Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological condition in which degenerative changes occur in bone and cartilage tissue.
Dystrophy of the intervertebral discs can develop after 30 years, and by 40-45 years it dries up and hardens.The vertebral column has 7 cervical vertebrae, consisting of a body, processes and a bony arch;There is a hole in the center of the spine where the spinal cord is located.The individual elements of the spine are connected to each other using the intervertebral discs, which are formed from a nucleus, a fibrous ring and a layer - a hyaline plate (cartilage).Cervical vertebrae, which have the smallest disc thickness, fit closely together;the muscles in the neck region are quite poorly developed, as a result of which, with regular exercise, disc displacement can occur, which compresses blood vessels and nerve trunks.
The disease goes through several stages in its development, during which pathological changes occur in the spine:
- 1st degree of osteochondrosis
It is characterized by the beginning of destruction of intervertebral discs.Cracks are formed in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc is disturbed, its height decreases, as a result, the nerve roots are compressed.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes in the 1st stage (preclinical) there may be no such pain, and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck.
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis is not treated or treatment is ineffective, grade 2 osteochondrosis occurs - chronic.The pain is constant, the destruction and compression of the intervertebral disc continues and causes mild dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.With cervical osteochondrosis, falling head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the person is forced to support the head in a stable position to reduce the pain.
- Grade 3 osteochondrosis
The fibrous ring is almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.In the 3rd stage of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease, because the affected cartilage tissue is no longer present in the intervertebral disc, and therefore there is no source of pain, but the compression of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not go away completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age, the core of the intervertebral disc loses its moisture reserves and becomes less elastic.Since metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, regeneration processes stop in discs with poor blood supply.The main role in the occurrence of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine at a young age is played by physical inactivity - a passive lifestyle, lack of properly organized physical activity.
Disease prevention
It is recommended to prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis: when working in a sedentary position, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour, avoid stress on the neck;do not make sudden head movements, watch your posture;avoid hypothermia;sports, swimming;eating right;sleep should be on a hard mattress and a low pillow, the neck bending angle should not exceed 15 degrees;After 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).