The Latest Surgical Treatments for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Are Available in Houston, Cypress & Tomball, TX

A common cause of neck pain, cervical degenerative disc disease often develops gradually due to the wear and tear associated with the natural aging process. Over time, the spinal discs—small cushions situated between vertebrae—slowly lose their water content, ultimately becoming stiff, brittle and less effective as shock absorbers for the spine.

What are the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease?

Cervical degenerative disc disease does not always cause pain or require treatment. Sometimes, the condition is discovered during a medical examination performed for an unrelated reason. However, as the spinal discs break down, they lose height, allowing the adjacent vertebrae to move closer together. This can potentially lead to painful bone-on-bone contact as well as spinal joint inflammation and the development of bone spurs.

If inflamed or excess tissue presses on or pinches the spinal cord or a nerve root in the neck, several uncomfortable symptoms can develop. In addition to localized neck pain and stiffness, some people experience numbness and tingling sensations that radiate from the neck through one or both shoulders, arms and hands.

How is cervical degenerative disc disease treated?

Pain tolerance varies widely among individuals. For those who require treatment for cervical degenerative disc disease, most spine experts recommend starting with at least six weeks of conservative therapy. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can be effective for reducing pain and inflammation in the neck, and in some cases, no further treatment is needed.

Physical therapy is another potentially effective treatment option for cervical degenerative disc disease. A physical therapist can use cervical traction or gently manipulate the muscles and joints in the neck to help relieve pain and stiffness. A customized physical therapy program may also include a home exercise regimen and postural improvement.

To address severe cervical degenerative disc disease symptoms that do not respond to conservative therapy, a cervical disc replacement may be considered. This surgical procedure involves removing the damaged disc, along with any nearby bone spurs, then inserting a metal or polymer prosthetic in its place.

If you’d like to explore your treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, request a consultation with R. Alexander Mohr, MD. Dr. Mohr practices with Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Houston, Cypress and Tomball, TX. After evaluating your condition, he can help you find the most conservative treatment approach that will be effective for you.