1、 The causes of cervical spondylosis
The cervical spine is located between the frequently active and heavy head and the relatively stable thoracic spine that lacks activity. It has a high degree of mobility and carries a lot of weight, and is relatively weak anatomically. There is a lack of other bone protections around it, making it susceptible to direct external impact, especially the lower cervical spine and its surrounding soft tissues, which are prone to strain induced lesions. The reasons include:
1. Labor injury: Long term exposure to a single posture of the head and neck, such as working with the head down for a long time or frequently maintaining the same posture of the neck, can easily lead to cervical spondylosis.
2. Head and neck trauma: 50% of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is related to neck trauma. Some patients may experience symptoms due to cervical bone hyperplasia, cervical disc herniation, and soft tissue lesions in the spinal canal, which can cause the cervical canal to be in a critical state of stenosis. Neck trauma often triggers the development of symptoms.
3. Poor posture: such as lying in bed for a long time watching TV, reading books, sitting on a high pillow, sleeping in a seated position, etc; Sleeping in a sleeper car can result in poor muscle protection and neck injuries when braking.
4. Wind cold and dampness factors: Wind cold and dampness factors in the external environment can reduce the body's tolerance to pain, causing muscle spasms, small blood vessel contractions, slowed lymphatic return, soft tissue blood circulation disorders, and subsequently leading to aseptic inflammation. Therefore, the factors of wind, cold, and dampness are not only triggers, but can also serve as causes of disease and produce symptoms.
5. Developmental disorders of cervical spine structure: Congenital small spinal canal and cervical degeneration are the basis for the onset of some cervical spondylosis. According to foreign statistics, 25% of individuals aged 40-50 have undergone metamorphosis, while 85.5% of those aged 55 and above have undergone metamorphosis. The incidence rate of cervical spondylosis in patients with narrow central vertebral canal and nerve root canal is twice as high as that in normal people.
2、 How to prevent cervical spondylosis?
As age increases, degenerative changes in cervical intervertebral discs are almost inevitable. However, if attention is paid to avoiding factors that promote intervertebral disc degeneration in daily life and work, it can help prevent the occurrence of cervical spondylosis and delay its development.
1. Change unhealthy work and lifestyle habits, such as avoiding reading books, watching TV, and using mobile phones while lying in bed as much as possible. When using electronic products in daily life, pay attention to keeping your gaze level with the screen or slightly looking up at 5 °~10 °. After a certain period of time, relax and move your shoulders and neck. When sleeping, avoid using a high pillow, which is usually 8-15cm in height, or when the head and neck are pressed down, it is advisable to use a pillow that is equal to or slightly lower than the height of your fist. The length of the pillow is generally 10-16cm longer than one's shoulder width when lying flat, and the height should usually be consistent with the shoulder width.
2. Avoid long-term low head posture. After working for 1-2 hours, desk workers should rest for 5 minutes, move their shoulders and neck, change their position, and wait until the fatigue in the front part is eliminated before continuing to work.
3. Avoid wind cold and humidity. In hot summer, avoid being too cold and avoid direct blowing of fans or air conditioning on the neck. Pay attention to keeping the shoulders and neck warm. After sweating, do not directly blow cold air or rinse the head and neck with cold water.
4. Strengthen exercise. People without any symptoms of cervical spondylosis can also perform slow flexion, extension, and rotation exercises of the neck several times a day in the morning and evening, as well as isometric contraction resistance exercises of the muscles in the back of the neck. There are 2-4 groups per day, 5-10 times per group, for 5 seconds each time.
5. Avoid neck injuries, fasten your seat belt when traveling, and avoid sleeping in the car to prevent cervical muscle relaxation and injury during sudden braking.
In summary, cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative osteoarthritis that is associated with multiple factors. Understanding the pathogenesis and treatment methods of cervical spondylosis, taking effective preventive measures, can reduce the occurrence and recurrence of cervical spondylosis.