Cervical spondylosis is diagnosed in more women than 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 conservative and surgical treatment methods for cervical spondylosis in both sexes are practically the same.
Characteristics of female osteoarthritis
Cervical spondylosis in women develops and progresses according to the same scenario as in men.The disc loses its ability to retain moisture and begins to gradually degenerate, involving bone structures, ligaments and tendons in the destruction process.But because the neck muscles are weak and the spinal segments are more fragile, the first symptoms of the disease appear faster in women.Already at the initial stages of development, severe discomfort that limits mobility may occur.
It should be noted that women of all ages have a lower resistance to stress.After learning about the impossibility of completely curing osteoarthritis, they may fall into a state of depression with their worries.Therefore, antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives and sedatives are often included in the treatment regimen.
Causes of disease in women
The main reason why discs are damaged more often in women is due to decreased or increased 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 decrease in estrogen levels during menopause leads to damage to the intervertebral discs and causes osteoporosis (increased bone fragility).
Women who monitor their weight should often refuse foods rich in calcium - sour cream, cheese, peas, soybeans, legumes.And when following a diet, not only body weight decreases, but also a deficiency of essential trace elements and vitamins occurs, which leads to premature destruction of intervertebral discs.
Symptom
At the first radiographic stage, signs of osteochondrosis are weakly expressed.Only the uneven surface of the intervertebral disc is noted.Therefore, women only feel slight discomfort in the neck, which occurs after exertion or bowing the head in a long position.But gradually the intensity of the pain increased.It appears not only when turning and tilting the head but also when standing still.In the absence of medical intervention, the pathology will progress steadily.Due to compression and displacement of the vertebral artery disc by bone spurs, the following clinical manifestations occur:
- high blood pressure;
- headache (cervical migraine), dizziness, lightheadedness;
- decreased vision and hearing, double vision, tinnitus;
- fatigue, lethargy, sleep disorders;
- aching, "comatose" feeling in the throat.
In addition, when tilting or turning the head, a crunching sound will be heard, and the mobility of the cervical spine will be limited.
Diagnosis of pathology
The primary diagnosis can be made on the basis of an external examination, patient complaints, and the results of several functional tests to evaluate range of motion, reflexes, and sensitivity.To confirm it, radiography is performed in 2 projections.This study provides information not only to identify osteoarthritis but also helps determine the stage and extent of damage to the intervertebral disc and vertebrae.Discography allows targeted examination of the affected discs and if nerve pathway damage is suspected, electrophysiological diagnostics will be indicated for the patient:
- evoked potential;
- electronics;
- electromyogram.
CT and MRI serve as additional diagnostic methods and are often used to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord and detect complications - protrusion or herniation between the vertebrae.These studies were performed with the aim of differentiating cervical spondylosis from tuberculous spondylitis, osteomyelitis, benign and malignant tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatism.
First aid in case of an emergency
During relapse of cervical spondylosis, severe pain occurs in the neck, making the woman 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 so that the pain is reduced.If, on your doctor's recommendation, you have purchased a Shants collar or semi-rigid bandage, you must wear it when moving.
Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will help relieve the pain.Ointments and gels with NSAIDs have a pronounced analgesic effect.
When giving first aid, do not apply cold or hot compresses.Often relapses occur due to muscle spasms and cold compresses will only increase tension in 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 spondylosis in women
Osteochondrosis in any local location cannot yet be completely cured.A neurologist or spine specialist will certainly explain to the woman the meaning and principles of the upcoming therapy.Treatment is aimed at achieving a stable remission period.At this stage, pain is extremely rare and range of motion is completely preserved.
You cannot limit yourself to taking only drugs, because drugs for restoring intervertebral discs and vertebrae have not yet been synthesized.It is necessary to follow all the doctor's instructions - attend physiotherapy, massage, participate in physiotherapy and gymnastics.
From the first days of treatment, patients should wear a Shants collar - an orthopedic device that helps stabilize the disc and vertebrae.They prevent displacement of the vertebral structures, thereby reducing the possibility of recurrence.
Evaluation of therapeutic drugs
Sometimes during an exacerbation of cervical spondylosis, burning and aching pain occurs due to compression of the spinal roots.They can only be eliminated by intramuscular injection of NSAID solution.And if they are ineffective, drug blockade with anesthetics and hormonal drugs will be used.Glucocorticosteroids are generally not used because of their negative effects on internal organs, cartilage, and bone tissue.
Women can get rid of mild pain by taking NSAIDs in tablet or capsule form.Nonsteroidal drugs in the form of gels and ointments are prescribed for mild pain relief, as well as to reduce the dose of systemic drugs.
| Group of drugs to treat cervical spondylosis | curative effect |
|---|---|
| Chondroprotectors | Restores part of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc |
| The medicine improves blood circulation | Eliminates oxygen and nutrient deficiency, stimulates regeneration |
| B vitamins | Normalizes the transmission of impulses to the central and peripheral nervous system |
| Muscle relaxants | Relaxes skeletal muscles, eliminates muscle spasms |
| Warming ointment | Accelerates blood circulation, has pain-relieving and anti-secretory effects |
| Antidepressants, sedatives, sedatives | Reduces anxiety, restlessness and increased sleep disorders |
Physical therapy, exercise, exercises
The most effective way to treat osteoarthritis is daily physical therapy exercises.With the help of dosed loading on the cervical spine, the muscle corset is strengthened, the blood supply to tissues with nutrients improves, and the risk of exacerbations decreases.Exercise should be started immediately after acute pain relief.A physiotherapist creates an individual set of exercises for a woman, taking into account her physical fitness and the severity of the pathology.Every movement is performed smoothly, with small amplitude.This will strengthen muscles without damaging cartilage tissue.What exercises do physical therapists recommend:
- Sit up straight and place your palms under your chin.Try tilting your head while resisting with your hands;
- In a sitting position, place your palms on your cheeks.Tilt your head to one side, use your hands to resist;
- Stand up, put your hands on your waist.First turn your head one way, then the other without tilting your head back too much.
For osteoarthritis, patients should swim, practice yoga, Pilates, water aerobics and Nordic walking.Cycling, running and lifting heavy objects are prohibited.
Nutrition and diet
For cervical spondylosis, nutritionists recommend limiting alcohol, coffee and strong tea.These drinks hinder calcium absorption and quickly eliminate calcium from the body.Priority should be given to lightly salted mineral waters, fruit juices and jellies, vegetable juices and berry drinks.The optimal amount of fluid to drink is 2-2.5 liters per day.
You need to give up fast food, processed foods, smoked meat, fatty meat.The daily dietary menu should include fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, dry white or rye bread and dairy products.Türkiye, chicken breast, rabbit and lamb are all healthy.2-3 times a week you need to 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, simmered in water or steamed.
Physical therapy
At the rehabilitation stage, the patient is prescribed 5-10 sessions of physical therapy.Electrophoresis or ultrasound with chondroprotectors, calcium salt solutions, B vitamins is performed to restore cartilage tissue, improve preservation and increase the strength of the ligament-tendon apparatus.Similar procedures, but only with glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, anesthetics in the subacute period aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.
The following physical procedures may also improve women's health:
- UHF therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- electric current;
- laser therapy;
- shock wave therapy.
Applications with ozokerite, bischofite and paraffin are used.The use of therapeutic mud and mineral water as well as the application of therapeutic leeches have proven effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis.
Massage
During massage, mechanical impact is applied to the muscles of the entire back, not just the neck area.But it is they who receive special attention from experts.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 osteoarthritis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum;
- Swedish;
- segment.
Pharmacies and medical equipment stores sell handheld electric massagers.They are equipped with special attachments and speed regulators.And the device's comfortable long handle allows you to massage the back of your neck yourself.
Folk remedies
In folk medicine, homemade ointments, rubbings with alcohol and oils, compresses, decoctions and tinctures are used to treat osteoarthritis.Representatives of official medicine are skeptical about methods of treating such degenerative pathologies due to low clinical effectiveness.Exceptions are herbal teas from chamomile, St.John's wort and rose hip water.
Characteristics of treatment for older women
Therapy for older patients is performed using the same techniques as treatment for younger women.But when determining the medication regimen, the neurologist will take into account the presence of chronic pathologies in the elderly, deterioration of functional activity of the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.Doctors choose drugs to use that have a mild effect on internal organs and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Why is cervical spondylosis dangerous?
The leading signs of cervical spondylosis are similar in both sexes.But neurological symptoms are more pronounced in women.They are often diagnosed with damage to their spinal roots and vertebral arteries, which supply nutrients to the brain.
With cervical spondylosis of the 2nd and 3rd degree, the spinal roots are often compressed, leading to acute pain, loss of reflexes and reduced sensitivity.Serious complications of the disease are intervertebral hernia, radicular syndrome and myelopathy.
preventive measures
In women who prefer narrow shoes and high heels, cervical spondylosis is often detected.When worn, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed, which leads to microtrauma of cartilage tissue.Women also frequently suffer from hypothermia and are deeply affected by common everyday conflicts.And these factors are the premise for the development of pathology.Therefore, removing them from the usual lifestyle will become an excellent prevention of osteochondrosis of any local location and its consequences.