disease

The cervical spine is more susceptible to various injuries and degenerative changes. This is due to the fact that this segment is the most mobile and the muscles are weak here. The small vertebrae of the cervix resist severe stress every day, leading to the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs. The vertebrae are pressed against each other, so the cartilaginous pads between them lose a lot of fluid, begin to degrade 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.

Pathology in women in the early stages is manifested by weight on the back of the head, tingling in the hands, etc. Often, patients confuse the first signs of illness with overwork.

A large number of blood vessels and nerve roots are located in the neck area, and when they are compressed, neurological disorders can also occur. It is especially dangerous if a deformed disc or vertebra compresses the vertebral artery, which feeds important parts of the brain. When squeezed, coordination of movements is impaired, a woman may lose her balance, her vision and hearing deteriorate, and the risk of stroke increases.

Reference. According to statistics, most often osteochondrosis of the cervix is found in patients aged 25-40 years. This is due to a massive decline in physical activity, sedentary work. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than men, as they have more fragile vertebrae and thin bone tissue.

Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis store:

• Stage 1 - the intervertebral disc loses some moisture, its height decreases, cracks may appear in the fibrous ring (outer cortex). This is the stage of cervical chondrosis, which is difficult to identify as there are unexpressed symptoms. The neck gets tired quickly, there is discomfort, weight in the injured area, sometimes there is a slight pain that passes quickly.
• Stage 2 - cracks on the surface of the disc grow, the pulposus nucleus (disc-like contents) shifts, may protrude through the damaged areas. Thus appears the elongation of the cartilaginous lining, which can crush the spinal cord and its roots. Periodically, there may be severe pain, weakness, limited mobility, numbness of the face, neck, shoulders, arms.
• Stage 3 - elongation plow through the outer shell of the disc, so a hernia is formed. The pain becomes more pronounced, neurological disorders are present.
• Stage 4 - the disc is almost completely destroyed, the vertebrae rub against each other, at their ends appear bone growths (osteophytes), which are created to stabilize the damaged segment. Nerve endings, spinal cord, blood vessels are damaged. Adjacent joints begin to be damaged. Clinical signs are pronounced.

It is easier to stop degenerative-dystrophic changes in the first two stages of SHOP osteochondrosis. In stage 3, the complex treatment will help prevent further destruction of the spinal segment. In the final stage, you can not do without surgery.

reason

Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and lengthy process that most often has several causes. In most cases, the pathology occurs as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, metabolic disorders. Often, the disease occurs due to injury or due to the natural aging of the body and the weakening of its defenses.

Doctors identify the main causes of osteochondrosis store in women:

• Disruption of metabolic processes.
• Passive lifestyle.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Chronic muscle tension around the cervical segment.
• Behavior curvature.
• Lack of fluids and nutrients in the body.
• Prolonged posture in an uncomfortable position (neck extended forward and back bent).
• Excess weight.
• Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes.
• Injuries in the SHOP.
• Lifting heavy objects.
• Autoimmune pathologies.
• Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
• Hypothermia.
• Infectious diseases.
• Neck too long or too short, etc.

All of these factors provoke malnutrition of the intervertebral discs and lead to their degeneration.

Osteochondrosis of the female cervix can be caused by pathologies of the vertebral artery associated with a genetic predisposition, intrauterine disorders, birth trauma. The disease can occur as a result of rheumatism, endocrine disorders, excessive load on the cervical segment during pregnancy, local overload.

ImportantThe 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, which is very important for bone tissue, decreases in the body. The likelihood of degenerative changes is associated with age-related weakening of the neck muscles and weakening of the vertebral support in this area.

Symptoms

For osteochondrosis, a wave-like course is characteristic, when the acute period is replaced by remission. Worsening can provoke infections, injuries, hypothermia, prolonged stress on the neck.

The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women are headache, discomfort, heaviness in the neck. It is important to distinguish chondrosis pain from migraine or autonomic dysfunction in time.

Clinical manifestations of osteoporosis SHOP in women are caused by neurological syndromes:

• Cervical dyscalgia occurs when nerve endings are irritated by fragments of damaged cartilage lining. Then there is a specific crisis in the neck, pain, which becomes more pronounced when moving the head and after sleep.
• Scale muscle syndrome results from damage to the vessels and nerves of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery. This complex of symptoms is accompanied by pain from the inner surface of the shoulder in the hand on the injured side. The limb becomes pale, cold, edematous, numbness occurs. Neck pain extends to the back of the head when the patient turns his head.
• Shoulder-shoulder 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 neck position - 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 osteophyte (depending on the stage of the disease). The patient is dizzy and has a headache, nausea, sometimes vomiting. The pain is localized in the neck, crowns and temples.
• Cardiac - the nerve bundles of the spinal cord are damaged. There is a heartache, arrhythmia. If C3 is damaged, pain appears in half of the neck, tongue swells, patient can not chew food normally. If C4 is impaired, then discomfort appears in the shoulder girdle area, clavicle bone, heart. With C5 defeat, the neck pain response extends to the shoulder girdle, the inner surface of the shoulder. C6 irritation manifests as pain from the neck and shoulders to the shoulder girdle and spreads throughout the arm to the thumb. If C7 is damaged, the pain syndrome spreads to the back of the shoulder girdle, grasping the entire hand, including the index and middle fingers. When C8 is squeezed, the pain spreads from the affected area to the elbow and little finger.

Also, a woman's emotional sphere can be disturbed, weakness arises, she becomes anxious, vulnerable. Insomnia often occurs, memory and attention are impaired due to regular headaches.

Symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident occur when a woman suddenly throws her head back, tilts it, or performs work that puts a strain on the arms and spine of the uterus, for example, when digging, painting the ceiling, and carrying weights.

Violation of cerebral circulation is manifested by dizziness, shaky gait, "flies" before the eyes, tinnitus, weakness, nausea. In some patients, the voice becomes hoarse, sometimes disappears, a sore throat appears.

Osteochondrosis during menopause is associated with migraine, increased sweating of the body in the area between the neck and shoulder girdle. When the vertebral artery is constricted, the work of the cardiovascular system breaks down.

If the disease lasts for a long time, then there is a failure of blood circulation to important centers that perform neuro-endocrine functions. Due to the increased permeability of the vascular walls, atherosclerosis of the cerebral and cardiac arteries develops.

Establishing the diagnosis

If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, then go to a therapist. After a visual examination, a specialist will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist or neurologist.

The following methods are used to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis:

• X-rays allow you to detect that the patient has displaced vertebrae, osteophytes are present at their edges, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced. For this, the study is conducted in different plans. To detail the characteristic changes, the doctor takes visual photographs.
• CT of the cervical spine provides detailed information about pathological changes in the vertebrae. This method allows you to take volumetric images for a more detailed study, used in severe diagnostic cases.
• MRI is used to accurately assess the condition of soft tissues (nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles) in the affected area.
• Electromyography allows you to check the conduction of a nerve fiber.

Doctors may also prescribe Doppler ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound of the large arteries of the brain) to determine the state of blood flow in the area.

Conservative treatment

In the early stages, treatment of SHOP's osteochondrosis in women can be performed at home. However, the doctor must design a therapy regimen. Importers It is important to understand that this is a long process and it is unlikely that it will heal completely (especially for older women).

Complex treatment includes:

• Taking medication.
• Use of orthopedic devices.
• Physiotherapy.
• Physiotherapy procedures.
• Massage, manual impact.
• Alternative treatments.

Conservative techniques will help to stop pain, inflammation, normalize muscle tone, improve metabolic processes, nourish damaged segments of the back. With timely therapy, it is possible to stop pathological changes.

Medications for cervical osteochondrosis will help relieve inflammation and pain.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is carried out with the use of drugs that will help improve the metabolism of cartilaginous lines between the vertebrae, stop inflammation, pain. For this purpose, the following drugs are used:

• NSAIDs. May help relieve mild to moderate inflammation and pain.
• Analgesics. The pain is relieved.
• Preparations to improve cerebral circulation.
• Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasm.
• Chondroprotectors. They help stop the destruction of the disc, improve metabolic processes and speed up healing.
• Magnesium-based medicines.
• Nootropics. They stimulate the work of the brain by normalizing its blood circulation, have a mild calming effect.

Reference. With severe pain not relieved by oral medication, therapeutic blockades are used, for example, with a solution of Novocaine or NSAIDs.

The treatment can be supplemented with anti-inflammatory and pain relievers in the form of gels, creams and oils. They will be effective in the remission phase or in combination with oral agents.

The decision to choose drug combinations is made by the doctor. The specialist will design a regimen for taking the medication and also determine their dose. It is important to follow his recommendations, as many of the above medications threaten dangerous complications.

During the acute phase of osteochondrosis in the SHOP, a woman should give up strenuous physical activity. To unload the cervical segment, you need to wear a special corset (Shants collar), which will fix the vertebrae in the right position. This device is recommended for use during prolonged sitting or hard physical work.

Physiotherapy procedures will help relieve pain and improve blood circulation to the affected area:

• Diadynamic therapy.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Electrophoresis.
• Electroanalgia.
• Ultraviolet radiation and so on.

The therapeutic effect is manifested after about the third session, then the headache, hearing disorders, vision disorders, dizziness, sleep are normalized or disappear, and the general condition improves.

With the help of underwater traction of the cervical segment, it is possible to widen 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, will reduce the flow of lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling. After a few sessions, blood circulation to the affected area improves.

Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the most effective methods of treating SHOP osteochondrosis. Exercise therapy allows you to strengthen weak neck muscles, which will then receive some of the load from the spine and help stop or slow down degenerative-dystrophic changes. During classes, blood circulation is improved, metabolic processes, disc nutrition is accelerated, which has a positive effect on their condition.

Women need to train every day. They consist of simple but effective exercises. The complex consists of turns, tilting of the head in different directions, as well as neck movements, during which the hands are used. These elements can be performed at home, but only with the permission of the doctor. Physiotherapy exercises are performed only in the remission phase.

The complex treatment can be supplemented with reflexology (acupuncture), hirudotherapy (caterpillar therapy), swimming, etc.

Surgery

The operation is described in the last stages of OCHOCHONDROSIS SHOP, which are accompanied by serious destruction of osteochondral structures. Also, surgical intervention is necessary if conservative techniques are ineffective or the spinal canal is significantly narrowed.

In the cases described above, a frontal cervical discectomy is performed. During the procedure, the doctor immobilizes the damaged segment of the spine and removes the hernia that was pressing on the spinal nerve. Then the beads, between which the disc was removed, are melted. If necessary, the space between the beads is filled with a synthetic insert (cage).

After 3-5 days, the patient is released home. The rehabilitation period is about 12 weeks. To speed up recovery, you need to take medication, wear a corset, lead a healthy lifestyle, go to physiotherapy procedures and eventually exercise therapy.

Lifestyle recommendations

To quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis and stop the degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment, you need to adjust your lifestyle. To do this, the patient should follow these recommendations:

• Go for walks every day, avoid running, jumping and other explosive activities.
• Heavy items must not be carried.
• You can not sit for a long time, in extreme cases, wear a corset and periodically take a horizontal position.
• Perform specific physical exercises for the back muscles at home.
• Sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a separate pillow.
• Follow a diet, supplement the diet with foods rich in magnesium, calcium (nuts, dairy products, seafood, legumes), as well as plant fiber, chondroitin (favorite meat, jelly). Refuse fatty, fried, very salty foods, alcohol. The doctor will advise you on the nutritional rules in more detail. But in any case, it must be correct.

Hypothermia should not be allowed, heating will be useful in the absence of an inflammatory process.

Complications

In the absence of timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a woman may experience the following consequences of the pathology:

• The possibility of extension, which after a while turns into a hernia. Swelling compresses the spinal cord as well as its nerves, causing neurological damage.
• Osteophytes appear when the disc is severely damaged; they irritate the spinal nerves and blood vessels.
• In advanced cases, a strong weakening of the neck muscles or incomplete paralysis is possible, then the head is inadvertently hung sideways or forward.
• Compression of the vertebral arteries, impaired blood circulation in the affected area. This condition can cause neuralgia (pain along the nerve pathway), hearing and vision impairment.
• Paralysis (incomplete or complete) of the hands.
• Stroke.

If a woman deals with this issue in the early stages of osteochondrosis store, then she will be able to prevent the above conditions.

Preventive measures

Ideally, it is necessary to engage in the prevention of ODEX osteochondrosis even during the intrauterine development period. The expectant mother should rule out factors that negatively affect fetal development: infections, oxygen starvation, intoxication. If a birth injury has occurred, the newborn should be treated.

To reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis store, a woman should follow these recommendations:

• Load your back evenly, for example, hold the load in both hands or turn back to the right and then to the left.
• Do not lift too much weight yourself.
• Try to avoid neck injuries, hypothermia.
• When working on garden plots, take a break every 1. 5 hours, go to rest for 20 minutes.
• Choose shoes with cushion heels that will affect the cushion while running or jumping.
• When sitting for a long time, use a high-backed chair with a headrest, or wear a corset.

It is also important to eat well, control weight, avoid stress, take vitamin preparations for medical reasons, treat pathologies that can cause osteochondrosis in time. In the remission phase, it is recommended to visit the sanatoriums to undergo a course of treatment.

Most important

As you can see, in women, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs more often than in men, as the former have more fragile vertebrae and thin bone tissue. The patient's pathology is particularly sensitive in the postmenopausal period. The disease is manifested in pain, neurological disorders and dangerous symptoms of cerebrovascular accident. It is recommended to start treatment in the early stages to avoid the dangerous complications of osteochondrosis. To do this, a woman needs to take medication, adjust her lifestyle, follow physiotherapy procedures, get massage and do physical therapy. Surgical treatment is indicated only in advanced cases. To prevent pathology, you should observe moderate physical activity, treat injuries and diseases in time that can provoke osteochondrosis.