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Cervical osteochondrosis in women

Cervical osteochondrosis in women is a common disease. The fairer sex over the age of 30 are most sensitive to this. 75% of women face this unpleasant disease, while the consequences and severity of the disease can be completely different.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in women

Symptoms of female osteochondrosis can be detected at an early stage, because the discs of the cervical spine are located close to each other and have a small height. Cervical osteochondrosis can cause serious consequences - complications and even death. Finally, arteries pass through the neck area that feeds the brain, nerve trunks, and roots that have connections to the lungs, arms, and heart, as well as the spinal cord. Therefore, you should not delay treatment with a good doctor.

In order for a woman to recognize cervical osteochondrosis, she must pay attention to the following signs:

  • During the turning of the head, the neck twitches and unpleasant painful sensations occur;
  • Frequent recurrent occipital and temporal headaches;
  • Shooting pains radiating to the neck;
  • Rapid fatigue, weakness and tiredness;
  • High temperature;
  • Strong stiffness of the neck, heavy turning of the head;
  • Unpleasant shoulder pain occurs when the arm is slightly loaded or when you cough;
  • Stiffness and tingling in limbs and tongue;
  • Dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
  • Snoring in sleep;
  • Difficulty swallowing;
  • Unreasonable anxiety, fear;
  • Mood-independent mood swings;
  • Sleep disorders;
  • Sharp deterioration of memory and attention;
  • Jumps in blood pressure (increased or decreased);
  • Heart pain, hearing loss and tinnitus, vision complications are much less common.
  • Nausea, vomiting;
  • The skin takes on a bluish color.

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause fever and poor health.

Important!Women in menopause have particularly acute cervical osteochondrosis.

Characteristics of female osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, which can cause intervertebral discs and joints to collapse. Due to the structural characteristics of the body, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are more pronounced than in men. The fact is that the shoulder area of ​​men is wider, supporting the entire spine, helping not to overload the neck.

The female cervical spine is characterized by high activity and the presence of a large number of nerve fibers that work as conductors between the brain and other organs. Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes rapid pressure on the roots of the nerve endings. Roughly speaking, women have more fragile vertebrae and thinner bone tissue.

Important!Pregnancy accompanied by baby care also exacerbates the problem. During pregnancy, the load on the spine increases, and breastfeeding in an uncomfortable position and constantly carrying the baby in your arms cause the disease to worsen.

There are several stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. Decreased position of the spine due to dehydration of the nucleus pulposus (the interior of the intervertebral disc, which should usually be filled with semi-fluid and gelatinous tissues).
  2. Muscles and ligaments relax, which is the cause of imbalance, ie movement of the vertebrae.
  3. Protrusion of intervertebral discs (outside their contents) and arthrosis.
  4. The human body tries to put the “loose” vertebrae back in place, removing the supporting and protective barriers. As a result, osteophytes - bone growths - appear on the vertebrae. Fibrous tissue also grows. As a result, the motor segment of the spine is located in a kind of shell that interferes with activity.

Causes of the disease in women

causes of cervical osteochondrosis in women

It is believed that the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis in women is associated with salt deposits, but this is not the case. Osteochondrosis is the main cause of salt deposits. Scientists, however, claim that there are many reasons for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Consider the main ones:

  • Climax. The fact is that the progesterone entering the body becomes less and less, and the muscles in the cervical region also shrink. All this leads to weakening of the spinal part;
  • Weakening of the immune system, frequent illnesses;
  • Overweight;
  • Circulatory disorders;
  • Spinal artery anomalies caused by birth trauma, infection and heredity;
  • Sedentary work, especially for the computer;
  • Flat feet;
  • Improper posture;
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
  • Excessive exercise;
  • Heavy load on the spine during pregnancy;
  • Wrong and unbalanced diet;
  • Poor metabolism, metabolic problems;
  • Any damage to the door;
  • Rheumatism or injury;
  • Hormonal disorders in the body;
    • Hypothermia;
  • Heredity.

Being overweight creates additional stress on the ligaments and joints, and also leads to problems with the cardiovascular system.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Lack of treatment can lead a woman to disability. If you do not start treatment for osteochondrosis on time, there is a risk of complications - from the most insignificant to the most severe:

  1. Constant headaches, dizziness.
  2. Regular sudden loss of consciousness.
  3. Hearing and vision problems.
  4. Blood circulation in the brain area will be impaired.
  5. Frequent increase in blood pressure.
  6. Problems can start in the central nervous system: speech disorders, coordination disorders and behavioral disorders.
  7. Radiculitis and other back diseases.
  8. The vessels will constrict in the part of the brain.
  9. Vertebral displacement.
  10. Walking disorder due to spinal stenosis.
  11. Intervertebral hernias and protrusions.
    12. Schmorl's hernia.

Increased blood pressure in osteochondrosis may be associated with poor blood permeability in the arteries on the way to the brain. Squeezed arteries are caused by osteochondrosis.

Examination and treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis has many common symptoms with other diseases, therefore, before treatment, the neuropathologist listens carefully to the patient and collects the anamnesis.

Diagnostic tests are then performed:

methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis in women
  • Radiography.An X-ray of the cervical spine determines the location of the disease. The picture will show a change in the shape of the spinal segment, the presence of osteophytes and a narrowing of the intervertebral discs.
  • Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Today, these are the most effective ways to find out what defects exist and where they are located in the spinal column.
  • Myelography.For examination, contrast fluid is injected into the spinal canal. The procedure is not safe: the patient may develop allergies and there is a risk of spinal cord injury if the failure breaks out. However, in cervical osteochondrosis, such a study is rarely performed unless you need to examine the entire spine.

MRI will help in accurate diagnosis and determination of the degree of pathology development.

To cure cervical osteochondrosis, a doctor prescribes a complex treatment. The goals of therapy are to relieve muscle cramps, relieve pain and reduce intradiscal pressure. Different types of therapy are used in different stages of disease development.

Typically, treatment goes through stages:

  1. Medicine.Cartilage tissue regeneration using chondroprotectors. Vasodilators are used to supply the brain with blood. All of the above will eliminate inflammation, pain syndrome and improve metabolic processes on the intervertebral discs. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of gels or tablets are used as first aid. They may prescribe nootropics and drugs with magnesium. In osteochondrosis, sedatives can be taken, because long-term illness can cause stress and depression. Sometimes it is enough to drink a tincture of lemon balm or valerian.
  2. Physiotherapy.Aimed at eliminating disorders in the affected areas of the spine, relieving pain syndrome, improving blood circulation. A good massage by a competent specialist, electrophoresis with anesthetic solutions, as well as laser therapy can help in the initial stages of disease development. The procedures relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood circulation. In severe cases, magnetotherapy, diadynamic currents, ultrasound, electroanalgesia and ultraviolet light are used. Physiotherapy gives an effect after the 3rd procedure, the general condition improves, insomnia, headache and tinnitus disappear.
  3. Manual therapy.The treatment has good efficacy and is a rewarding review. The chiropractor will return the vertebrae to their place in a few sessions, ensuring their mobility and proper posture.
  4. Acupuncture.Also called reflexology. The goal is to influence dystrophic transformations in muscle tissues, get rid of inflammation and pain, and normalize blood circulation. Women with low pain have a good chance of recovery, their lymph flow is accelerated and blood flow is normalized.
  5. Orthopedic treatment.The specialist will prescribe special sleeping pillows to relieve the spinal column. Underwater spinal traction (traction) is also recommended to relax the muscles from the effects of hot water. Pulling involves the use of various devices to increase intervertebral space.
    6. wearing a collar for cervical osteochondrosis
  6. Proper and clean diet.By providing the body with healthy fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as minerals and vitamins, a woman can significantly speed up the healing process.
  7. Physical activity.The doctor may prescribe both physiotherapy exercises and special exercises for the cervical spine. Physical education aims to restore mobility of the neck collar area and blood supply. Corrects posture and strengthens the muscular corset. In addition, regular exercise, for example, in the gym, will prevent the progression of cervical osteochondrosis.
  8. Wearing a corset.There is a special device for the cervical spine called the collar. It is rigid and stable. Wearing a collar will eliminate pain syndromes, improve posture and speed recovery.

When choosing a collar, it is necessary to choose the correct height of the product. To do this, you need to measure the distance from the collarbone to the angle of the lower jaw.

Home treatment

In order for the disease not to manifest itself or to be diagnosed at an early stage, a woman must carefully monitor her health, diet and lifestyle.

To ease the situation at home, you can use folk recipes:

  1. Grate the peeled potatoes on a fine grater, add a small amount of honey and stir. The resulting mixture must be applied to the cervical spine, to the place where it hurts the most. Repeat the treatment once a week.
  2. Rinse the horseradish leaves and apply it to the affected area. Secure the bandage with a bandage and sleep with it all night. You can usually feel relief and improvement in the morning. For greater effect, the procedure should be repeated for 3 days or more.

Cervical gymnastics should be done to strengthen the neck muscles and restore spinal mobility. Exercises can be performed for prophylaxis, but should be exercised smoothly and without sudden movements to avoid muscle spasms:

  1. Lean forward.While sitting, place one palm on your forehead and tilt your head forward while resisting with your palm. One slope - 10 seconds. After a short break, repeat the exercise again.
  2. Tilt to the side.While sitting, place one palm on your head in the area of ​​the temple. Tilt your head to the side as you press it with your palm, resisting it. Continue for 10 seconds. After the break, repeat the exercise.
  3. Turns to the side.Sitting on a chair or standing, lower your arms along your torso. Smoothly turn your head to the far right position and then to the far left. Repeat 10 times.
  4. Raise your shoulders.Sitting or standing, arms lowered along the body, raise the shoulders as high as possible and hold them in this position for 10 seconds. Then lower your shoulders, take a deep breath, relax for 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  5. Lean on your chest.Sitting or standing, arms are lowered along the body. Smoothly lower your head down, trying to press your chin against your chest as much as possible. With good mobility of the cervical vertebrae, you feel a thoracic incision with your chin. Repeat about 10 times.
  6. Touch your ear to your shoulder.Tilt your head back. Try to touch the left ear with the left shoulder, repeat 5 times. Do the same with the right side.
  7. Tilt down.Release the chin on the neck. Turn your head 7 times to the left and then 7 times to the right.
  8. Neck muscle resistance.Tilt your head back, but not completely. Slowly press your chin to your chest, overcoming the resistance of the muscles of the cervical region. Do it 5-7 times.
  9. Swing your arms.It is necessary to work both hands in a circular motion in one direction and then in the other.
  10. Massage.Sitting or lying down, alone or with someone else's help, massage the area between the occipital bone and its soft part, in the area of ​​the conditional joint of the head and neck. The blow must be strong enough, execute within 4 minutes.

Important!In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, you should never make circular movements of the head, as this can lead to injury.

Prevention

  1. Doctors say that prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should take place even in the uterus, during embryonic development. The future mother is obliged to exclude risk factors related to future fetal diseases, to monitor her health in order to prevent intrauterine infections, hypoxia and poisoning.
  2. Both the mother and the father should monitor the child's injuries and consult a doctor in time for a diagnosis to rule out possible complications in the future.
  3. For girls and adult women, it is very important to pay attention to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, because it is worth changing your lifestyle. You need to start walking a lot, take at least 10 thousand steps a day, gradually increasing the amount of time spent walking. If work activities are associated with a sedentary lifestyle, you should do simple exercises for office workers right at your desk, as well as getting up, warming up, and walking every hour. Sit in a high-backed chair and headrest. It is also important to avoid overly soft furniture, as the body must be supported by sciatic tubercles.
  4. When driving a car, it is important that your back has good support, you can put the roller between the lower back and the seat. Try to keep your head straight and sit relaxed.
  5. It is harmful to be in the same position in front of a computer screen and a TV screen. You need to change position from time to time so that the muscles can bend.
    6. For those who have cervical osteochondrosis, it is best if it is possible to do household chores such as ironing or cooking while sitting.
  6. To prevent osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prevent excessive stress on the spine and cervical spine. Bags and packages should be carried in both hands or alternately. When working in the garden and vegetable garden, every 1, 5 hours you should take a break of 20 minutes and rest, preferably in a horizontal position.
  7. To alleviate the shock when walking, you need to choose comfortable or orthopedic shoes with an elastic sole.
    8. prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis
  8. In the cold season, women need a scarf and hat to protect the neck area from hypothermia.
  9. The sleeping mattress should be firm, and you can place the pillow under your lower back, knee joint or under your stomach, depending on your position.
  10. To prevent osteochondrosis, it is worth taking a general course to strengthen the massage. It will help prevent the onset of the disease as well as cure it in the initial stage.
  11. It is important for a woman to deal with stress and monitor psycho-stability, because nervous shock can cause damage to the cervical spine.
  12. To prevent the disease, it is important to eat food that is good for the spine, in order to synthesize its cartilage tissue. Proteins, mucopolysaccharides, minerals, vitamins can be obtained from meat, legumes, nuts, vegetables, gelatin, fish, eggs, cottage cheese.

When choosing a mattress that suits you, you should take into account many factors, for example - complexion, height, weight, filler and, most importantly, the degree of development of osteochondrosis.

Important!Swimming in a pool or pond will be a very useful activity for women with cervical osteochondrosis. But it is better to refuse a bath and sauna during the worsening.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of all women whose problem is an inactive lifestyle. These are many professions: accountants, cashiers, seamstresses, musicians, writers and others. During the period of remission of the disease, it will be useful for women to visit sanatoriums and resorts, where they can strengthen the muscles of the neck, the circulatory system and heal the body. A timely visit to the doctor is the key to successful recovery.