Medicine Used for Degenerative Disc Disease in Neck

Degenerative disc disease, or spondylosis of the cervical vertebrae of the neck, is caused by thinning and weakening of the cartilage over time. Risk factors for degenerative disc disease include older age, osteoarthritis and slipping of the vertebral discs. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease include localized and radiating pain in the neck and spine, which can be treated with the pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication and numbing agents.

Cortisone

• Cortisone can be injected in between the vertebrae of the neck to reduce inflammation and pain, although this may only be effective for a limited number of uses.

Topical medication

• Medicated creams and patches that contain camphor or menthol can be applied to the neck, where they will warm and numb the area to reduce inflammation.

Oral medication

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can reduce inflammation in and around the joints of the neck and reduce neck pain.

Lidocaine

• Lidocaine is a mild narcotic medication that can be injected into the neck area to numb the pain.

Muscle relaxants

• Prescription-strength muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can reduce stiffness and pain caused by degenerative disc disease in the neck.

Antidepressants

• According to the Mayo Clinic, physicians may prescribe tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) to relieve neck pain in people with degenerative disc disease.

Considerations

• People with degenerative disc disease of the neck whose pain is not relieved through medication may require surgery, especially patients whose vertebrae have slipped or compressed a nerve.