epidural) may help relieve neck and related upper extremity pain. Cold/heat therapy, especially during the first 24-48 hours.Medications, such as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain, muscle relaxants to calm spasm, and occasionally narcotic painkillers to alleviate acute pain.Many different nonsurgical treatments help relieve symptoms. The good news is that most cases of cervical degenerative disc disease do not require surgery. This patient’s head thrusts forward and is in poor alignment. Degeneration causes the loss of normal neck curvature. Lateral (side) cervical x-ray (above) reveals disc space narrowing and osteophyte (bone spur) formation. Discography involves injecting contrast dye into the affected disc (or discs) to create a clearer image and temporarily replicate symptoms. In some cases, Discography is performed to confirm a diagnosis. An MRI is best at showing the spinal cord and disc structures. Oftentimes, an MRI is needed to fully evaluate these conditions. The films also reveal any loss of disc space between the vertebrae. Most doctors start with x-rays, which helps to rule out other problems such as a tumor or infection. During this exam, the doctor looks for loss of reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of sensation or other signs of neurological injury. You are carefully examined for limitations of movement, problems with balance, and pain. The doctor asks you questions about your symptoms, their severity, and what treatments you have already tried. Our practice combines our expertise and advanced diagnostic technology to ensure a correct diagnosis. Disc degeneration causes loss of the joint space, similar to arthritis pain and inflammation. When disc height is lost, nerve impingement, bone and joint inflammation, and resultant pain can occur. However, DDD can cause discs to lose height and become stiff. They may only become aware of the condition when being examined for another health problem, or during a routine checkup.ĭisc degeneration is a normal part of aging, and usually is not a problem. However, many people who have cervical degenerative disc disease don’t even know it. DDD of the cervical spine is a relatively common condition for aging adults.
![not normal neck xray not normal neck xray](https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/c0308554/800wm/C0308554-Curvature_of_the_cervical_spine,_X-ray.jpg)
This can lead to degenerative disc disease (DDD). Home > Conditions > Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Explaining Spinal Disorders: Cervical Degenerative Disc DiseaseĪs we age, our vertebral discs, which serve as spine’s shock absorbers, gradually dry out, affecting their strength and resiliency.