Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical Disc Disease
Discs that become damaged either through trauma or degeneration can be a source of pain. In the event a disc has moved out of its normal positioning, it exerts pressure onto the central spine as well as the nerve roots exposed at every vertebra. This can cause a number of issues, including:
- Pain, numbness, or weakness radiating to different points of the spine, neck, shoulders, and arms.
- Bone Spurs
- Disc Disruption
- Disc Degeneration
- Neurological Issues: Muscle Spasms, Incontinence, Poor Coordination, etc.
The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the neck, because it is made up of cervical discs.
Treatment
Initially patients with cervical spine issues are treated without surgical measures, typically non-invasive techniques such as physical therapy, prescription medication, and spinal injections. If symptoms persist, longer than a few months, and the cervical discs continue to degenerate, surgery must be considered. The best candidates for cervical disc replacement surgery are generally those who suffer from cervical disc disease, and have not experienced results from less-invasive treatments and physical therapy.
