About Multilevel Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Multi-level cervical degenerative disc disease can be caused by injury or normal wear and tear in the neck region. There are several treatments available including exercise or surgery. It is important to understand how the disease is diagnosed and what the treatment options are for optimum health.

Features

• Multi-level cervical degenerative disc disorder occurs when one has degenerative discs in several areas or levels. Cervical disc degeneration is a condition that is much less common than degenerative disc disorder of the lower back. This is because the neck is not usually subjected to the same amount of pressure and daily stress that is placed on the back according to back expert and orthopedic surgeon Peter Ullrich.

Causes

• Cervical degenerative disc disorder is usually caused by a fall, injury or other trauma to the neck. This can be from a vehicle accident, a slip and fall or simply an unfortunate twisting of the neck that creates stress on the cervical discs and causes injury. It can also be caused by normal wear and tear as one ages.

Symptoms

• Key symptoms for multi-level cervical degenerative disc disorder are not confined to the neck. While a key symptom is often a stiff neck, many patients also report experiencing tingling, numbness or weakness not only in their neck but also in their arms and or shoulders as well.
  Where the symptoms appear and their severity depends on the location of the pinched nerve root and number of discs involved.

Diagnosis

• Multi-level cervical degenerative disc disorder is diagnosed through a series of examinations and tests.
  The first step is to have a physician go over the patient's medical history and current symptoms. Then tests will be performed to measure the flexibility of the neck as well as the neck's ability to extend.
  While these tests are being completed the patient will be asked to report whether pain in the neck is getting better or worse with each movement.
  If the physical exam alerts the physician to the possibility of cervical degenerative disc disease, radiological testing will be ordered. These may include an MRI, X-rays or a CAT Scan. These tests can confirm whether the patient has cervical degenerative disc disease or a different disorder such as arthritis.

Treatments

• Treatment includes starting out with non-surgical attempts to alleviate symptoms by easing the pressure in the affected areas. This is accomplished through an ice and heat regime, inflammatory medications and pain medications, and physical therapy.
  In addition, exercise is often recommended including stretching motions so that the neck's flexibility can be maintained and improved.
  The exercise routine needs to be designed by a doctor or professional therapist to prevent further injury to the neck from occurring.
  If the non-invasive methods do not work, then the next treatment option is surgery.