What Causes Cervical Disc Disease and How Does It Affect Your Spine?

Cervical disc disease is a prevalent condition that affects the cervical spine, primarily stemming from the degeneration of disc material. Over time, the degenerating disc can result in several complications, ranging from pain to restricted movement.

The spine’s intervertebral discs play a pivotal role as they act as cushions and shock absorbers between the vertebrae. These discs consist of a jelly-like core, known as the nucleus pulposis, encased by a fibrous outer ring. As these discs undergo wear and tear, they can lead to conditions such as cervical spondylosis, cervical stenosis, and other degenerative diseases.

When the cervical disc degenerates, it causes a loss of vertebral body height, which in turn places undue stress on the already weakened disc material. This strain can lead to the disc bulging outward into the spinal canal, causing pain and potential nerve damage.

One of the main symptoms of cervical disc disease is neck pain, which might radiate to the arms. Additionally, when the spondylotic changes apply pressure on adjacent nerves, patients can feel numbness or tingling that extends down the arm, sometimes even without any neck pain.

Another condition that can emerge is cervical spondylosis. Common symptoms of this ailment include neck pain and stiffness. However, when the degenerative changes start affecting the discs, complications arise. The nucleus pulposis might dry out due to aging, or the annulus fibrosis, the disc’s outer part, can exhibit rips and cracks from wear and tear.

In certain severe scenarios, such as cervical compression resulting from degenerative diseases, patients might encounter significant pain, weakness, numbness, and even difficulty walking. In such cases, medical intervention like a cervical discectomy and fusion might be necessary.

While herniated discs are primarily found in the lumbar spine, they can also manifest in the cervical section. Over time, a fully degenerated disc may even leave no space between two vertebrae, restricting movement and leading to nerve damage.

Notably, a pressing condition to be aware of is the Cauda equina syndrome (CES). This syndrome arises when nerves in the cauda equina, nerve roots emanating from the spinal cord’s base, get compressed or damaged. CES is a medical emergency, necessitating immediate surgery to stave off permanent paralysis or loss of bowel and bladder functions.

For those interested in clinical investigations on cervical disc diseases, there’s a multi-center study comparing the BAGUERA®C to a similar total disc replacement device for patients with symptomatic cervical disc disease. More details on this can be found here.

For a deeper dive into cervical disc disease and related conditions, several reputable sources provide comprehensive information:

University of Virginia’s Neurosurgery Services
UConn Health’s Spine Services
Hospital for Special Surgery’s Overview on Spondylosis
Hospital for Special Surgery’s Information on Degenerative Scoliosis

In conclusion, understanding cervical disc disease and its symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed can help in managing and preventing complications.