Treatment of Cervical Disc Disease – Non Surgical

Most patients do not need surgery! Initially, the doctor may recommend cold/heat therapy or medications. During the first 24 to 48 hours cold therapy helps to reduce swelling, muscle spasm and pain by reducing blood flow. After the first 48 hours, heat therapy can be applied. Heat increases blood flow to warm and relax soft tissues. Increased blood flow helps to flush away irritating toxins that may accumulate in tissues as a result of muscle spasm and disc injury. Never apply ice or heat directly to skin; instead, wrap the cold or heat source in a thick towel for no longer than 15-20 minutes.

Medications may include an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling, a muscle relaxant to calm spasm, and a pain-killer (narcotic) to alleviate intense but short-lived pain (acute pain). Mild to moderate pain may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These work by relieving both swelling and pain. Discuss NSAID use with your physician first.

The doctor may also recommend physical therapy. The doctor’s orders are transmitted to the physical therapist by prescription. Physical therapy includes a combination of non-surgical treatments to decrease pain and increase flexibility. Ice and heat therapy, gentle massage, stretching, and neck traction are some examples.

In four to six weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved without surgery! Be optimistic about your treatment plan and remember that less than 5% of spine problems require surgery!

In the event that surgery is required due to cervical disc herniation or cervical degenerative disc disease, fusion surgery of the vertebra may be recomended. The resulting elimination of the natural range of motion often results in further damage to adjacent discs. This cervical disc surgery is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Over the past 15 years a breakthrough disc surgery for cervical disc herniation and cervical Degenerative Disc Disease has been developed in Europe known as Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) or Disc Arthroplasty. A disc prosthesis is implanted between the vertebra after removing the core of the damaged disc. Disc space is restored and range of motion is maintained limiting further damage. Disc Replacement surgery can also be used to eliminate damage in adjacent discs where previous spinal fusion exists.

Disc Replacement or Disc Arthroplasty, as compared to other orthopedic disciplines, is the next evolutionary step in spine surgery. Cervical Disc Replacement  surgery is now commercially available in Europe and many other countries. FDA trials are underway and should be concluded within the next few years, although many Americans have been going to Germany, to avoid Spinal Fusion and get their Artificial Disc Replacement surgery for years.    

Artificial Disc Replacement | Degenerative Disc Disease | Discectomy and Laminotomy | Discectomy with Fusion | Foraminal Stenosis | Cervical DDD

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