Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
To help you discuss symptoms and treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this condition.
What is Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease?
Cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the strength, resiliency, and structural integrity of the intervertebral discs due to age, trauma, injury, repetitive movement, improper posture, or poor body mechanics.
Cervical DDD is commonly seen in adults over 50, with many not aware of their condition until they are examined for some other health condition.
How does Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease occur?
The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for the spine. As we age, the cells in intervertebral discs are not replaced as quickly, which can cause a sequence of issues, such as nerve compression and painful bone spurs or bony overgrowths (osteophytes), cervical spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis (spondylosis).
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease?
While most people with cervical DDD are asymptomatic, may some patients may experience:
- Mild to intense pain
- Increased pain with movement
- Burning, tingling or numbness
- Stiffness in hand or arm
- Improper balance and gait
- In rare cases, bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Radiculopathy
Diagnosis of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
To diagnose and develop a treatment plan for cervical DDD, your orthopedic surgeon will perform the following:
- Medical history: Your orthopedic surgeon will gather a detailed history of your symptoms and any treatments received.
- Complete physical examination: Your orthopedic surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your body movements, including: examining the back is performed to assess for flexibility, range of motion, and the presence of certain signs that suggest nerve roots.
- Investigations: Your orthopedic surgeon may order a simple X-ray to help identify the collapsed disc space and evaluate the spine’s stability. Your orthopedic surgeon may also order CT and MRI scans to more precisely evaluate the disc and endplate changes.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease?
Your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend conservative treatment measures for cervical DDD, such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and pain-blocking injections. If those prove ineffective, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery, such as spinal fusion.
If you or someone you love is suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease, don’t let your symptoms go untreated. See how our orthopedic surgeons can provide surgical and non-surgical solutions for you.