Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological condition in which degenerative changes occur in bone and cartilage tissue.
Dystrophy of intervertebral discs can develop after 30 years, while by 40-45 years they become dry and hardened.The vertebral column contains 7 cervical vertebrae, consisting of a body, processes and bony arch;In the center of the vertebra is a hole in which the spinal cord is located.The individual elements of the spine are connected to each other with the help of intervertebral discs formed by the core, the fibrous ring and a layer - hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, which have the smallest disc thickness, fit tightly together;the muscles in the neck area are rather poorly developed, as a result of which, with regular exercise, a displacement of the disc can occur, which presses on the blood vessels and nerve trunks.
The disease goes through several stages in its development, during which the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- 1 degree of osteochondrosis
It is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc are impaired, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are pressed.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes at stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent and osteochondrosis proceeds with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- Osteochondrosis 2 degree
If osteochondrosis of the 1st degree was not treated or the treatment was not effective, then osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree 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, a falling head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the person is forced to keep his head in a fixed position to reduce the pain.
- Osteochondrosis 3rd degree
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, because 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 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, regeneration processes in discs with poor blood supply stop.At a young age, lack of physical activity plays a major role in the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - a passive lifestyle, lack of properly organized physical activity.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: during sedentary work, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour, avoid straining 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 a low pillow, the neck bending angle should not be more than 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).