1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Consulation

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Types of Degenerative Disc Disease
• »
• Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Cervical degenerative disc disease typically manifests itself as a sore, stiff neck. However, the pain can radiate into your shoulders, arms, and hands, as well.

Our cervical spine is located in the neck and upper back area, and it consists of seven vertebrae separated by discs filled with a gel-like substance. These discs allow your neck to turn and bend freely. Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs wear out due to years of turning and twisting, or an injury. You can learn more about the causes and symptoms of neck disc degeneration on our degenerative disc disease page.

As the discs break down, the spacing between the vertebrae narrows and nerve roots can become pinched. Over time your neck becomes less flexible. Also, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers may result from the nerves being inflamed or irritated.

On a positive note, disc degeneration in your neck occurs less frequently than in the lower back. Visit our lumbar degenerative disc disease page for a more detailed look at why this is so.

Treatment for cervical degenerative disc disease can include:

• Application of cold or hot packs
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Cervical traction to stretch the neck muscles
• Wearing of a neck brace

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

If you’re experiencing a stiff neck, or numbness in the shoulder or arm, contact your doctor. He or she can determine the cause of your suffering and recommend treatments to reduce your discomfort. In some cases, patients may not respond to rehabilitation. Fortunately, there are other options available for pain relief including the state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute. With a quicker recuperation period than other treatments like open-back surgery, LSI’s gentle endoscopic procedures can help you return to a wide range of motions in no time! Contact us today for a free MRI or CT scan review, and to receive more information about our institute.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.