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Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment at Laser Spine Institute
Cervical degenerative disc disease can be caused by injury, but it is most often the result of aging. Over time the discs separating the vertebrae in the neck begin to flatten, lose some of their cushion and flexibility, and eventually become brittle. Little by little they break down, leaving little to no support for the vertebrae, which causes pain as the joints fall out of alignment and the bones begin to rub on each other. The result is usually just stiffness and mild discomfort in the neck, but the pain can escalate if the vertebrae affected by the degenerating discs pinch spinal nerve tissue. When that occurs, there may be weakness, tingling or numbness in neck, arms, shoulders and/or hands.
If you are experiencing these more severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following to treat your pain:
- Hot or cold compresses
- Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and exercises
These treatments can minimize symptoms, but if they don’t work, there is another option: surgery. At Laser Spine Institute (LSI) we use endoscopic techniques to lessen your pain without damaging muscle or other tissue. This minimally invasive procedure and recovery less painful that traditional back or neck surgery and also reduces the recovery time and possibility for complications. Our procedures are also highly effective. More than 85 % of our patients report an increased quality of life within three months of their procedure. Some even feel better before they are off the operating table.
If you’d like more information on an endoscopic approach to treating cervical degenerative disc disease, contact LSI today. We’ll review your MRI or CT scan today to see if you are good candidate.