Diseases of Cervical Spine:
Also known as degenerative disc disease, most often occurs in the discs of the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region). As we age, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate. These age-related changes include: The loss of fluid in your discs. This reduces the ability of the discs to act as shock absorbers and makes them less flexible. Loss of fluid also makes the disc thinner and narrows the distance between the vertebrae.
Tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jelly like material inside the disc (nucleus) may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments.
The healthy neck is well balanced and allows for movement, stresses, and strains of the head and body. If parts of the neck are injured, start to degenerate, or become unbalanced, it can be a source of neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and arm pain. Many patients report numbness, tingling, or sharp pains in their arms, hands, or fingers.
