Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological condition in which degenerative changes occur in bone and cartilaginous tissue.
Dystrophy of the intervertebral discs can develop after 30 years, while at the age of 40-45 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 where the spinal cord is located.The individual elements of the spinal column are connected to each other via intervertebral discs formed by the nucleus, the fibrous ring and a layer: the hyaline plate (cartilage).The cervical vertebrae, having the smallest disk thickness, adapt perfectly to each other;the muscles in the neck area are rather poorly developed, so with regular exercise, disc displacement may 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 osteochondrosis
Characterized by the onset of 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 compressed.A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes in stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis is manifested by moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis has not been treated or the treatment has not been effective, grade 2 - chronic osteochondrosis occurs.The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to mild dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.With cervical osteochondrosis, droopy head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the person is forced to support the 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 pinching of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not disappear completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With age the nucleus of the intervertebral disc loses its moisture reserves and also becomes less elastic.Since the metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the regeneration processes in discs with poor blood supply stop.At a young age, the main role in the onset 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 in a sedentary manner, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour, avoid stress on the neck;do not make sudden head movements, observe your posture;avoid hypothermia;exercise, swimming;eat well;sleep should take place on a hard mattress and a low pillow, the bending angle of the neck should be no more than 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running).