What does degenerative disc disease cervical mean?

Overview. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical (neck region) spine indicates that the intervertebral disc has undergone degenerative, wear-and-tear (arthritic) changes, which may or may not lead to significant neck pain and spinal problems.

How do you stop cervical spine degeneration?

Preventing Degenerative Disc Disease

1. Stop smoking, or better yet, don’t start — smoking increases the rate of desiccation.
2. Be active – regular exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles that surround and support the spine.

Can anything be done for degenerative discs?

Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.

Is it better to sit or stand with a herniated disc?

Sitting. Sitting for long periods of time isn’t ideal for people with a herniated disc. A standing desk is a great option, but if you must sit, rest your spine firmly against the chair back, sit up straight, and don’t slouch (which strains the spinal ligaments and aggravates a herniated disc).

What’s the worst way to sleep?

The worst sleep position: On your stomach “This position puts the most pressure on your spine’s muscles and joints because it flattens the natural curve of your spine,” he says. “Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to turn your neck, which can cause neck and upper back pain.”

Which sleeping position is not good?

Your neck and spine are not in a neutral position when you sleep on your stomach. This may cause neck and back pain. Stomach sleeping can put pressure on nerves and cause numbness, tingling, and nerve pain.

Can degenerative disc disease go away on its own?

Although degenerative disc disease won’t completely go away on its own, many patients find symptoms respond favorably to simple lifestyle changes, such as: Following a healthy diet.

What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?

Lifting heavy items incorrectly by not using the legs, twisting while lifting, and trauma can all damage the disks. Degenerative disc disease is broken down into three stages: dysfunction, instability, and restabilization or auto-fusion. Each stage has associated signs, symptoms, and duration.

What are the best exercises for degenerative disc disease?

Try walking, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and stretching. Lifting heavy weights or running marathons might not be a good idea if you have significant disc degeneration or many DDD symptoms. Instead, your goal should be regular, moderate exercise, which will help strengthen your muscles, bones, and joints.

What is the treatment for degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease can usually be treated with a combination of pain management techniques, physical therapy, and other approaches.