Cervical osteochondrosis - degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, bone tissues, joints and ligaments of the cervical spine.They arise due to injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep in an uncomfortable position.They lead to headaches, dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, impaired work of the cardiovascular and respiratory system.
The disease is diagnosed using radiography, CT or magnetic resonance imaging.More and more often found under 25 years.It is treated with drugs, physical therapy, massage and exercise.
Development mechanism
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to a long violation of energy test discs.They are exhausted: they become less elastic, diminish the height.As a result, the column load increases, the vertebrae are possible, their trauma during movements is possible.This leads to the formation of osteophytes (bone growth) in damaged areas of vertebral bodies.

If osteochondrosis is not treated at this stage of development, cracks appear in the fibrous ring around the core of the disc.This, in turn, leads to protrusion formation (the nucleus moves to the side).
Over time, the intervertebral hernia appears: the fibrous ring of the disc breaks as a result of which its nucleus projects itself.
The cervical region is the most mobile and fragile.The thickness of the intervertebral discs is lower than in the chest, lumbar region.Therefore, it is more susceptible to destruction: 55% of cases of spinal pathologies fall into the participation of cervical osteochondrosis.In industrialized countries, this indicator reaches 60-80%.
Causes
Possible reasons for the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Neck lesions (during accidents, sports or delivery).
- Vascular pathologies.
- Functional deficiency of the cartilage.
- Incorrect load in the cervical region.
- Employees at the work of the immune system.
- Age -related changes.
- Anomalies in the development of the spine.
- Hypodinamia.
Factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease:
- The dream is in the wrong position, in a tall, large or soft pillow.This leads to the deformation of the cervical spine, the vertebrae of the vertebrae, the impaired blood flow: the power of intervertebral discs worsens.
- A long stay in one position: sitting with a folded neck at a table at work, at the institute, at school or at home, driving a car or computer, with a cell phone or tablet, and reads lying on the bed.All of this leads to the overload of the cervical muscles, pinching the arteries, a violation of nutrient intake in intervertebral discs.
- Inadequate nutrition.The consumption of sugar, salt, butter cakes, spicy and fatty dishes - worsens the state of blood vessels, intervertebral discs, causes the destruction of the bone and fabric of the spine cartilage.If, at the same time, an insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals enter the body, the likelihood of osteochondrosis increases.
- The habit of sitting in your hand lying on the table.The reason for the deformation of the spine, increasing the load in the cervical region, deterioration of bone tissue metabolism, intervertebral discs.
- Alcohol abuse, tobacco - causes vascular spasm, disorders in the work of all organs and systems.
Cervical osteochondrosis is most often suffered by seamstresses, office workers and banks and drivers.The risk group also includes school -age children and students.
Characteristics of the manifestation
The roots of the spine and vessels that provide blood and oxygen with the rear parts of the brain are compressed with cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, it is characterized by symptoms of nervous system disorders and circulatory disorders:
- Pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, its spasm.
- Numbness of the cervical region, hands.
- Headaches.
- The diffuse movements.
- Dizziness.
- Heart dysfunction, respiratory system organs, vestibular apparatus.
- Deterioration of the concentration of attention, vision and hearing.
- Difficulties in memorizing information.
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause a stroke, the development of true internal organ pathologies.In severe cases, it is possible: deficiency, death.To improve the prognosis, you need to treat the disease over time.
Treatment Methodology
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is treated:
- Medication: It means that they relieve muscle cramps, pain and inflammation and restore cartilage tissue.
- Massage of the cervical zone.
- Physical Education of Physiotherapy - Exercises for the study of neck and shoulders muscles, stretching the cervical spine.
- Electrophoresis, laser therapy, acupuncture, other physiotherapeutic procedures.
- Diet.
- Manual therapy.
Also, using Shanst's collar, the use of the Kuznetsov applicator.
Questions and Answers
Can there be cervical osteochondrosis in a child?
It may occur not only in adults, but also in adolescents, children of anterior age.Possible reasons: Sitting incorrect on the table, computer, remain in a folded position, sitting with a cell phone or tablet in the hands, neglect Physical Education.
Is the army exemption if cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed?
In the presence of pronounced symptoms, radiological signs of spine destruction, motor disorders, large intervertebral hernias and the inefficiency of the therapy in progress of the recruit, they can be released from the army service.In addition, he must be registered with a neurologist.
Is it possible to play sports with osteochondrosis?
This should be discussed with a neurologist or a vertebrologist: it all depends on the stage of the disease and the type of sport.Moderate loads, swim will be useful.But professional sports, especially with the complicated osteochondrosis course, can harm.
How to reduce the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
- Remove the neck and shoulders regularly.
- Sleep on the mattress and moderate stiffness pillow.
- Keep your back and neck exactly during your stay in a sitting position when walking.
- Eat foods rich in vitamins.
- Charge every 2 hours of work sitting.
- Move more.
- Stop smoking.
- Limit alcohol use.
Conclusions
- Adults and adolescents, children are prone to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Lesions in the spine, vitamin deficiency and microelements, sleep in the wrong position or soft bed, a long seated in a pose with a folded neck can cause the development of spine pathology.
- The appearance of head and muscle pain, respiratory system dysfunctions, cardiovascular, hearing impairment and vision may indicate cervical osteochondrosis.
- It is necessary to treat the disease comprehensively.
- It is necessary to use drugs, exercise, go to massage and physical therapy sessions, adjust the diet.