Figure 5 from Stand-alone cervical polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage (cervios) for single to two-level degenerative disc disease. | Semantic Scholar (2024)

FAQs

How serious is cervical degenerative disc disease? ›

The more the cervical spine degenerates, the more likely the spinal canal will narrow and put the spinal cord at risk. If the spinal cord becomes compressed, then myelopathy could result and include symptoms such as: Difficulty moving arms and/or legs. Trouble with coordination and/or balance.

Exercise and/or physical therapy

Most non-surgical treatment programs for neck pain will include some form of exercise and stretching. A physical therapist or other trained health professional can prescribe an exercise and stretching regimen that meets the specific needs of the patient.

The spine's intervertebral discs perform many roles essential to maintaining spinal health and function. Multilevel degenerative disc disease means disc degeneration is occurring in more than one of the spine's intervertebral discs and in more than one spinal section.

Discectomy. Discectomy is the most common surgical treatment for a herniated disc, which often occurs as a result of degenerative disc disease. It involves removing the injured part of the disc, relieving pressure on the affected nerve.

How fast does degenerative disk disease progress? Spinal disk degeneration may start gradually or appear suddenly but will typically progress over the next 20 to 30 years. After it gets to a point of severe and, at times, disabling pain, the spine will eventually restabilize and the pain from the disk will decrease.

Poor blood flow is one of the reasons discs weaken. Several things can cause inadequate blood flow, including cigarettes, excessive caffeine consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. Massaging the area improves blood flow quickly and enables more nutrients and oxygen to reach the discs.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The most common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. All are available without a prescription, and your doctor can recommend how best to use them. If the pain is not relieved by over-the-counter medications, doctors may prescribe a more potent anti-inflammatory.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can include: Pain in the neck that may travel to your arms or shoulders. Headaches. A grinding feeling when you move your neck.

How do you stop cervical spine degeneration? ›

Our spine specialists in orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation work together to identify the anatomical changes caused by degenerative disc disease. Based on the results of advanced diagnostic imaging tests, they create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage symptoms and remain active.

Lumbar disk replacement involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial disk made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. Lumbar disk replacement is often seen as an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery.

Arm pain and numbness that persist beyond 6 months of non-surgical treatment may necessitate surgical management. Common indications for neck surgery include: Persistent or recurrent arm pain and/or numbness unresponsive to non-surgical treatment for at least 6 months⁵.

Degenerative disc disease pain does not tend to progress with age. While the discs will often continue to degenerate, the associated pain tends to subside. Generally by age 60 a degenerated disc will have stabilized and will usually not be painful.

Yes, you can qualify for long term disability benefits for degenerative disc disease. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are an important part of any financial plan. These benefits provide a monthly payment of between 50 and 60% of your salary in the event that you are unable to work due to a disability.