Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological condition in which degenerative changes occur in bone tissue and cartilage.
Intervertebral disc dystrophy can develop after 30 years, while at the age of 40-45 it becomes dry and hard.The spine contains 7 cervical vertebrae, which consist of the body, process and arch of the bone;In the middle of the vertebra there is a hole where the spinal cord is located.The individual elements of the spine are connected to each other using the intervertebral disc formed by the core, fibrous rings and layers - hyaline plates (cartilage).Cervical vertebrae, having the smallest disc thickness, fit closely together;the muscles in the neck area are relatively underdeveloped, as a result, with frequent exercise, disc displacement can occur, which compresses blood vessels and nerve trunks.
This disease goes through several stages in its development, where the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- The first stage of osteochondrosis
Characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral disc.Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc is affected, its height decreases, which causes the nerve roots to be compressed.A characteristic pain appears.Sometimes at stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may not be present, and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis is not treated or treatment is ineffective, then grade 2 osteochondrosis occurs - chronic.The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to a slight dislocation 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 has to support his head in a fixed 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 in the intervertebral disc no longer exists, and therefore there is no source of pain, but the pinching of the nerve root remains, so the pain does not disappear completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age, the intervertebral disc core loses moisture reserves and also becomes less elastic.Since the metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the regeneration process in discs with poor blood supply stops.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 regular physical activity.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: when working inactively, be sure to take a five-minute break every hour, avoid stress on the neck;do not make sudden head movements, pay attention to your posture;avoid hypothermia;exercise, swimming;eat right;sleep should be on a hard mattress and on a low pillow, the neck flexion angle should not be more than 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).