Cervical osteochondrosis - degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, bone tissues, joints and ties of the cervical spine.They occur due to injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep in an awkward position.They lead to headache, dizziness, neck and shoulders pain, impaired cardiovascular and respiratory system.
The disease is diagnosed by radiography, CT or MRI.It is increasingly found in the age of 25.It is treated with medicines, physiotherapy, massage and exercise.
Development mechanism
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to a long violation of the power discs.They are exhausted: they become less elastic, reduce height.As a result, the load on the spine increases, the vertebrae are possible, their trauma during movements is possible.This leads to the formation of osteophytes (bone growth) in damaged areas of the vertebrae bodies.

If osteochondrosis is not treated at this stage of development, the fibrous ring surrounding the nucleus of the disc is not treated.This in turn leads to the formation of convexity (the nucleus moves sideways).
Over time, the intervertebral hernia appears: the fibrous ring of the disc breaks down, resulting in the nucleus protruding.
The cervical region is the most mobile and fragile.The thickness of the intervertebral discs in it is smaller than in the chest, the lumbar region.Therefore, it is more susceptible to destruction: 55% of cases of spinal pathologies fall on the share of cervical osteochondrosis.In industrialized countries, this indicator reaches 60-80%.
Reasons
The possible causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Neck injuries (during accidents, sports or childbirth).
- Vascular pathologies.
- Functional cartilage deficiency.
- Incorrect loading of the cervical region.
- Malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system.
- Age -related changes.
- Anomalies in the development of the spine.
- Hypodynamia.
Factors contributing to the onset of the disease:
- Sleep is in the wrong position, on a tall, too large or soft pillow.This leads to deformation of the cervical spine, the vertebrae of the vertebrae, impaired blood flow: the force of the intervertebral discs worsens.
- Long stay in one position: sitting with a bent neck at a desk, at the institute, school or at home, driving a car or computer, with a mobile phone or tablet, as well as reading in bed.All this leads to overvoltage of the cervical muscles, pinching of arteries, disorder of nutrients to the intervertebral discs.
- Improper meal.Consumption of sugar, salt, butter sweets, spicy and fatty dishes - worsens the condition of blood vessels, intervertebral discs, provokes the destruction of bone and cartilage tissue of the spine.If at the same time insufficient vitamins and minerals enter the body, the likelihood of osteochondrosis increases.
- The habit of sitting on the hand lying on the table.The cause of the deformity of the spine, an increase in the load of the cervical region, the deterioration of metabolism in the bone tissue, the intervertebral discs.
- Alcohol abuse, tobacco - causes vascular spasm, disorders of all organs and systems.
Cervical osteochondrosis is most often suffered by seamstresses, office and bank workers and drivers.The risk group also includes students and students.
Characteristics of manifestation
Spinal roots and vessels that supply blood and oxygen with the back of the brain are pressed with cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, it is characterized by symptoms of disorders of the nervous system and blood disorders:
- Pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, their spasm.
- Tingling of the cervical region, hands.
- Headache.
- The blurred movements.
- Dizziness.
- Heart dysfunction, respiratory organs, vestibular apparatus.
- Deterioration of concentration of attention, vision and hearing.
- Difficulties with storing information.
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause stroke, the development of true pathologies of the internal organs.In severe cases it is possible: damage, death.To improve the prognosis, you need to treat the disease on time.
Treatment methodology
Treated osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- Medications: means that they relieve muscle cramps, pain and inflammation and the repair of cartilage tissue.
- Massage of the cervical brotherly zone.
- Physical education of physiotherapy - exercises to examine the muscles of the neck and shoulders that stretch the cervical spine.
- Electrophoresis, laser therapy, acupuncture, other physiotherapy procedures.
- Diet.
- Manual therapy.
In addition, wearing the collar of the chant, the use of the Kuznetsov applicator.
Questions and answers
Can there be cervical osteochondrosis in a child?
It can occur not only in adults, but also in adolescents, children of older age.Possible reasons: Improper sitting on the desk, computer, stay on a bent position, sit with a mobile phone or tablet in your hands, neglect physical education.
Is it an exception to the army if osteochondrosis of the cervical part is diagnosed?
In the presence of pronounced symptoms, radiological signs of spinal destruction, motor disorders, major intervertebral hernias and ineffectiveness of continued port therapy, they can be released from service in the army.He must also be registered with a neurologist.
Is it possible to exercise with osteochondrosis?
This should be discussed with a neurologist or vertebologist: it all depends on the stage of the disease and the type of sports.Moderate loads, swimming will be useful.But professional sports, especially with the complex course of osteochondrosis, can hurt.
How to reduce the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
- Remove your neck and shoulders regularly.
- He sleeps on the mattress and pillow with moderate stiffness.
- Keep your back and neck right during your stay in a sitting position.
- Eat foods rich in vitamins.
- Loading every 2 hours of sitting.
- Move more.
- Give up smoking.
- Limit the use of alcohol.
Conclusions
- Both adults and adolescents, children are prone to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Injuries to the spine, vitamin and trace elements deficiency, sleep in the wrong position or on a soft bedding, long sitting in the bent neck can cause the development of pathology of the spine.
- The appearance of head and muscle pain, respiratory, cardiovascular dysfunctions, impaired hearing and vision may indicate osteochondrosis of the cervix.
- It is necessary to treat the disease thoroughly.
- You need to use medicines, exercise, go to massage and physiotherapy sessions, adjust the diet.