Introduction
You hear a lot about disc degeneration or degenerative disc disease or the old stand-by term, "arthritis" even though it really doesn't define the source of pain. Disc degeneration is the appropriate term for a common cause of neck pain due to thinning of the disc.
Description
Disc degeneration is the thinning of the disc, resulting in narrowed spinal canal space, possible facet joint irritation, and bone spur development on the bony vertebrae that can be painful.
The term arthritis is sometimes used to discuss degeneration and the inflammation and pain that accompanies it. Arthritis, though, is not the proper term alone to use as the cause of pain.
Disc degeneration is the loss of disc height and the resulting misalignment of the articulations called subluxation.
Bone spur formations of the cervical vertebrae cause pain as they grow back into the nerve opening, compressing the spinal nerve.
Watch this video description of the progression of disc degeneration.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Cervical Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Cox Technic widens the canal space, drops the intradiscal pressure and increases the disc height to relieve pain.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Cervical Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0% to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the elbow
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the neck and stays above the elbow
At Home Care
At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, wear a neck brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with your doctor to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.
Clinical Case Reports
Contact Gormish Chiropractic & Rehabilitation for carefully effective care of your cervical spine disc degeneration pain.