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, while by the age of 40-45 they become dry and hardened.The vertebral column contains 7 cervical vertebrae, made up of the body, processes and bony arch;In the center of the vertebra there is a hole in which the spinal cord is located.The individual elements of the spine are connected to each other using intervertebral discs formed by the nucleus, the fibrous ring and a layer - the hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, having the smallest disc thickness, fit tightly together;the muscles in the neck region are poorly developed, as a result of which, with regular exercise, disc displacement may occur, which compresses blood vessels and nerve trunks.
The disease goes through several stages of development, during which the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- 1st degree of osteochondrosis
Characterized by the beginning of destruction of the intervertebral discs.Fissures form in the fibrous ring, the resistance and elasticity of the disc are impaired, its height decreases, compressing the nerve roots.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes in stage 1 (preclinical) this pain may be absent and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis was not treated or treatment was not effective, grade 2 osteochondrosis occurs - chronic.The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to slight dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.With cervical osteochondrosis, head drooping syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain, and the person is forced to support their head in a fixed position to reduce the pain.
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis
The fibrous ring is almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.At stage 3 of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease, since the affected cartilaginous tissue in the intervertebral disc simply no longer exists and therefore there is no source of pain, but compression of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not disappear completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture reserves and also becomes less elastic.Since the metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the regeneration processes in discs with insufficient blood supply are disrupted.At a young age, the main role in the occurrence of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is played by physical inactivity - a passive lifestyle, lack of properly organized physical activity.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: when working sedentary, take five-minute breaks every hour, avoid stress on the neck;do not make sudden movements with your head, watch your posture;avoid hypothermia;exercise, swimming;eat right;sleep should be on a hard mattress and low pillow, the neck flexion angle should not be more than 15 degrees;after the age of 25, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).