Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms. Others develop neck stiffness or aching, headaches, arm symptoms from nerve irritation, or signs of spinal cord compression when degeneration narrows the canal.

Diagnosis

The key is correlation: the examination and symptom pattern must match the imaging finding. Standing X-rays show alignment and disc height; MRI evaluates nerves, discs, and the spinal cord.

Treatment options

Treatment usually begins with activity adjustment, medication when appropriate, physical therapy, ergonomic changes, and selective injections for a well-defined pain generator. The aim is to improve function rather than treat an image.

When surgery is considered

Surgery is reserved for a specific, structurally correctable problem — such as persistent nerve compression, myelopathy, deformity, or instability — not degeneration alone.

When to seek care promptly

Seek prompt care for progressive arm weakness, hand clumsiness, balance difficulty, or any loss of bowel or bladder control.