Neck Degenerative Disc Disease (C5-6, C6-7): What to Know About Symptoms and Surgery?
Neck pain. Stiffness. Radiating discomfort down your arm. If these sensations are becoming a familiar part of your daily life, you might be experiencing neck degenerative disc disease.
Dr Martin Liner understands this condition’s impact on your quality of life. While the term might sound alarming, it’s a typical age-related process that can often be managed effectively.
This comprehensive guide will focus specifically on degenerative disc disease in the neck, particularly at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels, which are frequently affected.
We’ll explore the symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the neck C5-6 and C6-7, discuss general degenerative disc disease in the neck and touch upon things to avoid with degenerative disc disease in the neck. We’ll also discuss when surgical intervention might be considered.
What is Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease?
Knowing a little about the anatomy of your neck or cervical spine can help you understand this condition. Intervertebral discs are between each vertebra (the bones in your spine). These discs act as cushions, absorbing shock and allowing for movement.
The outer part, known as the annulus fibrosus, is rigid and protective, while the inner core, the nucleus pulposus, has a gel-like consistency. Over time, these discs can undergo natural wear and tear, a process known as degeneration. This can lead to disclosing its water content, making it thinner and less able to cushion the vertebrae.
While it’s a natural part of aging for many, for some, this degeneration can become symptomatic, leading to cervical degenerative disc disease.
Why Focus on C5-6 and C6-7?
The C5-6 and C6-7 levels are particularly susceptible to degenerative changes due to the significant amount of motion at these segments of the lower cervical spine. This increased mobility makes them more prone to wear and tear over time.
Recognising the Symptoms: Degenerative Disc Disease in Neck C5-6 and C6-7 Symptoms
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease in neck C5-6 and C6-7 can vary from mild to severe and may fluctuate. Common signs include:
Neck pain: Pain, the primary symptom in many cases, can be experienced as anything from a dull soreness to sudden, acute flare-ups. It may be restricted to the neck or may radiate to surrounding areas like the shoulders and upper back.
Radiating pain: Pain can travel down the arm, potentially reaching the hand and fingers. The specific location of the radiating pain can sometimes indicate which nerve root is affected (e.g., C6 nerve root involvement with C5-6 issues often leads to pain in the thumb and index finger).
Numbness and tingling: You might experience a pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in your arm and hand, following the path of the affected nerve.
Weakness: A decline in muscle strength in the arm or hand might occur, resulting in difficulty performing particular actions.
Stiffness: Neck stiffness, particularly after periods of rest, is standard. Movement may temporarily alleviate the stiffness.
Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches, often originating at the back of the head.
It’s important to note that not everyone with degenerative changes on an MRI will experience these symptoms.
Understanding Neck Degenerative Disc Disease
Beyond the specific levels of C5-6 and C6-7, general degenerative disc disease in the neck can manifest similarly. The underlying process is the same – the breakdown of the intervertebral discs – leading to potential pain, nerve irritation, and functional limitations.
Managing Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck: What to Avoid?
While you can’t stop the aging process, there are things to avoid with degenerative disc disease in the neck that can help manage your symptoms and prevent further aggravation:
High-impact activities: It’s important to be cautious or make modifications when engaging in activities that excessively stress the neck, such as heavy lifting with poor technique or high-impact sports.
Prolonged poor posture: Slouching while sitting or standing and looking down at electronic devices for extended periods (“tech neck”) can strain your cervical spine. Maintain good posture and take breaks.
Heavy lifting: Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially with improper technique. If you must lift, use your legs and keep your back straight.
Sudden twisting or jerking motions: Quick, forceful neck movements can exacerbate pain.
Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow and accelerate disc degeneration. Quitting smoking is beneficial for overall spinal health.
When is Surgery Considered for Neck Degenerative Disc Disease?
For most individuals with neck degenerative disc disease, symptoms can often be managed effectively without surgery. These can include:
If conservative approaches do not bring sufficient relief and the patient’s quality of life is greatly reduced, surgical intervention may become necessary.
Surgical interventions for cervical degenerative disc disease, particularly at C5-6 and C6-7, typically aim to:
Decompress nerve roots: Surgery can relieve this pressure if a degenerated disc or bone spur is pressing on a nerve.
Stabilise the spine: If the spine is unstable due to disc degeneration, surgery can fuse the affected vertebrae to provide stability.
A frequently performed surgical procedure is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), where the affected disc is removed and the surrounding vertebrae are fused. In some instances, a disc replacement may be considered to maintain motion.
Undergoing surgery is a major commitment that should be evaluated thoroughly. It is made in consultation with Dr Martin Liner after thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, doing imaging studies (like MRI), and responding to conservative treatments.
Finding Relief and Improving Your Quality of Life
Living with neck degenerative disc disease can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define you.
Dr Martin Liner – Spine Surgeon in Dubai is committed to providing comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to personalised treatment plans.
Whether using conservative treatments or opting for surgery, our aim is to help you alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you’re dealing with symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the C5-6 and C6-7 regions, or general cervical degenerative disc disease, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you better understand your condition and determine the most suitable treatment options.
