How cervical spondylosis is formed

  The cause of cervical spondylosis is recognized as a variety of symptoms caused by degenerative degeneration of the cervical intervertebral disc, loosening of the intervertebral body, production of bone flab (bone spur or bone ridge) at the edge of the vertebral body, or compression of the nerve root, spinal cord or vertebral artery by rupture and prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc.  Degenerative disc pathological changes: The intervertebral disc is the earliest and most susceptible tissue to degenerative changes with age, and is significantly related to strain and trauma. The cervical intervertebral disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a fibrous ring and upper and lower cartilage plates that form a complete anatomical unit. If one of these degenerates, it can lead to changes in its morphology and function, ultimately affecting or disrupting the intrinsic balance of the bony structures of the cervical spine and altering the mechanical balance around it. The nucleus pulposus is a water-rich, mucin with good elasticity. The normal intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus contains 80% water and the annulus fibrosus contains 65% water, and as age increases, the water content gradually decreases, resulting in a gradual loss of elasticity and toughness. Therefore, older people are prone to intervertebral disc disease (over 40 years old), when the intervertebral disc rupture or prolapse, the water content is even less, the intervertebral disc is weak, losing the role of supporting the weight, narrowing of the intervertebral space, the vertebral body back and forth when the vertebral bend, resulting in intervertebral instability. The outer layer of the fibrous ring is distributed by the sinus nerve, which is divided from the posterior branch of the nerve root. When the fibrous ring is subjected to abnormal pressure, such as bulging and misalignment, it can stimulate the sinus nerve and reflect to the posterior branch, causing symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain and spasm of the collar muscle. The normal state of the intervertebral disc accounts for 20-24% of the total length of the cervical spine, and its height decreases year by year due to the decrease in water-holding capacity. The degenerated and herniated nucleus pulposus may also cross the posterior longitudinal ligament fissure and enter the spinal canal, directly producing clinical symptoms.  In general, degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs after the age of 20 can lead to increased degeneration resulting in disc bulging and protrusion, decreased resistance to stretching and compression of the annulus fibrosus. The narrowing of the intervertebral space and the relaxation of the surrounding ligaments lead to abnormal intervertebral activity, resulting in bone spurs and protruding discs protruding into the spinal canal at the upper and lower marginal ligament attachments of the vertebral body, causing pressure on the ventral side of the spinal cord. The disc ruptures and prolapses to posteriorly compress the spinal cord, causing symptoms. This is one of the common causes of cervical spondylosis.  Research studies have found that degenerative disc degeneration is also related to lifestyle habits, occupation, systemic conditions or endocrine, because those found to have cervical disc lesions often have lesions in their to chase as well.