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 years they become dry and hardened. The spinal column 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.The individual elements of the spine are connected to each other using intervertebral discs formed by the core, the fibrous ring and a layer - the hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, having the smallest disc thickness, fit tightly to each other;the muscles in the neck area 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 the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- 1st degree of osteochondrosis
Characterized by the onset of destruction of intervertebral discs.Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc is impaired, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are compressed.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes at stage 1 (preclinical) such 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, then 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, falling head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain, and the person is forced to support his head in a fixed position to reduce 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 cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc simply no longer exists, and therefore there is no source of pain, but pinching of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not completely go away.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture reserves and also becomes less elastic.Since metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, regeneration processes in discs with poor blood supply stop.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 sedentarily, 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;exercise, swimming;eat right;sleep should be on a hard mattress and on a low pillow, the angle of neck flexion should not be more than 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).