About Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical degenerative disc disease is a condition caused by wear and tear on the discs between the vertebrae causing them to lose their cushioning ability. The gel-like material between the vertebrae begins to wear out due to aging, repetitive stress, smoking, genetics, etc. In most circumstances the cause is multi-factorial.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person; some people may have no pain while others may experience severe pain. Depending upon the location of the affected disc the condition may cause:
- Neck or arm pain.
- Back pain.
- Numbness or tingling in the legs.
- Pain in the thighs and buttocks.
Degenerative disc disease is usually diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, and neurological examinations. Diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scan, or MRI scans, may be employed to confirm the diagnosis.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical treatment options such as medication, rest, exercise and physical therapy are recommended for people with no evidence of nerve root compression or muscle weakness. Surgery is considered when conservative treatment options fail to relieve the symptoms over a period. Spinal decompression along with a discectomy and fusion is usually done to remove the affected disc and fuse the adjoining vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
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