Treatment and General Principles for Cervical Disc Issues

Explanation by Dr. Ali Nemati Diagnosis • Diagnosis may require imaging, such as X-ray or cervical MRI. ________________________________________ Care and Measures • Use a soft neck collar to prevent sudden muscle strain • Heat and moisture: Take a warm shower for 10–20 minutes on the neck and shoulders twice a day o Between showers, apply a warm, damp towel on the neck • Gentle neck massage • Correct posture while sitting and standing: o Pull chin and abdomen inward o Sit on a firm chair with buttocks touching the backrest • Sleep without a pillow or use a special pillow or small folded towel under the neck • If arm or hand pain/numbness occurs, a cervical traction device may be used • Sometimes ultrasound therapy is recommended • Surgery may be necessary for: o Fusing cervical vertebrae o Removing damaged disc o Enlarging space around the spinal cord ________________________________________ Cervical Joint Degeneration • Cervical joints degenerate with age and time • Diseases like osteoarthritis can damage the cartilage between vertebrae, causing neck pain • Bone spurs may form, limiting joint movement and causing pain • Other causes include infections, tumors, and congenital neck disorders