Introduction
The cervical spine consists of 5 vertebral bodies plus two apex vertebral bodies called the Atlas and Axis. Two vertebral bodies are separated by an intervertebral disc, which on the one hand is supposed to make the movement in the cervical spine more frictionless, and on the other hand to dampen the forces that weigh on the spinal column. Herniated discs of the cervical spine (cervical spine) occur somewhat less frequently than herniated discs of the thoracic spine or lumbar spine. One reason for this is that the power-intensive movements of the spine are mainly performed by the lower part of the spine (lumbar spine, thoracic spine).
Causes of a slipped disc of the cervical spine
A herniated disc of the cervical spine can be triggered by e.g. heavy lifting of objects. Furthermore, a sudden, violent turning of the head in one direction can lead to a sudden slipping out of the disc in the cervical area (acute disc herniation). Much more frequent are chronic herniated discs of the cervical spine, which are mainly caused by constant incorrect posture.
Particularly with people who sit often and for long periods of time or who remain in one position at a time, it is possible that signs of wear and tear of the cervical spine occur. Occupational groups such as professional drivers or people in office jobs are also more frequently affected by a slipped disc of the cervical spine (cervical spine). Factors that can also promote a herniated disc are restricted movement and lack of movement of the patients.
A hereditary slipped disc of the cervical spine can also be hereditary. The reason is primarily weakness of the connective tissue, which can promote a herniated disc. The reason is that the muscles and connective tissue that allow the vertebral bodies to lie on top of each other are weakened and can thus promote the slippage of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
For this reason, people who are in an untrained muscular state are also more at risk of a herniated disc. Furthermore, anatomical factors can promote a herniated disc in the cervical spine area. Due to certain constellations of stability and the anatomical position of the vertebral bodies to each other, a premature prolapse of the intervertebral disc can also occur.
In addition to the degenerative causes of a herniated disc (forward bent posture, sitting activity, etc. ), trauma can also lead to a herniated disc. A trauma or accident affecting the spine can lead to acute instabilities, which on the one hand can cause an acute slipping of the disc between the vertebral bodies, on the other hand a chronic herniated disc can result from an acute instability.
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