Cervical degenerative
disc disease is a painful condition that can be quite debilitating. Cervical disc disease can be the result of an automobile accident, a sports injury, a household fall or the aging process. The degenerative disc disease can make the most ordinary tasks difficult without therapy, exercise or some other type of intervention.
Cervical Traction
One of the common problems with cervical degenerative disc disease is referred pain to the shoulders, arms and/or hands. A traction device can help relieve the pressure that is caused when a disc gets out of alignment and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Traction relieves nerve root compression.
Spinal Manipulation
A visit to a chiropractor can relieve pain caused by degenerative disc disease. This is not the most consistent approach, and much of its success has to do with the individual patient. If you are in relatively good condition (outside of the cervical degenerative disc disease) your body may respond better to spinal manipulation. However, if you have conditioning problems, it may be more difficult to get the results you want.
Cervical Epidural
A cervical epidural procedure can have dramatic results. An epidural steroid shot near the diseased disc can serve two purposes. Not only will it reduce or get rid of the pain you are feeling, it is also an outstanding diagnostic tool for your doctor. If the epidural steroid shot is successful and your pain dissipates, your doctor will know the exact spot of the degenerative disc disease and it will help him come up with a permanent solution to your problem.
Surgery
Surgery may be the course of action when referred problems start to worsen. For example, you may start to lose control of some of your extremities. If you are holding a glass in your hand and you drop it for no reason, your cervical degenerative disc disease may be getting worse. You may develop bladder or bowel problems. In these cases, cervical spinal fusion may be warranted.
Tags: degenerative disc disease, disc disease, degenerative disc, cervical degenerative disc, degenerative disc, cervical degenerative