The cervical spine is the upper part of the spine, beginning at the base of the skull where your neck is. Degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is a condition in which the facet joints that bring the vertebrae of the cervical spine together and allow them to hinge and bend begin to wear down and become inflamed. This can be incredibly painful and may result in limited mobility.

The primary cause of degenerative joint disease is aging. Over time, the cartilage that coats the facet joints wears away as a result of natural wear and tear. However, there are indirect factors that can speed up this natural deterioration of the cervical spine, including:

• Obesity
• Activities or work that requires repetitive motion
• Genetic predisposition
• Sports-related injuries
• Traumatic injuries

While there is no way to completely reverse degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, there are treatment options that can help relieve the symptoms this condition may cause. Some typical treatment options include over-the-counter pain medications, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy and low-impact exercises. However, if conservative methods do not help provide lasting relief, surgery may be considered. In these cases, the professionals at USA Spine Care can help.

USA Spine Care’s board-certified surgeons+ have performed more than 100,000 minimally invasive procedures to help patients find relief from their neck or back pain. These procedures require less than 1-inch incisions and shorter recovery times than traditional open neck or back surgeries.^

To learn more about how the specialists at USA Spine Care can help you overcome pain caused by degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, contact us today. We can provide you with a free MRI review* to find out whether you’re a candidate for our minimally invasive procedures.

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