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 between 40 and 45 years they dry out and harden.The vertebral column contains 7 cervical vertebrae, which consist of a body, apophysis 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 by intervertebral discs formed by the nucleus, the annulus fibrosus and a layer - the hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, which have the smallest disc thickness, fit closely together;The muscles in the neck area are rather poorly developed, so with regular exercise, a displacement of the disc 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 form in the annulus fibrosus, the strength and elasticity of the disc is altered, its height decreases, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed.A characteristic pain appears.Sometimes, in stage 1 (preclinical), such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- Second degree osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis was not treated or the treatment was ineffective, 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, drooping head syndrome can 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.
- Third degree osteochondrosis
The annulus fibrosus 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 persists, so the pain does not completely disappear.
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, 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 tension in the neck;do not make sudden head movements, watch your posture;avoid hypothermia;exercise, swimming;eat well;sleeping should be done on a hard mattress and on a low pillow, the angle of flexion of the neck should not be more than 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).