Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathology in which degenerative changes occur in bone and cartilage tissues.
Dystrophy of the intervertebral discs can develop after 30 years, while by the age of 40-45 they become dry and hardened.The spine contains 7 cervical vertebrae, consisting of a body, processes and a bony arch;In the center of the vertebra there is a hole in which the spinal cord is located.Individual elements of the spine are connected to each other using intervertebral discs formed by the core, annulus fibrosus and one layer - the hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, having the smallest disc thickness, fit tightly to each other;the muscles of the neck region are quite poorly developed, so with regular exercise, disc displacement can occur, which compresses the blood vessels and nerve trunks.
The disease goes through several stages in its development, during which the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- 1st degree of osteochondrosis
Characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.Cracks are formed in the annulus fibrosus, the strength and elasticity of the disc are impaired, its height decreases, which leads to compression of the nerve roots.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes at stage 1 (preclinical) this pain may be absent and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis
If osteochondrosis grade 1 was not treated or treatment was not effective, osteochondrosis grade 2 appears - chronic.The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to slight dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.In cases of cervical osteochondrosis, drooping head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by intense pain and the person is forced to support their head in a fixed position to reduce the pain.
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis
The annulus fibrosus is almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral herniation.At stage 3 of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease, because the affected cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc simply no longer exists and therefore there is no source of pain, but the pinching of the nerve roots persists, so the pain does not disappear completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age, the core of the intervertebral disc loses its moisture reserves and also becomes less elastic.Since the metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the regeneration processes in discs poorly supplied with blood stop.At a young age, the main role in the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is played by physical inactivity - a passive lifestyle, a lack of well-organized physical activity.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: when working in a sedentary manner, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour, avoid strain on the neck;do not make sudden head movements, watch your posture;avoid hypothermia;exercise, swimming;eat well;sleeping should be on a hard mattress and on a low pillow, the angle of neck flexion should not exceed 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shocks to the spine (jumping, running).