Cervical disc disease encompasses conditions affecting the intervertebral discs of the neck, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and cervical spondylosis. These conditions can cause neck pain, arm pain (radiculopathy), and spinal cord compression (myelopathy).
Types of Cervical Disc Problems
- Cervical herniated disc: Disc material pressing on nerves or spinal cord
- Cervical radiculopathy: Pinched nerve causing arm pain, numbness, weakness
- Cervical myelopathy: Spinal cord compression causing coordination and balance problems
- Cervical spondylosis: Age-related wear and tear with bone spurs
- Cervical stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck
When Surgery is Needed
Surgery may be recommended when:
- Conservative treatments fail after 6-12 weeks
- Significant arm weakness is present
- Spinal cord compression (myelopathy) is documented
- Progressive neurological decline occurs
Surgical Options
Dr. Jerry Walters II offers multiple surgical approaches:
- ACDF: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with instrumentation
- Cervical disc replacement: Motion-preserving alternative to fusion
- Posterior cervical decompression: Laminectomy or laminoplasty
- Combined approaches: For complex multi-level disease
Serving Hampton, Stockbridge, McDonough, and all of Southern Georgia with expert cervical spine care.
Common Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain radiating down one or both arms
- Numbness or tingling in hands and fingers
- Grip weakness or hand clumsiness
- Balance and coordination problems (myelopathy)
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks
Treatment Options
Physical therapy and conservative care
Cervical epidural injections
ACDF surgery with instrumentation
Cervical disc replacement
Posterior cervical decompression
Dr. Marcus Stephens and Dr. Jerry Walters II
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert cervical disc disease treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.