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 muscular corset.During 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 proceeds 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 fragile segments of the spine, the first symptoms of the disease appear faster in women.Already in the initial phase of development, strong discomfort can occur that limits mobility.
It should be noted that women of any age have less resistance to stress.Having learned about the impossibility of a complete cure of osteochondrosis, they can be depressed by their worries.Therefore, antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, and sedatives are often included in therapeutic regimens.
Causes of diseases in women
The main reason for more frequent damage to the 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.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 following a diet, not only does body weight decrease, but also a lack of essential microelements and vitamins occurs, which causes premature destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Symptoms
In the first radiographic phase, the signs of osteochondrosis are weakly expressed.Only the uneven surface of the intervertebral discs is noticeable.Therefore, a woman feels only slight discomfort in the neck, which occurs after physical exertion or a long stay in the position of 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 is constantly progressing.As a result of strangulation by osteophytes and displaced discs of the vertebral artery, the following clinical manifestations occur:
- spikes in blood pressure;
- headaches (cervical migraines), dizziness, vertigo;
- reduced 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 tilting or turning the head, a creaking sound is heard, and the mobility of the cervical spine is limited.
Diagnosis of pathology
The primary diagnosis can be made based on the external examination, patient complaints, and the results of a series of functional tests to assess range of motion, reflexes, and sensitivity.To confirm this, radiography is done in 2 projections.The study is informative not only for identifying osteochondrosis, but also for determining its stage, degree of damage to discs and vertebrae.Discography enables a targeted examination of the affected intervertebral discs, and if damage to the nerve tract is suspected, patients are indicated for electrophysiological diagnostics:
- 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 detect complications - protrusions or intervertebral hernias.These studies are 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 a woman is afraid to turn or tilt her head.To reduce its intensity, lie on a hard surface.It is necessary to take a position of the body in which the pain decreases.If, according to 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.Ointments and gels with NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic effect.
When providing first aid, it is not recommended to use cold or heat.Relapses often occur 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 cannot yet be completely cured.The neurologist or vertebrologist will definitely explain the meaning and principles of the upcoming therapy to the woman.Treatment is aimed at achieving a phase of stable remission.At this stage, any painful sensations occur extremely rarely, and the range of motion is completely preserved.
You can't limit yourself to just taking drugs, because drugs that restore discs and vertebrae have not yet been synthesized.It is necessary to follow all the doctor's instructions - attend physiotherapy, massage, 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 movement of the vertebral structures, thus reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Overview of treatment medications
Sometimes, during exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis, there is burning, piercing pain due to pinching of the spinal roots.They can be eliminated only by intramuscular injection of NSAID solution.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 for reducing doses of systemic drugs.
| A group of drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis | Therapeutic effect |
|---|---|
| Chondroprotectors | It partially restores the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs |
| Medicines that improve blood circulation | Eliminates lack of oxygen and nutrients, stimulating regeneration |
| B vitamins | Normalize the transmission of impulses to the central and peripheral nervous system |
| Muscle relaxants | Relaxes skeletal muscles, eliminates muscle spasms |
| Fats for heating | They speed up blood circulation, have an analgesic, anti-exudative effect |
| Antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives | Relieves increased anxiety, restlessness and sleep disorders |
Physical therapy, gymnastics, exercises
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is daily physical therapy.With the help of dosed loads on the cervical spine, the muscle corset is strengthened, the tissue supply with blood nutrients is improved and the risk of exacerbations is reduced.It is necessary to start gymnastics immediately after the relief of acute pain.The doctor of physical therapy creates a set of exercises individually for the 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 do doctors of physical therapy 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 and then in the other without tipping it too far back.
Swimming, yoga, pilates, water aerobics and Nordic walking are recommended for patients with osteochondrosis.Cycling, running and lifting heavy objects are prohibited.
Nutrition and diet
With cervical osteochondrosis, nutritionists recommend limiting the consumption of alcohol, coffee and strong tea.These drinks interfere with the absorption of calcium, quickly expelling it from the body.Preference should be given to slightly salty mineral waters, fruit compotes and jellies, vegetable juices and berry drinks.The optimal amount of liquid to drink is 2-2.5 liters per day.
You must give up fast food, processed food, smoked meat and fatty meat.The daily menu should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal porridge, dried 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 better to avoid fried foods altogether.The most useful products are baked in foil, boiled in water or steamed.
Physiotherapy
In the rehabilitation phase, patients are prescribed 5-10 sessions of physiotherapy.Electrophoresis or ultraphonophoresis with chondroprotectors, solutions of calcium salts, B vitamins is carried out to restore cartilage tissue, improve innervation and increase the strength of the ligament-tendon apparatus.The same procedures, but only with glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, anesthetics in the subacute period, are intended 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.
Applications with ozokerite, bischofite and paraffin are used.The use of medicinal mud and mineral waters and the placement of medicinal leeches have been well proven in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Massages
During the massage, the mechanical effect is applied to the muscles of the entire back, not just the cervical region.But it is precisely on them that the expert directs special attention.As a result of kneading, smoothing, pressing and chopping, spastic skeletal muscles are relaxed, ligaments are strengthened, blood circulation is improved.The following types of manual and hardware massage are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum;
- Swedish;
- segmental.
Pharmacies and medical supply stores sell handheld electric massagers.They are equipped with special connections and speed regulators.And the comfortable long handle of the device allows you to independently massage the back of the neck.
Folk remedies
In folk medicine, homemade ointments, alcohol and oil rubs, poultices, decoctions and tinctures are used to treat osteochondrosis.Representatives of official medicine are skeptical of such methods of treating degenerative pathology due to their low clinical effectiveness.Exceptions are herbal teas made from chamomile, St. John's wort and rosehip infusion.
Characteristics of the treatment of elderly women
The therapy of 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 elderly people, a decrease in the functional activity of the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.The doctor chooses drugs whose use has a mild effect on the internal organs, and the risk of unwanted reactions is reduced.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
The leading 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 an injury to the spinal roots and the vertebral artery, which supplies the brain with nutrients.
With cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd and 3rd severity, spinal roots are often pinched, which leads to acute pain, loss of reflexes and reduced sensitivity.Severe 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 wearing, 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 acutely affected by ordinary 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.