Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (Cervical DDD) is a progressive degeneration of discs that are located in between the cervical (neck region and upper back) portion or the vertebrae (bones that form the spinal column). These discs not only act as shock absorbers that provide the body with cushioning, but also ensure neck stability and smooth neck movement all around.
Over an individual’s lifespan, the discs become less hydrated and thus, provide less cushion and become prone to cracks. These discs than often begin degenerating which can cause neck pain and stiffness, pain radiating to the shoulders, arms and hands, and numbness in the shoulders.
Cervical DDD is the most common form of joint diseases. Although there may be certain causes such as genetic predispositions, type of occupation, and/or joint factors that increase the likelihood, or make it appear sooner, most individuals over the age of 50 get the disease.
Symptoms include slowly developing neck pain or pain following joint use, morning stiffness and pain in the neck, or pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms and hands causing numbness. X-rays can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of this disease.
Although there is no cure for the disease, managing the pain is critical for individuals with this disease to ensure that the quality of daily life is not hindered. We provide many services that can manage the symptoms and improve your biomechanics such as: