Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain and radiating arm pain. It develops when one or more of the cushioning discs in the cervical spine starts to break down due to wear and tear.
This is a relatively common condition for aging adults. The spine is made up of bones and discs. The discs are like gelatin. As we get older, the discs start to dry out and no longer cushion the bones. Without the cushioning of the discs, the nerve roots or spinal cord (or both) start to get pinched or pressured. This condition is called aging degeneration or disc degeneration.
Treatment options range from nonoperative measures to surgical intervention.
