Cervical disc disease results from damage, disease, or wear and tear to the discs between the bones (vertebra) in your neck. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. When a disc is damaged, it can bulge out and press against the nerve roots or spinal cord. This is sometimes called a herniated or "slipped disc." This pressure can cause pain and numbness or tingling in your arms and hands. It can also cause weakness in your legs.
An accident can damage a disc and cause it to break open (rupture). Aging and hard physical work can also cause damage to cervical discs.
The first treatments for cervical disc disease include physical therapy, special neck exercises, heat, and pain medicine. If these fail, your doctor may inject steroids and pain medicine into your neck. Surgery is usually done only if other treatments have not worked.
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