01 — What it is
Cervical discs carry the weight of the head through a highly mobile part of the spine. As they degenerate they lose height, bone spurs can form, and the openings the nerves travel through may narrow. The result is either radiculopathy, meaning a compressed nerve root with arm symptoms, or myelopathy, meaning pressure on the spinal cord itself.
02 — Symptoms
- Neck pain, with pain radiating into the shoulder blade or arm
- Numbness or weakness in specific fingers
- Clumsiness with buttons, keys or handwriting
- Unsteadiness when walking, which can indicate cord involvement
03 — Causes
- Age-related degeneration and bone spur formation
- Flexion and extension injuries, including whiplash
- A congenitally narrow cervical canal
04 — How it is diagnosed
Examination distinguishes radiculopathy from myelopathy, which is the distinction that shapes the rest of the plan. MRI shows the disc and the spinal cord. Flexion and extension X-rays show whether the segment is unstable.
05 — Treatment approach
Radiculopathy often improves with non-surgical care. Myelopathy is generally treated to prevent further progression. Where surgery is appropriate, the choice between disc replacement and fusion depends on alignment, the condition of the facet joints, and how many levels are involved.
General information only. Your own diagnosis and plan depend on your examination and imaging. Nothing here replaces a consultation.
