Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck

Degenerative disc disease physical therapyOne of the most commonly prescribed treatments for degenerative disc disease in the neck is physical therapy. After degenerative disc disease (DDD) has been diagnosed, a physician usually will initiate a course of conservative treatment, which may include pain medication and other methods. The patient also is likely to be referred to a physical therapist, who will provide training to help improve overall health, as well as guidance to manage specific symptoms through exercise, stretching, weight training, and other low-impact physical activity.

Read more

A Bulging Disc in the Neck – The Connection Between Mind & Body


Bulging Disc in the NeckIf you suffer from a bulging disc in the neck, you know all too well that this condition can have both physical and emotional consequences. Because the connection between the mind and the body is very strong, a physical injury or other health condition can often cause anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, depression, irritability, and other forms of psychological distress.

One possible biological theory for this is that physical pain and our emotions share the same neural pathways, so pain signals from a bulging disc can also interfere with the way your brain regulates your emotions, possibly causing you to feel sad or depressed in response.
Read more

A Bone Spur in Your Neck Can Cause Two Sets of Symptoms

Neck painIf your doctor tells you that you have bone spur in your neck, or cervical region of your spine, this condition has likely been caused by the onset of osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative condition, also called wear-and-tear arthritis, that should not be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Spinal osteoarthritis develops in people as they age and as the cartilage surrounding the vertebral facet joints begins to deteriorate. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms of stiffness, joint instability, spontaneous joint lockage, and bone-on-bone friction. Read more

Epidural for Neck Pain Safer Using Ultrasound

epdiural neck injections using ultrasound

Epidural neck injections appear safer using ultrasound to avoid nerve or blood vessel injury.

Epidural steroid injections for neck pain are not always a preferred treatment as there are concerns about accidental damage to the complex structures in the cervical spine. Lumbar epidural steroid injections are more common for pain relief however and are also often used to determine the exact site of nerve irritation prior to back surgery. Recent research suggests that ultrasound guidance can reduce the risks associated with epidural steroid injections in the cervical spine and so many neck pain sufferers may now consider this a viable treatment option. Read more