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 at the age of 40-45 they become dry and hardened.The spinal column contains 7 cervical vertebrae, which consist of the body, appendages and 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 means of intervertebral discs formed from the core, the fibrous ring and the layer - the 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, which is why, with regular exercise, a displacement of the disc can occur, which compresses blood vessels and nerve trees.
The disease goes through several stages in its development, during which the spine undergoes pathological changes:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis
It is characterized by the beginning of destruction of the intervertebral discs.Cracks appear 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 in stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck area.
- Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree
If osteochondrosis of the 1st degree was not treated or the treatment was not effective, 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.In cervical osteochondrosis, head drop 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.
- Osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree
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 can decrease, because the affected cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc simply no longer exists, and therefore there is no source of pain, but the pinching of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not disappear completely.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
With aging, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture reserves and becomes less elastic.Since the metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the processes of regeneration of discs with poor blood supply stop.At a young age, the main role in the development of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is played by physical inactivity - passive lifestyle, lack of properly organized physical activity.
Disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: when you work sitting, make 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 on a hard mattress and on a low pillow, the bending angle of the neck should not exceed 15 degrees;after 25 years, avoid impact loads on the spine (jumping, running).