Cervical Discogenic Pain
Cervical discogenic pain refers to symptoms that result from the degeneration of one or more of the intervertebral discs in the neck. In a healthy spine, these softer more elastic discs cushion the back and neck and prevent the individual vertebra from grinding together. However, over time, these discs also become prone to deterioration and can rupture or swell. When a disc becomes herniated or bulged, the nerves in the spinal column - including the spinal cord and nerve roots - may become compressed and directly cause cervical discogenic pain. Or, a tear in a disc can irritate nerves in the disc itself, causing discogenic localized pain.
The intervertebral discs of the spine contain a gel-like nucleus and a fibrous outer wall. In the event that the wall of the disc becomes torn, the nucleus can protrude through the walls of the disc - or even escape the disc entirely and enter the spinal column. This condition isn't always symptomatic by itself - in fact, many people don't know they have a herniated disc - but should the disc material come into contact with a nerve outside the disc wall or the spinal cord, cervical discogenic pain can present. When regular nerve function is interrupted, a number of symptoms in addition to localized pain can occur, including, Muscle weakness and fatigue, Pain that radiates from the neck along a nerve, Tingling or numbness in the extremities, Diminished reflexes, Neck stiffness.
Treatment of Cervical Discogenic Pain
Neck pain may be frustrating, but the good news is that it's usually easily treatable. In most cases, a regimen of pain medication, heat or ice therapy, and stretching is all that is required to overcome the inconvenience. However, in the event that the cervical discogenic pain persists after several weeks of treatment, your doctor may suggest surgery as an option. If this is the case, please contact us learn about our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures. We utilize the latest in safe and effective technology to help alleviate our patients' pain.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS) is becoming the trend and the method of choice over traditional spine surgery. MIS, utilizing much smaller incision and endoscope, typically results in better clinical outcome, less pain and scarring, faster recovery time, lower risk of complications, as well as a reduction in healthcare costs. San Antonio Spine Pain Be Gone offers the widest range of MIS procedures available anywhere.