Instability of the cervical spine

The instability of the spine is a pathological mobility in its segment. In this case, either the amplitude of normal motions increases, or new freedoms appear in the movements that are not characteristic of the normal state. The index of mobility is the displacement of the vertebrae. At the same time, the bias refers to an X-ray finding and may not be accompanied by pain. Instability refers to the clinical concept and is characterized by pain.

The most vulnerable is the cervical region. She is responsible for the thinking abilities of a person, his ability to speak, work with his hands and other "human" qualities. The cervical segment includes seven vertebrae. The first ("atlant") does not have a body. There is also an intervertebral disk, and a spinous process. "Atlant" is tightly fused with the skull and carries all its load on itself. From the second cervical vertebra, the "tooth" (outgrowth) departs. At him, "Atlant" is planted. Such a joint and joints between the vertebrae allow the first vertebra to turn.

Due to the lack of a disk, this area is not affected by osteochondrosis. However, cervical vertebral instability often occurs . At the same time their position is characterized by increased mobility. The reason for the instability of the cervical spine in this area may be a congenital anomaly, trauma (including lungs). Increased mobility also occurs with prolonged work with the head tilted down and forward.

The rest, which are part of the cervical vertebra, have a similar structure with the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. This causes and the occurrence of similar violations in them. They include: deterioration in intervertebral disks and joints, the formation of osteophytes (bone growths). There are also hernia discs, which are able to squeeze the roots of nerves. All this causes instability of the cervical spine.

This is the most mobile zone of the pillar. Especially in the area of the fifth-seventh vertebra. It is this area that wears out faster than others. Due to the appearance of painful processes, these vertebrae begin to cope badly with their functions. Since they are unable to withstand the load, it is distributed to adjacent segments. Additional load causes instability of the cervical spine already at its next site.

Together, the segments form a spinal canal, the beginning of which is located in the region of the large opening of the occiput. The transverse processes of the vertebrae of the cervical region have an opening for each artery on each side. Together, an arterial canal is formed. Instability of the cervical spine can lead to a lack of blood flow and, as a result, dizziness, coordination disorders, headaches, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, and so on.

Increased mobility of segments can contribute to the development of various vegetative disorders. This is due to the presence of a large accumulation of nodes of the nervous vegetative system among the surrounding surrounding cervical spine of soft tissues.

The functions of fixing and driving the upper segments of the column are performed by the muscles of its cervical region. Most of them have a rather fine structure and are very innervated. Any serious impact (hypothermia, sudden movement, uncomfortable posture, prolonged or increased load) can trigger a muscle spasm characterized by soreness. In this case, there is often a restriction of mobility in the neck. Even insignificant instability can provoke irritation in the nerve endings, a response spasm in the vessels and muscles. At the same time, pain in the head, inter-shoulder area and neck, dizziness and so on.