A lot of times, chronic low back and neck pain goes untreated. People think that their back pain is just the result of sitting in an awkward position or irritated muscles from an intense workout. Because of this disregard, people often live with low back and neck pain for the rest of their life.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, the physicians and entire medical staff work effortlessly to ensure all patients get the best treatment for their condition. Cervical disc degeneration is accompanied with chronic low back pain. A physical exam will determine which pain management therapy will effectively improve a patient’s symptoms and reduce pain before introducing surgery as an option.
Running, even walking, becomes difficult when you live with chronic pain. When a patient has cervical disc degeneration they will typically have symptoms of neck pain, stiffness, limited range of motion of the neck, numbness, and tingling in the hands and arms. These crippling symptoms can lead to more severe conditions such as nerve impingement and stenosis.
This disease is often the result of a traumatizing event such as a car accident, a fall, or sports injury. A fall injury can manipulate the disc space in the spine, which rouses the degeneration. If not immediately treated, which most often it is not, the wear and tear on the disc can lead to neck and back pain.
Once an appointment is made to examine a patient who potentially has this condition, a physician will review the symptoms and measure the neck extension and flexibility. Certain movements that produce pain may indicate disc degeneration. Further testing and imaging studies (X-Ray, MRI, CT scan) may be needed to assist the diagnosis process. The imaging techniques will identify the location of the degeneration and tell if there are other conditions to be concerned about (ie calcification and arthritis).
Typically, a physician will recommend a conservative treatment plan as the primary approach. This may include medication for pain and inflammation, ice and heat application, and exercise to alleviate pain and stiffness. Cervical epidural injections are used to treat this condition, and many patients will attest to its effectiveness. They are helpful for quick relief and return the body to regular functionality. Physical therapy is another option for cervical disc degeneration.
If a patient does not find adequate relief within six months of pain management, a doctor will recommend surgery. Fusion surgery is usually recommended. The surgery involves the removal of the degenerated disc and the insertion of a metal cage to maintain neck stability and alignment.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
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