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Cervical Disc Pain

Neck pain is usually a temporary condition, but sometimes medical care is needed to ease it, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If you are experiencing pain in your neck, it could be caused by a problem with a disc in the cervical portion of your spine.

  1. Cervical Discs

    • Cervical discs are found in between the vertebrae in your neck and upper torso. They are flat and round and act as cushions and shock absorbers for your spine.

    Disc Degeneration

    • Cervical disc pain can be caused by disc degeneration. The disc degenerates either because of age or injury and your vertebrae end up closer together. This leads to extra strain and wearing on your joints, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

    Herniated Disc

    • Cervical discs can also herniate, or slip out of place. The protruding disc can cause pain by pressing down on nerves in your neck and near your spinal cord.

    Treatment

    • Cervical disc pain can be managed by reducing movement in the neck with a brace, which will reduce wear on your joints. Pain medication can help to manage your discomfort.

    Considerations

    • If your cervical disc pain is severe or spreads to your shoulders and arms, more serious treatment such as cervical fusion could be necessary.

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