Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed in women more often than in men.And this is due not only to the lower strength of the ligamentous-tendinous apparatus and the weakness of the muscular corset.Throughout her life, a woman's body is subject to fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can negatively affect the state of cartilage and bone tissue.But the methods of conservative and surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in both sexes are practically the same.
Features of female osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women develops and progresses in the same way as in men.The intervertebral discs lose their ability to retain moisture and begin to slowly deteriorate, involving bone structures, ligaments and tendons in the destructive process.But due to weak neck muscles and more fragile spinal segments, the first symptoms of the disease appear more quickly in women.Already in the initial stage of development, severe discomfort that limits mobility can occur.
It should be noted that women of any age have lower resistance to stress.Learning about the impossibility of completely curing osteochondrosis, they can come to a depressive state with their worries.Therefore, therapeutic regimens typically include antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, and sedatives.
Causes of the disease in women
The main reason for the most frequent damage to intervertebral discs in women is a decrease or increase in the level of hormones in the body.After the onset of natural menopause, the production of estrogens, which participate in the regulation of the biosynthesis of cartilage and bone tissue, gradually decreases.A decrease in estrogen levels during menopause causes damage to the disc and leads to the development of osteoporosis (increased bone fragility).
Women monitor their weight, so they often refuse foods rich in calcium: sour cream, cheese, peas, soy and beans.And when following a diet, not only does body weight decrease, but also a deficiency of essential microelements and vitamins occurs, which causes premature destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Symptoms
At the first radiographic stage, signs of osteochondrosis are weakly expressed.Only the irregular surface of the intervertebral discs is noticeable.Therefore, the woman only feels slight discomfort in the neck, which occurs after physical exertion or prolonged stay in a position with the head down.But little by little the intensity of the pain increases.It appears not only when turning and tilting the head, but also at rest.In the absence of medical intervention, the pathology constantly progresses.As a result of strangulation by osteophytes and displaced discs of the vertebral artery, the following clinical manifestations occur:
- sudden increases in blood pressure;
- headaches (cervical migraine), dizziness, lightheadedness;
- decreased visual and auditory acuity, double vision of objects before the eyes, tinnitus;
- fatigue, apathy, sleep disorders;
- sensation of pain, “coma” in the throat.
In addition, when tilting or turning the head, a cracking sound is heard and the mobility of the cervical spine is limited.
Diagnosis of pathology.
The primary diagnosis can be made on the basis of an external examination, the patient's complaints, and the results of a series of functional tests to evaluate range of motion, reflexes, and sensation.To confirm this, an x-ray is performed in 2 projections.The study is informative not only to identify osteochondrosis, but also to establish its stage, the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae.Discography allows specific examination of the affected intervertebral discs and, if damage to the nervous tracts is suspected, patients are indicated for electrophysiological diagnosis:
- evoked potentials;
- electroneurography;
- electromyography.
Computed tomography 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.These studies are carried out 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 down on a hard surface.It is necessary to adopt a body position in which the pain decreases.If, on the recommendation of a doctor, a Shants collar or semi-rigid bandage has already been purchased, it should be worn when moving.
Taking a tablet of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will help relieve a painful attack.Ointments and gels with NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic effect.
When providing first aid, it is not advisable to use cold or heat.A relapse often occurs due to muscle spasm and cold compresses will only increase the tension on the skeletal muscles.Dry warming is an effective way to eliminate symptoms, but only in the absence of an inflammatory process in the soft tissues of the neck.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis in women.
Osteochondrosis of any localization cannot yet 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 remission stage.At this stage, painful sensations occur very rarely and the range of motion is completely preserved.
You cannot simply limit yourself to taking medications, since drugs that restore discs and vertebrae have not yet been synthesized.It is necessary to follow all the doctor's instructions: attend physiotherapy, massage events, participate in physiotherapy and gymnastics.
From the first days of treatment, patients are recommended to use Shants collars, orthopedic devices that stabilize the discs and vertebrae.They prevent the displacement of vertebral structures, thus reducing the probability of relapses.
Review of medications for treatment.
Sometimes during exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis, stabbing and burning pain occurs due to pinching of the spinal roots.They can only be eliminated by intramuscular injection of NSAID solutions.And if they are ineffective, pharmacological blocks with anesthetics and hormonal agents are used.Glucocorticosteroids are not frequently used due to their negative effects on internal organs, cartilage and bone tissue.
A woman can get rid of mild pain by taking NSAIDs in the form of tablets or capsules.Non-steroidal drugs in the form of gels and ointments are prescribed for mild pain, as well as to reduce the doses of systemic medications.
| A group of drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. | therapeutic effect |
|---|---|
| Chondroprotectors | Partially restores the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. |
| Medicines that improve blood circulation. | Eliminates oxygen and nutrient deficiency, stimulating regeneration. |
| B vitamins | Normalize the transmission of impulses to the central and peripheral nervous systems. |
| muscle relaxants | Relaxes skeletal muscles, eliminates muscle spasms. |
| hot ointments | Accelerates blood circulation, has an analgesic and anti-exudative effect. |
| Antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives. | Relieves increased anxiety, restlessness and sleep disorders. |
Physiotherapy, gymnastics, exercises.
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is daily physiotherapy exercises.With the help of dosed loads on the cervical spine, the muscular corset is strengthened, the blood supply to tissues with nutrients is improved, and the risk of exacerbations is reduced.It is necessary to start gymnastics immediately after relief of acute pain.A physiotherapist doctor creates a set of exercises individually for a woman, taking into account her physical condition and the severity of the pathology.All movements are performed smoothly, with little amplitude.This will strengthen the muscles without damaging the cartilage tissue.What exercises do physical therapy doctors recommend?
- Sit up straight and place the palm of your hand under your chin.Try tilting your head while resisting with your hand;
- In a sitting position, place your palm on your cheek.Tilt your head to one side, resisting with your hand;
- Stand up and put your hands on your belt.Turn your head first in one direction and then in the other, without tilting it too far back.
For osteochondrosis, patients are recommended to swim, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics and Nordic walking.Cycling, running and heavy lifting are prohibited.
Nutrition and diet
For cervical osteochondrosis, nutritionists recommend limiting alcohol, coffee and strong tea.These drinks interfere with the absorption of calcium and quickly eliminate it from the body.Preference should be given to slightly salted mineral waters, fruit compotes and jellies, vegetable juices and berry drinks.The optimal amount of fluid to drink is 2 to 2.5 liters per day.
It is necessary to abandon fast food, processed foods, smoked meats and fatty meats.The daily diet menu should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal porridge, dry white or rye bread and dairy products.Turkey, chicken breast, rabbit and lamb are healthy.2 or 3 times a week it is necessary to eat fatty fish, such as salmon or Norwegian herring.
It is best to avoid fried foods completely.The most useful products are baked in foil, simmered in water or steamed.
Physiotherapy
At the rehabilitation stage, patients are prescribed 5 to 10 physiotherapy sessions.Electrophoresis or ultraphonophoresis with chondroprotectors, solutions of calcium salts and vitamin B are carried out to restore cartilage tissue, improve innervation and increase the strength of the ligamentous-tendinous apparatus.The same procedures, but only with glucocorticosteroids, analgesics and anesthetics in the subacute period, are aimed at relieving pain and inflammation.
The following physical procedures can also improve a woman's well-being:
- UHF therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- galvanic currents;
- laser therapy;
- Shock wave therapy.
Applications with ozokerite, bischofite and paraffin are used.The use of therapeutic muds and mineral waters and the placement of medicinal leeches have proven effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Massages
During the massage, a mechanical effect is applied to the muscles of the entire back, and not only the cervical region.But it is in them where the specialist pays special attention.As a result of kneading, smoothing, pressing and cutting 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;
- spot;
- empty;
- Swedish;
- segmental.
Pharmacies and medical equipment stores sell handheld electric massagers.They are equipped with special accessories and speed regulators.And the comfortable long handle of the device allows you to massage the back of your neck independently.
Folk remedies
In folk medicine, homemade ointments, alcohol and oil rubs, compresses, decoctions and tinctures are used to treat osteochondrosis.Representatives of official medicine are skeptical about these methods of treating degenerative pathology due to their low clinical effectiveness.The exceptions are infusions of chamomile, St. John's wort and rose hip infusion.
Features of treatment for older women.
Therapy for older patients is carried out using the same techniques as the treatment of young women.But when determining the dosage regimen, the neurologist takes into account the presence of chronic pathologies in older people, a decrease in the functional activity of the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.The doctor chooses drugs, the use of which 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 both sexes.But neurological symptoms are more pronounced in women.Most often they are diagnosed with infringement of the spinal roots and the vertebral artery, which supplies nutrients to the brain.
With cervical osteochondrosis of the second and third severity, pinching of the spinal roots often occurs, which causes acute pain, loss of reflexes and decreased sensitivity.Serious complications of the pathology 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 using it, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed, which causes microtrauma to the cartilage tissue.Women also often suffer from hypothermia and are severely affected by everyday conflicts.And these factors are prerequisites for the development of pathology.Therefore, excluding them from the usual lifestyle becomes an excellent prevention of osteochondrosis of any localization and its consequences.