Being diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s important to know this diagnosis doesn’t define your future. With the right approach and a few lifestyle adjustments, you can take control of your symptoms and maintain a fulfilling, active life for years to come.
So whether you’re managing a diagnosis or worried you may have the condition, there’s hope—and steps you can take today to feel better.
What does CDDD feel like?
Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs when the soft discs that sit between the vertebrae in your cervical spine (neck vertebrae) begin to wear down over time. These discs act as cushions, absorbing impact and allowing smooth movement between vertebrae. When they degenerate, they can trigger a variety of uncomfortable and even debilitating symptoms.
Some common signs of degenerative disc disease in the neck include:
- Chronic neck pain: A dull, persistent ache or sharp pain in the neck that can become worse with movement or certain prolonged postures.
- Radiating pain: Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, or down the back.
- Stiffness: Difficulty turning your head or a general feeling of tightness in the neck.
- Tingling or numbness: Nerve compression due to decreased nerve cushioning can trigger these sensations in the arms or fingers.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches, particularly at the back of the head or base of the skull, may be linked to cervical disc issues.
If these symptoms sound familiar and you haven’t yet gotten a clear diagnosis, it’s vital to see a medical professional who can help you figure out whether it’s just a passing pain or a sign of DDD. In either case, early intervention can make a world of difference in managing your symptoms.
How to prevent/reduce degenerative disc disease pain
It’s often said that prevention is the best form of treatment, and this is especially true when dealing with a condition like degenerative disc disease. But even if you’ve already been diagnosed, there are proactive steps you can take to manage your condition and reduce pain effectively.
Prioritize healthy posture
Poor posture places unnecessary strain on the cervical spine. This can accelerate disc degeneration and make symptoms worse in the short term. This most importantly applies to how you sit, stand, and sleep.
- Sitting: Use an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back. Keep your head aligned with your spine and avoid slouching for prolonged periods.
- Standing: Distribute your weight evenly and avoid craning your neck forward (a common habit when looking at phones or screens).
- Sleeping: Choose a supportive pillow that aligns your neck with the rest of your spine. Sleeping on your side or back is generally better than your stomach.
Minimize other risk factors
Small lifestyle changes can have a large impact on your overall spinal health.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on your spine, increasing the wear on your discs.
- Quit smoking: Smoking has been shown to impair spinal disc health by limiting blood flow and nutrient delivery.
- Stay active: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga strengthen supporting muscles while minimizing stress on the spine.
Incorporate targeted treatments
Specific exercises for degenerative disc disease can help strengthen the muscles around your neck and improve flexibility, which reduces pain and can slow down further degeneration.
- Gentle neck stretches done each day will help improve flexibility and reduce prolonged pressure on certain parts of your neck.
- Strengthen supporting muscles with resistance exercises. Examples of effective DDD neck exercises include chin tucks and isometric holds against light resistance. Be sure to do this gently and at a sustainable pace.
- Use heat or ice to soothe inflammation and relax tense muscles as needed.
A physical therapist will be able to provide much more specific instructions for how to strengthen your muscles appropriately for your specific experience of cervical disc degeneration. They may also offer additional treatments like trigger point or myofascial release therapy to help release tension and improve symptoms that are affecting you today.
Additionally, always listen to your body. Avoid exercises or movements that cause sharp pain and stick to what feels comfortable and effective.
What to look for in a DDD physical therapist
Any licensed physical therapist can be qualified to help treat degenerative disc disease at the root cause and for any secondary symptoms you might be experiencing like shoulder pain or headaches.
Additional things to look for include:
- Expertise in neck pain: Ask if your therapist has experience treating CDDD and understands the nuances of cervical spine care.
- Accurate diagnostic methods: Not every therapist is trained in advanced diagnostic methods like the McKenzie Method, which helps pinpoint specific causes of pain to develop targeted treatments. Misdiagnosis or incomplete diagnoses are common issues that can hinder your recovery.
- Focus on education: The best therapists empower you by teaching DDD neck exercises and lifestyle adjustments you can confidently implement at home.
- Attentive to your needs: Never underestimate the benefits of simply feeling comfortable working with a trustworthy and attentive physical therapist.
Treating cervical degenerative disc disease in Pittsburgh
We know the diagnosis of “degenerative disc disease” sounds scary and will have an impact on your life going forward, but the good news is that this condition is within your control; you can take steps to feel better even after the diagnosis.
To learn more about what cervical degenerative disc disease looks like and means for you, start a conversation with our team by calling one of our Pittsburgh clinics or by simply requesting an appointment online.
