The pain in your neck has become so severe you’ve decided to enlist the help of a cervical disc neurosurgeon Plano TX, who diagnosed you with degenerative disc disease. Although the name of this condition sounds quite frightening, it may not be as scary as it seems. Knowing exactly what you are facing and the pain-relief options that are available may help you to feel better about your situation.

Cervical Disc Neurosurgeon Plano TX: What Degenerative Disc Disease Is

When you think about it, your neck is actually quite amazing. Not only is it able to swivel around 180 degrees, it is in charge of carrying your 9- to 12-lbs. head: that’s a lot to hold up and maneuver. Because of how much your neck has to endure, it’s no wonder that it is prone to experiencing some wear and tear. The most common is classified as degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative disc disease describes the symptoms of pain, weakness, and numbness caused by a degenerative disc in the spine. When it affects your neck, it takes place in the top seven vertebrae in your spine, known as the cervical spine. Over time, or if you suffer an injury, your discs can break down. Oftentimes, the proteins contained within the disc space can cause a good amount of inflammation, which can result in pain, tingling, and numbness in your neck, shoulders, arms, and even hands.

The Good News About Degenerative Disc Disease

If a cervical disc neurosurgeon diagnoses you with degenerative disc disease, you are likely worried about the future. After all, a diagnosis such as this seems like it is a sentence for a lifetime of pain. Patients worry that as they get older, the degeneration will get progressively worse, as will the pain. Fortunately, that may not be the case at all.

The term “degenerative disc disease” is quite misleading. It does not apply to the symptoms getting worse over time, but rather the process of the disc degenerating over time. And although the condition of the disc may get worse as you age, the pain usually gets better, particularly if your body responds to the treatment you receive, which could range from physical therapy to surgery.

Talk to Your Doctor About Relief For Your Degenerative Disc Disease

A cervical disc neurosurgeon Plano TX from the Brain & Spine Center of Texas may be able to effectively manage your pain and symptoms created by degenerative disc disease. Schedule your consultation by calling 972-943-9779 and find out how we can help.