Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed in women more often than in men.And this is not only due to the lower strength of the ligament-tendon apparatus and the weakness of the muscle corset.Throughout her life, a woman's body is subject to fluctuations in hormone levels, which can negatively affect the condition of cartilage and bone tissue.But the methods of conservative and surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in representatives of both sexes are almost the same.
Features of female osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women develops and proceeds according to the same scenario as in men.The intervertebral disc loses its ability to retain moisture and begins to slowly degenerate, involving bone structures, ligaments, and tendons in a destructive process.But due to weak neck muscles and more fragile spinal segments, the first symptoms of the disease appear faster in women.Already at an early stage of development, severe discomfort may occur that limits mobility.
It should be noted that women of any age have a lower resistance to stress.Having learned about the impossibility of completely curing osteochondrosis, they can bring themselves to a state of depression with their worries.Therefore, antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, and sedatives are often included in the therapeutic regimen.
Causes of disease in women
The main reason for more frequent damage to the intervertebral disc in women is a decrease or increase in hormone levels in the body.After the onset of natural menopause, the production of estrogen, which participates in the regulation of the biosynthesis of cartilage and bone tissue, gradually decreases.The drop in estrogen levels during menopause leads to disc damage and triggers the development of osteoporosis (increased bone fragility).
Women monitor their weight, so they often refuse foods high in calcium - sour cream, cheese, nuts, soy, nuts.And when following a diet, not only weight is reduced, but also a lack of essential microelements and vitamins occurs, which causes premature destruction of the intervertebral disc.
symptoms
At the first radiographic stage, the signs of osteochondrosis are weakly expressed.Only the uneven surface of the intervertebral disc is observed.Therefore, a woman feels only a slight discomfort in the neck, which occurs after doing physical exercise or staying for a long time in a position with her head down.But gradually the intensity of the pain increased.It is visible not only when turning and tilting the head, but also when resting.In the absence of medical intervention, the pathology continues to develop.As a result of strangulation by osteophytes and displaced disc of the vertebral artery, the following clinical manifestations occur:
- surge in blood pressure;
- headache (cervical migraine), dizziness, lightheadedness;
- decreased visual acuity and hearing, double vision of objects in front of the eyes, tinnitus;
- fatigue, apathy, sleep disturbances;
- burning sensation, "coma" in the throat.
Also, when tilting or turning the head, a crackling sound is heard, and the mobility of the cervical spine is limited.
Pathological diagnosis
The primary diagnosis can be made based on external examination, patient complaints, and the results of several functional tests to assess range of motion, reflexes, and sensitivity.To confirm it, radiography is done in 2 projections.This study is informative not only to identify osteochondrosis, but also to determine its stage, the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae.Discography allows a targeted examination of the affected intervertebral disc, and if damage to the nerve canal is suspected, electrophysiological diagnostics is indicated for the patient:
- evoke potential;
- electroneurography;
- electromyography.
CT and MRI serve as additional diagnostic methods and are often used to assess the condition of the spinal cord and detect complications - intervertebral protrusions or hernias.This study was conducted with the aim of differentiating cervical osteochondrosis from tuberculous spondylitis, osteomyelitis, benign and malignant neoplasms, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatism.
First aid for exacerbations
During a relapse of cervical osteochondrosis, such severe pain occurs in the neck that the woman is afraid to turn or tilt her head.To reduce its intensity, lie on a hard surface.It is necessary to adopt a body position where the pain is reduced.If, on the doctor's recommendation, a Shants collar or a semi-rigid bandage has been purchased, then it must be worn when moving.
Taking a tablet of any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will help relieve painful attacks.Ointments and gels with NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic effect.
When giving first aid, it is not recommended to use cold or heat.Often relapses occur due to muscle spasms, and cold compresses will only increase the tension on the skeletal muscles.Dry heating is an effective way to eliminate symptoms, but only if there is no inflammatory process in the soft tissues of the neck.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis in women
Osteochondrosis of any localization cannot be completely cured.A neurologist or vertebrologist will definitely explain to the woman the meaning and principles of the upcoming therapy.Treatment aims to achieve a stable level of remission.At this stage, any painful sensations occur very rarely, and the range of motion is fully preserved.
You can not limit yourself only to taking medicines, because medicines that restore discs and vertebrae have not yet been synthesized.It is necessary to follow all the doctor's instructions - attend physiotherapy, massage events, engage in physical therapy and gymnastics.
From the first day of treatment, patients are recommended to wear a Shants collar - an orthopedic device that stabilizes the disc and vertebrae.They prevent displacement of the vertebral structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Review of drugs for treatment
Sometimes during exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, burning, stabbing pain occurs due to pinching of the spinal roots.They can only be eliminated by intramuscular injections of NSAID solutions.And if they are ineffective, drug restrictions with anesthetics and hormonal agents are used.Glucocorticosteroids are not always used because of their negative effects on internal organs, cartilage, and bone tissue.
A woman can relieve mild pain by taking NSAIDs in tablet or capsule form.Non-steroidal drugs in the form of gels and ointments are prescribed for mild pain, as well as to reduce the dose of systemic drugs.
| A group of drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis | Therapeutic effect |
|---|---|
| Chondroprotectors | Restores part of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc |
| Medicines that increase blood circulation | Eliminates lack of oxygen and nutrients, stimulates regeneration |
| B vitamins | Normalizes the transmission of impulses to the central and peripheral nervous system |
| Relax the muscles | Relaxes skeletal muscles, relieves muscle spasms |
| Warming ointment | Accelerates blood circulation, has an analgesic, anti-exudative effect |
| Antidepressant, tranquilizer, sedative | Relieves increased anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances |
Physical therapy, gymnastics, exercise
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is daily physical therapy exercises.With the help of the dose load on the cervical spine, the muscle corset is strengthened, the blood supply to the tissue with nutrients improves, and the risk of exacerbation is reduced.It is necessary to start gymnastics immediately after relieving acute pain.A doctor of physical therapy creates a set of exercises individually for a woman, taking into account her physical fitness and the severity of the pathology.All movements are performed smoothly, with a small amplitude.This will strengthen the muscles without damaging the cartilage tissue.What exercises are recommended by physical therapists:
- Sit up straight and place your palms under your chin.Try tilting your head while holding it with your hands;
- In a sitting position, place your palms on your cheeks.Tilt your head to the side, resisting with your hands;
- stand up, put your hands on your belt.Turn your head first in one direction, then in another, without throwing it too far back.
For osteochondrosis, patients are recommended swimming, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and Nordic walking.Biking, running, and lifting heavy objects are prohibited.
Nutrition and diet
For cervical osteochondrosis, nutritionists recommend limiting the use of alcohol, coffee, and strong tea.This drink interferes with the absorption of calcium, quickly removing it from the body.Preference should be given to lightly salted mineral water, fruit compotes and jellies, vegetable juices, and berry drinks.The optimal amount of fluid to drink is 2-2.5 liters per day.
You need to leave fast food, processed food, smoked meat and fatty meat.The daily diet menu should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal porridge, white bread or dry rye, and dairy products.Turkey, chicken breast, rabbit, and lamb are healthy.2-3 times a week you should eat some fatty fish, such as salmon or Norwegian herring.
It is best to avoid fried foods completely.The most useful products are baked in foil, boiled in water or steamed.
Physiotherapy
At the recovery stage, patients are prescribed 5-10 physiotherapy sessions.Electrophoresis or ultrafonphoresis with chondroprotectors, calcium salt solutions, B vitamins are carried out to restore cartilage tissue, improve conservation, and increase the strength of the ligament-tendon apparatus.The same procedure, but only with glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, anesthetics in the subacute period aimed at relieving pain and inflammation.
The following physical procedures can also improve women's well-being:
- UHF therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- galvanic current;
- laser therapy;
- shock wave therapy.
Applications with ozokerite, bischofite, and paraffin are used.The use of therapeutic mud and mineral water and the placement of medicinal leeches have proven themselves well in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Massage
During the massage, mechanical effects are applied to the muscles of the entire back, and not just the cervical area.But it is on them that experts focus special attention.As a result of kneading, smoothing, pressing and chopping movements, spastic skeletal muscles relax, ligaments are strengthened, and blood circulation improves.The following types of manual and hardware massage are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum;
- Sweden;
- segmented.
Pharmacies and medical supply stores sell handheld electric massagers.It is equipped with a special attachment and speed regulator.And the comfortable long handle of the device allows you to freely massage the back of your neck.
People's recovery
In folk medicine, homemade ointments, alcohol and oil rubs, compresses, decoctions, and tinctures are used to treat osteochondrosis.Official medical representatives are skeptical about the method of treating such degenerative pathology because of its low clinical effectiveness.Exceptions are herbal teas from chamomile, St. wort.John, and rose hip infusion.
Features of treatment for elderly women
Therapy for older patients is carried out using the same techniques as for the treatment of young women.But when determining the dosage regimen, neurologists take into account the presence of chronic pathologies in older people, a decrease in the functional activity of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.Doctors choose drugs whose use has a mild effect on internal organs, and the risk of adverse reactions is reduced.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
The main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are similar in representatives of both sexes.But neurological symptoms are more pronounced in women.They are more often diagnosed with violations of the spinal roots and vertebral arteries, which supply the brain with nutrients.
With cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd and 3rd severity, pinching of the spinal roots often occurs, which leads to acute pain, loss of reflexes, and decreased sensitivity.Severe pathological complications are intervertebral hernia, radicular syndrome, and discogenic myelopathy.
Preventive measures
In women who prefer narrow shoes with high heels, cervical osteochondrosis is often detected.When wearing it, the load on the spinal column is unevenly distributed, which leads to microtrauma of the cartilage tissue.Women also often suffer from hypothermia and are severely affected by normal daily conflicts.And these factors are prerequisites for the development of pathology.Therefore, their exclusion from the usual lifestyle becomes an excellent prevention of osteochondrosis from any localization and its consequences.