Osteochondrosis is a whole complex of dystrophic disorders that occur in articular cartilage. This disease can develop in any joint. However, most often it affects the discs (intervertebral). Depending on the localization of dystrophic disorders, lumbar, thoracic and cervical osteochondrosis is distinguished.
General information
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be comprehensive. This is due to the fact that such a disease is very dangerous for humans. Unfortunately, at the initial stage, it almost imperceptibly affects the intervertebral discs.
According to doctors, the cervical spine is the most vulnerable part of the spine. As you know, he has a rather weak muscle corset. In addition, it is in the cervical region that the vertebrae are very close to each other. Even their slight displacement leads to compression of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the fact that various arteries are located near the vertebrae that provide blood supply to the brain, any pinching of them can cause serious consequences.
Causes of occurrence
Before you talk about how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in women, it should be explained why such a disease occurs.
Most often, an exacerbation of this disease is observed after reaching 35 years of age. The reasons for the development of such a pathological condition are:
- sleep on the wrong pillows (too low, high, etc.);
- sedentary work or a sedentary lifestyle;
- curvature of the spine or poor posture;
- impaired metabolism in the body;
- injuries and bruises of the spine;
- forced stay in an uncomfortable or tense pose for a long time (including standing, lying or sitting);
- hard physical work;
- instability of spinal segments.
Other reasons
It should also be noted that the aggravation and development of this ailment is facilitated by dynamic and static overloads, various back injuries, and vibrations. In addition, such a disease may occur due to:
- hereditary predisposition;
- age-related changes;
- overweight;
- diseases of the feet;
- malnutrition;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- smoking;
- abrupt cancellation of constant training by athletes;
- nervous strain, stressful situations.
Symptoms of the disease
It is impossible not to notice the signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women, the treatment of which will be described later. Patients suffering from such a disease constantly complain of aching back pain. Often these unpleasant sensations are joined by a feeling of aching in the limbs and numbness.
In the event that the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women was not carried out on time, then atrophy and weight loss of the extremities occur.
The main symptoms of this disease include the following:
- muscle cramps, headaches, decreased range of motion, pain in the shoulders and arms;
- increased pain during physical exertion, sudden movements, coughing, weight lifting and sneezing;
- the development of vertebral artery syndrome , which is characterized by dizziness, noise in the head, flickering of colored spots in front of the eyes and "flies" in combination with a burning throbbing pain in the head;
- damage to nerve roots, which is accompanied by shooting pain and impaired sensitivity, hypotension, malnutrition, weakness in innervated muscles, decreased reflexes.
Now you know the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women. Treatment of this disease should be carried out immediately. To do this, contact an experienced specialist.
Disease classification
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women should be selected based on the complexity of spinal disorders. To date, this disease is classified as follows:
- First degree. It is characterized by muscle changes (functional). At this stage, cracks in the fibrous ring appear, which lead to the displacement of the gelatinous nucleus.
- Second degree. This is a transitional stage from muscle changes to static disturbances in the spinal cord. At this stage, multiple cracks contribute to the gradual drying of the fibrous ring, as well as to a decrease in the height of the disk.
- Third degree. It is characterized by changes (organic) in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, joints and ligaments. It is at this stage that the intervertebral disc ruptures. The gelatinous nucleus also falls out and a hernia forms. During this period, the patient feels severe pain.
First aid
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women involves the use of pain medications. They include such funds as Baralgin, Analgin and Tempalgin.
If painkillers do not help, then they resort to NSAIDs. Such medicines as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac are used as them.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women (drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor) can be carried out with the use of local warming ointments, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic creams. Such funds are applied to the pain area with light rubbing movements. It should be especially noted that massage in acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prohibited.
If swelling is observed in the affected area, then diuretic drugs are recommended.
Physical activity, including exercise, is contraindicated in case of exacerbation of this disease. This is due to the fact that against the background of her condition of the patient can be even worse.
Restorative exercises can be carried out only after the weakening of pain syndromes.
Other therapies
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women (drugs are not the only means used for such a disease) should be comprehensive. In addition to taking medications, you should:
- Physiotherapy exercises aimed at decompressing the nerve roots, as well as strengthening and correcting the muscle corset (only without exacerbation).
- Therapeutic blockade to reduce muscle-tonic syndrome and the severity of local inflammation.
- Physiotherapy involving the use of a laser, low frequency currents, magnetic fields, ultrasound and others.
- Massage to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
- Manual therapy to relieve chronic and acute pain in the joints and spine, as well as correct posture and increase range of motion.
- Extraction of the spine using individually selected loads on special equipment.
- Reflexotherapy by acting on acupuncture points.
All of these methods are highly effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. However, a stable therapeutic result can be obtained only with their complex use.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women with folk remedies
To treat this disease, many people use not only medications, but also folk recipes. The treatment of this disease with herbs is not only economical and effective, but also safe.
The natural folk remedies that help with cervical osteochondrosis include the following:
- Horseradish leaves. They are carefully torn off from the general bush, and then they are thoroughly washed and applied behind the neck. Having fixed the plant with a bandage, it is left in this state all night. By morning, all pain passes.
- Potatoes. The vegetables are peeled and then rubbed on a fine grater. Next, add a little honey to it and mix well. The resulting slurry is used as a compress once a week.
- Compresses from vodka are also effective in osteochondrosis. To prepare them, take 1 liter of an alcoholic drink, and then add 1 large spoonful of freshly squeezed aloe juice, the same amount of mustard powder and 50 g of propolis to it. The finished mixture is impregnated with cotton fabric and imposed on the neck. This procedure is carried out twice a week.
Patient Reviews
Now you know how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in women. Everyone can leave feedback on the described methods.
According to patients, folk remedies, although they help to eliminate pain, are less effective than special medicines. Therefore, to relieve pain and relieve inflammation, most people use pharmacy drugs. However, it should be noted that injections and taking pills only temporarily eliminates the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, for the treatment of osteochondrosis, doctors prescribe such procedures as physiotherapy, physiotherapy, reflexology, manual therapy , etc. The combination of such measures with medication will not only eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but also prevent their further appearance.
Also, to prevent the development of osteochondrosis, its prevention is important, which provides for a balanced diet, rejection of bad habits, regular exercise and so on.