What can you do for degenerative changes in the cervical spine?

For neck pain stemming from cervical degenerative disc disease, a doctor will typically recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:

• Rest or lifestyle modification.
• Pain management with medication or injections.
• Ice and/or heat therapy.

Can you live a normal life with cervical degenerative disc disease?

While there is no way to totally correct degenerative disc disease, for the vast majority of people suffering low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, or arm pain and tingling due to this condition, they can successfully manage their pain and regain their lives – while avoiding surgery.

What is cervical spine degeneration?

Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain and radiating arm pain. It develops when one or more of the cushioning discs in the cervical spine starts to break down due to wear and tear.

What is the best treatment for cervical pain?

Treatment for neck pain may include:

• ice and heat therapy.
• exercise, stretching, and physical therapy.
• pain medication.
• corticosteroid injections.
• muscle relaxants.
• neck collar.
• traction.
• antibiotics if you have an infection.

What should you know about Cervical degenerative disc disease?

What You Should Know About Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease. Degeneration of the discs particularly in the moving sections of the spine like the cervical and lumbar levels is a natural process of “aging.”. When this “aging” process occurs more rapidly or prematurely it is considered “degeneration.”.

Can a cervical disc herniation cause neurologic compromise?

The gel center, known as the nucleus, can be ejected from the disc through an anular tear. This is called a disc herniation. If the disc herniates in the direction of the spinal cord or nerve root, it can cause neurologic compromise. Disc herniations in the cervical spine can be serious.

How does surgical decompression of cervical spine work?

Neurologic complications may respond to surgical decompression if symptoms do not abate after treatment with conservative measures, depending on their longevity and severity. Cervical spondylosis is the specific term for osteoarthritis of the spine, which includes the spontaneous degeneration of either disk or facet joints.

What causes a herniated disk in cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis 1 Dehydrated disks. Disks act like cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. 2 Herniated disks. Age also affects the exterior of your spinal disks. 3 Bone spurs. Disk degeneration often results in the spine producing extra amounts… 4 Stiff ligaments. Ligaments are cords of tissue that connect bone to bone.