Cervical discogenic disease is a term that describes the degeneration of the intervertebral discs in your spine, specifically in the cervical region, which includes the neck and upper back. Discogenic disease, also known as degenerative disc disease, is often a natural part of the aging process, which causes the discs in your spine wear down over time. However, there are a number of other potential causes for this condition, as well as some serious symptoms that can possibly develop.
Symptoms of Discogenic Disease
Cervical discogenic disease occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in the neck region wear down, bulge, or become herniated. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including aging, genetics, injury, overuse, improper lifting, and more. If the discs in the cervical region of your spine degenerate to a certain point, potential symptoms include:
- Localized or radiating pain
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
Preventing Discogenic Disease
Although natural degeneration as part of the aging process is one of the main causes of cervical disc degeneration, there are a number of steps you can take under a doctor’s supervision to discourage the onset of cervical discogenic disease. These include:
- Exercise
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat right
- Modify activities to avoid stress on the back and neck
- Short periods of rest at the first sign of inflammation
There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options available to individuals with discogenic disease – including physical therapy, acupuncture, exercise, hot and cold therapy, and more – but surgery is a potential solution in some cases. If you’d like more information on the causes and symptoms of cervical discogenic disease, ways you can prevent this condition, or treatment options if you are already suffering from its effects, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) today. We offer a number of minimally invasive outpatient procedures that are effective and can be completed in just a matter of hours. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan and to learn how our procedures can help you rediscover your life without back pain.
