Cervical osteochondrosis in women

Cervical osteochondrosis in women is a common disease. The fairer sex over the age of 30 are most susceptible to it. 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

The symptoms of female osteochondrosis can be detected at an early stage, as 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. In fact, the arteries pass through the neck area, which feeds the brain, nerve trunks and roots that connect to the lungs, arms and heart, and 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 rotation of the head, the neck crunches and unpleasant painful sensations appear;
• Frequent recurrent occipital and temporal headaches;
• Shooting pains radiating to the neck;
• Rapid fatigue, weakness and tiredness;
• High temperature;
• Severe neck stiffness, difficulty turning the head;
• Unpleasant shoulder pain occurs when the arm is slightly loaded or when coughing;
• Numbness and tingling in the limbs and tongue;
• Dizziness, darkening of the eyes;
• Snoring in sleep;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Unreasonable anxiety, fear;
• Cycle-independent mood swings;
• Sleep disorders;
• Sudden deterioration of memory and attention;
• Jumps in blood pressure (or increase or decrease);
• Heart pain, hearing loss and ringing in the ears, vision complications are much rarer.
• Nausea, vomiting;
• The skin acquires a bluish tinge.

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause fever and poor health.

Important!Particularly acute cervical osteochondrosis occurs in women during menopause.

Characteristics of female osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, due to which the intervertebral discs and joints may collapse. Due to the structural features 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, it supports the entire spine, helping not to overload the neck.

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

Important!Pregnancy followed by childcare also exacerbates the problem. During pregnancy, the load on the spine increases, and breastfeeding in an awkward position and the constant carrying of the baby in his arms cause an exacerbation of the disease.

There are several stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Decreased position of the spine due to dehydration of the pulpal nucleus (the inside of the intervertebral disc, which usually needs to be filled with semi-liquid and gelatinous tissues).
2. Muscles and ligaments sag, which causes imbalance, ie displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Protrusion of intervertebral discs (out of their contents) and osteoarthritis.
4. The human body tries to help the spine return the "free" vertebrae in place, remove the support and protective barriers. That is why osteophytes - bone growths - appear on the vertebrae. Fibrous tissue also grows. As a result, the motor segment of the spine is in a kind of shell that interferes with activity.

Causes of the disease in women

Cervical osteochondrosis in women is thought to be associated with salt deposits, but this is not the case. Osteochondrosis itself is the main reason for the accumulation of salt. Scientists claim that there are many reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis. Let's look at 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 decrease. All this leads to a weakening of the spine;
• Weakening of the immune system, common diseases;
• Overweight;
• Circulatory disorders;
• Abnormalities of the vertebral artery, arising against the background of birth trauma, infections and heredity;
• Sedentary work, especially on the computer;
• Flat legs;
• Improper posture;
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
• Excessive exercise;
• Heavy strain on the spine during pregnancy;
• Improper and unbalanced diet;
• Poor metabolism, metabolic problems;
• Any neck damage;
• Rheumatism or injury;
• Hormonal disorders in the body;
• Hypothermia;
• Heredity.

Being overweight puts extra stress on ligaments and joints, and also leads to cardiovascular problems.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Lack of treatment can lead to injury. If you do not start treatment for osteochondrosis in time, then there is a risk of complications - from mild to severe:

1. Constant headache, dizziness.
2. Regular sudden loss of consciousness.
3. Hearing and vision problems.
4. Circulation in the brain area will be disrupted.
5. Frequent increase in blood pressure.
6. It is possible to start problems in the central nervous system: impaired speech, coordination and behavioral disorders.
7. Sciatica and other diseases of the back.
8. The vessels will be compressed in the brain.
9. Dislocation of the vertebrae.
10. Walking disorder due to spinal stenosis.
11. Intervertebral hernias and protrusions.
Schmorl's hernia.

The increase in blood pressure in osteochondrosis may be associated with poor blood permeability in the arteries on the way to the brain. Pinched arteries occur due to osteochondrosis.

Examination and treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis has many common symptoms with other diseases, so before treatment the neurologist listens carefully to the patient and collects a history.

Diagnostic tests are then performed:

• Radiography.With the help of an X-ray of the cervical spine, the doctor determines the location of the disease. In the photo he will see a change in the shape of the spinal segment, the presence of osteophytes and narrowing of the intervertebral discs.
• Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Today, these are the most effective ways to find out which defects exist and where they are located in the spine.
• Myelography.Contrast fluid is injected into the spinal canal for examination. The procedure is not safe: the patient may develop allergies and there is a risk of spinal cord injury if the puncture fails. However, in cervical osteochondrosis, such a study is rarely performed unless it is necessary to see the entire spine.

MRI will help to accurately diagnose and determine the degree of pathology.

To cure cervical osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment. The goals of therapy are to relieve muscle spasms, relieve pain and reduce intra-disc pressure. Different types of therapy are used at different stages of the disease.

Treatment usually goes through stages:

1. Medicine.Restoration of cartilage tissue with the help of chondroprotectors. Vasodilators are used to supply blood to the brain. All of the above will eliminate inflammation, pain syndrome and improve metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs. Painkillers 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, as prolonged illness can cause stress and depression. Sometimes it is enough to drink a tincture of motherwort or valerian.
2. Physiotherapy.Aimed at eliminating disorders in the affected areas of the spine, relieving pain syndromes, 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 the disease. The procedures relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood circulation. In severe cases, magnetic therapy, diadynamic currents, ultrasound, electroanalgesia and ultraviolet light are used. Physiotherapy gives effect after the 3rd procedure, the general condition improves, insomnia, headaches and tinnitus disappear.
3. Manual therapy.The treatment has good effectiveness and grateful reviews. A chiropractor will return the vertebrae to their place after a few sessions, ensure their mobility and proper posture.
4. Acupuncture.Also called reflexology. The aim is to influence the dystrophic transformations in the muscle tissues, to get rid of the inflammation and pain and to normalize the blood circulation. Women with low pain score have a good chance of recovery, their lymph flow is accelerated and blood flow is normalized.
5. Orthopedic treatment.The specialist prescribes special sleeping pillows to relieve the spine. Underwater spinal traction (traction) is also recommended to relax the muscles from the action of warm water. Traction involves the use of various devices to expand the intervertebral space.

6. Proper and clean nutrition.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 is aimed at restoring the mobility of the neck area and blood supply. It 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 a collar. It is firm and stable. Wearing a collar will eliminate pain syndromes, improve posture and speed recovery.

When choosing a collar, you need to choose the right height of the product. To do this, you need to measure the distance from the clavicle to the corner of the lower jaw.

Home treatment

In order not to develop the disease or it could be diagnosed in the initial stage, the woman should carefully monitor her health, diet and lifestyle.

To alleviate the condition at home you can use folk recipes:

1. Grate the peeled potatoes on a fine grater, add a small amount of honey to it and stir. The resulting mixture should be applied to the cervical spine, to the place where it hurts the most. Repeat the treatment once a week.
2. Rinse horseradish leaves and apply on the affected area. Attach the compress 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 prevention, but should be practiced smoothly and without sudden movements to avoid muscle spasm:

1. Lean forward.While sitting, place one palm on your forehead and tilt your head forward as you resist 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 temple area. Tilt your head to the side as you press it with your palm, resisting. Continue for 10 seconds. After a break, repeat the exercise.
3. Turns sideways.Sitting in a chair or standing, lower your arms along your torso. Gently turn your head to the far right, then to the far left. Repeat 10 times.
4. Raise your shoulders.Sitting or standing, arms lowered on the body, raise your shoulders as much 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. Tilt to your chest.Sitting or standing, arms down. Gently lower your head, trying to press your chin to your chest as much as possible. With good mobility of the cervical vertebrae, you can feel the chest with the chin. Repeat about 10 times.
6. Touch the ear to the shoulder.Tilt your head back. Try to touch your left ear to your left shoulder, repeat 5 times. Do the same with the right side.
7. Tilt down.Release your chin to your neck. Turn your head 7 times to the left, then 7 times to the right.
8. Resistance of the neck muscles.Throw 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. Wave your hands.You need to make circular movements with both hands in one direction, then in the other.
10. Massage.Sitting or lying down, massage alone or with the help of someone else the area between the occipital bone and its soft part, in the area of ​​the conditional joint of the head and neck. The blow should be strong enough, perform within 4 minutes.

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

Prevention

1. Doctors say that prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be done even in utero, during embryonic development. The expectant mother is obliged to exclude the risk factors associated with future fetal diseases, to monitor her health to prevent intrauterine infections, hypoxia and poisoning.
2. Both mother and father should monitor the child's injuries and consult a doctor in time for diagnosis to rule out possible future complications.
3. It is very important for girls and older women to pay attention to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, as it is worth changing your lifestyle. You need to start walking a lot, doing at least 10, 000 steps a day, gradually increasing the amount of time spent walking. If your work involves a sedentary lifestyle, you should do simple exercises for office workers right at the table, as well as get up, warm up and walk every hour. Sit in a high-backed chair with a headrest. It is also important to avoid too soft furniture, as the body must be supported by sciatic tubercles.
4. When driving, it is important that your back has good support, you can place a roller between the lower back and the seat. Try to keep your head upright 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 the position from time to time so that the muscles can bend.
6. For those with cervical osteochondrosis, it is best, if possible, to do household chores such as ironing or cooking while sitting.
7. To prevent osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prevent excessive stress on the spine and cervical spine. Bags and packages must be carried with both hands or sequentially. When working in the garden and vegetable garden, every 1, 5 hours you should take a break for 20 minutes and rest, preferably in a horizontal position.
8. To alleviate the shock of walking, you should choose comfortable or orthopedic shoes with elastic soles.

9. During the cold season, the woman should protect the neck area from hypothermia with a scarf and hat.
10. The sleeping mattress should be firm and you can also place a pillow under the lower back, knee joint or under the abdomen, depending on the position.
11. For the prevention of osteochondrosis it is worth taking a general strengthening massage course. It will help prevent the onset of the disease as well as cure it in the initial stage.
12. It is important for a woman to deal with stress and monitor psychostability, because nervous shock can cause damage to the cervical spine.
13. To prevent the disease, it is important to eat food that is good for the spine, to synthesize its cartilage. Proteins, mucopolysaccharides, minerals, vitamins can be obtained from meat, legumes, nuts, vegetables, gelatin, fish, eggs, cottage cheese.

When choosing a mattress that is right for you, you need to take into account many factors, such as 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 exacerbation.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of all women whose problem is a sedentary lifestyle. These are many professions: accountants, cashiers, seamstresses, musicians, writers and others. In 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, vascular system and heal the body. A timely visit to the doctor is the key to successful recovery.