Cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often in women than in men.And this is due not only to the lower strength of the ligamentous-tendon apparatus and the weakness of the muscle corset.Throughout her life, a woman's body is subject to fluctuations in hormonal 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 practically the same.
Characteristics of female osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women develops and continues according to the same scenario as in men.The intervertebral discs lose their ability to retain moisture and begin to slowly deteriorate, involving bony structures, ligaments and tendons in the destructive process.But due to weak neck muscles and more fragile segments of the spine, the first symptoms of the disease appear faster in women.Already at the initial stage of development, severe disturbances may appear that limit mobility.
It should be noted that women of any age have a lower resistance to stress.Having learned about the impossibility of complete healing of osteochondrosis, they can bring themselves into a depressed state with their worries.Therefore, antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives and tranquilizers are often included in therapeutic regimens.
Causes of the disease in women
The main reason for the most frequent damage to the intervertebral discs in women is the 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.The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause leads to disc damage and provokes the development of osteoporosis (increased bone fragility).
Women watch their weight, so they often refuse foods rich in calcium - sour cream, cheese, peas, soy, beans.And when you follow a diet, not only does the body weight decrease, but also a lack of microelements and essential vitamins appears, which provokes the premature destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Symptoms
In the first radiographic stage, the signs of osteochondrosis are weakly expressed.Only the uneven surface of the intervertebral discs is noted.Therefore, a woman feels only slight discomfort in the neck, which occurs after a physical strain or a long stay in a position with the head down.But gradually 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 progresses steadily.As a result of strangulation by osteophytes and displaced discs of the vertebral artery, the following clinical manifestations appear:
- increased blood pressure;
- headache (cervical migraine), dizziness, vertigo;
- decreased visual acuity and hearing, double vision of objects in front of the eyes, tinnitus;
- fatigue, apathy, sleep disorders;
- feeling of pain, "coma" in the throat.
Also, when you tilt or turn your head, a crackling noise is heard and the mobility of the cervical spine is limited.
Pathology diagnosis
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 assess the range of motion, reflexes and sensation.To confirm it, radiography is performed in 2 projections.The study is informative not only for identifying osteochondrosis, but also for determining its stage, the degree of damage to discs and vertebrae.Discography allows a targeted examination of the affected intervertebral discs, and if damage to the nerve tract is suspected, electrophysiological diagnostics is indicated for patients:
- evoked potentials;
- electroneurography;
- electromyography.
CT and MRI serve as additional diagnostic methods and are often used to assess the condition of the spinal cord and to detect complications - protrusions or intervertebral hernias.These studies are performed in order to differentiate cervical osteochondrosis from tuberculous spondylitis, osteomyelitis, benign and malignant neoplasms, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatism.
First aid for irritations
During a relapse of cervical osteochondrosis, there is such a strong pain 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 in which the pain is relieved.If, on the doctor's recommendation, a Shants collar or a semi-rigid bandage has already been purchased, then it must be worn when moving.
Taking a tablet of any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will help relieve a painful attack.NSAID ointments and gels have a pronounced analgesic effect.
When giving first aid, it is not advisable to use cold or heat.Often a relapse occurs due to muscle spasm, and cold compresses will only increase the tension in the skeletal muscles.Dry heating 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 still cannot be completely cured.A neurologist or vertebrologist will definitely explain to the woman the meaning and principles of future therapy.Treatment is aimed at achieving a phase of sustained remission.At this stage, any painful sensations occur extremely rarely, and the range of motion is completely preserved.
You cannot limit yourself only to taking medications, as drugs that restore discs and vertebrae have not yet been synthesized.It is necessary to follow all the doctor's instructions - participate in physiotherapy, massage events, engage in physical therapy and gymnastics.
From the first days of treatment, patients are recommended to wear Shants collars - orthopedic devices that stabilize discs and vertebrae.They prevent displacement of the vertebral structures, thus reducing the possibility of relapse.
Review of drugs for treatment
Sometimes during exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis, burning, piercing pain occurs due to compression of the spinal roots.They can be eliminated only by intramuscular injection of NSAID solutions.And if they are ineffective, drug blockades with anesthetics and hormonal agents are used.Glucocorticosteroids are not often used because of 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 doses of systemic drugs.
| 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 | Eliminate the lack of oxygen and nutrients, stimulating regeneration |
| B vitamins | It normalizes the transmission of impulses in the central and peripheral nervous system |
| Muscle relaxants | Relaxes skeletal muscles, eliminates muscle spasms |
| Warming ointment | They accelerate blood circulation, have an analgesic, antiexudative effect |
| Antidepressants, tranquilizers, tranquilizers | Relieves increased anxiety, restlessness and sleep disorders |
Physical therapy, gymnastics, exercises
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is daily physical therapy exercises.With the help of dosed loads on the cervical spine, the muscular belt is strengthened, the blood supply of tissues with nutrients is improved and the risk of irritation is reduced.It is necessary to start gymnastics immediately after the relief of acute pain.A doctor of physical therapy creates a group of exercises individually for a woman, taking into account her physical ability 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 do physical therapists recommend:
- Sit up straight and place your palm under your chin.Try to tilt your head while resisting with your hand;
- In a sitting position, place your palm on your cheek.Tilt your head to the side, resisting with your hand;
- stand up, put your hands on your belt.Turn your head first in one direction, then in the other, without throwing it too far back.
For osteochondrosis, patients are recommended swimming, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics and Nordic walking.Cycling, running and lifting heavy objects are prohibited.
Nutrition and diet
For cervical osteochondrosis, nutritionists recommend limiting the consumption of alcohol, coffee and strong tea.These drinks interfere with the absorption of calcium, quickly removing it from the body.Preference should be given to slightly salty mineral waters, fruit compotes and jellies, vegetable juices and berry fruit drinks.The optimal amount of liquid to drink is 2-2.5 liters per day.
You should give up fast food, processed foods, smoked meat and fatty meat.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.2-3 times a week you should eat some fatty fish, such as salmon or Norwegian herring.
It is best to avoid fried foods altogether.The most useful products are baked in noodles, boiled in water or steamed.
Physiotherapy
In the rehabilitation phase, patients are prescribed 5-10 physiotherapy sessions.Electrophoresis or ultraphonophoresis with chondroprotectors, solutions of calcium salts, B vitamins is performed to restore cartilage tissue, improve innervation and increase the strength of the ligamento-tendinous apparatus.The same procedures, but only with glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, anesthetics in the subacute period, aim to relieve 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.
Ozokerite, biscoffite and paraffin applications are used.The use of therapeutic mud and mineral waters and the application of medical leeches have proven themselves well 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 in the cervical region.But it is to them that the specialist pays special attention.As a result of the movements of boiling, softening, pressing and cutting, spastic skeletal muscles are relaxed, ligaments are strengthened and blood circulation is improved.The following types of manual and hardware massage are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- classical;
- point;
- vacuum;
- Swedish;
- segmental.
Pharmacies and medical supply stores sell electric hand massagers.They are equipped with special attachments and speed regulators.And the long comfortable handle of the device allows you to independently massage the back of the neck.
Folk remedies
In folk medicine, home-made ointments, rubs with alcohol and oil, compresses, decoctions and tinctures are used to treat osteochondrosis.Representatives of official medicine are skeptical about such methods of treating degenerative pathology due to their low clinical effectiveness.Exceptions are herbal teas from chamomile, St. John's wort and infusion of rose hips.
Features of treatment for elderly women
Therapy for elderly 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 the elderly, a decrease in the functional activity of the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.The doctor selects drugs, the use of which has a mild effect on the internal organs and the risk of negative 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.Most often they are diagnosed with damage to the spinal roots and the vertebral artery, which supplies the brain with nutrients.
With cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd and 3rd severity, compression of the spinal roots often occurs, which leads to acute pain, loss of reflexes and reduced 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 you wear it, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed, which leads to microtrauma of the cartilage tissue.Women also often suffer from hypothermia and are greatly affected by common everyday conflicts.And these factors are prerequisites for the development of pathology.Therefore, their exclusion from the usual way of life becomes an excellent prevention of osteochondrosis of any localization and its consequences.