Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathological condition in which bone and cartilage tissue undergo degenerative changes.
Disc dystrophy may appear after 30 years, and by age 40-45, the discs become dry and hardened.The spine contains 7 cervical vertebrae, which are composed of vertebral bodies, processes and bony arches; there is a hole in the center of the vertebrae, in which the spinal cord is located.The various elements of the spine are interconnected by intervertebral discs formed by the core, annulus fibrosus, and hyaline plates (cartilage).The intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are the smallest in thickness and fit closely together; the neck muscles are poorly developed, so regular movement can cause the intervertebral discs to shift, thus compressing blood vessels and nerve trunks.
The development of the disease goes through several stages, during which pathological changes occur in the spine:
- Grade 1 osteochondrosis
It is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.Cracks form in the annulus fibrosus, the strength and elasticity of the intervertebral disc are compromised, and its height is reduced, thus compressing the nerve roots.Characteristic soreness occurs.Sometimes in the first stage (preclinical) this pain may not be present and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck.
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis
If grade 1 osteochondrosis is not treated or treatment is ineffective, grade 2 osteochondrosis - chronic develops.The pain becomes constant and destruction and compression of the discs continues, causing slight dislocation of the cervical spine.In cervical osteochondrosis, dropped head syndrome may occur at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the patient is forced to support the head in a fixed position to relieve the pain.
- Third degree osteochondrosis
The annulus fibrosus is almost destroyed, leading to complications of osteochondrosis - disc herniation or intervertebral hernia.In the third stage of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease because the affected cartilage tissue in the disc is not present at all and therefore there is no source of pain, but the pinching of the nerve roots is still present, so the pain does not completely disappear.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
As we age, the disc core loses moisture reserves and becomes less elastic.Since metabolism slows down significantly after 50 years, the regeneration process of discs with poor blood supply stops.The main factor in the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at a young age is physical inactivity - a passive lifestyle, lack of properly organized physical activity.
disease prevention
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended that: when sitting for a long time, be sure to rest for five minutes every hour to avoid neck pressure; do not turn your head suddenly and pay attention to your posture; avoid hypothermia; exercise and swim; eat right; sleep on a hard mattress and low pillow, and the neck flexion angle should not exceed 15 degrees; after 25 years, avoid impact on the spine (jumping, running).