Your treatment may include: Physical therapy: Participating in strengthening and stretching exercises with a trained healthcare provider. Medications: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxers or steroids.
Full Answer
What are the surgical options for C5-C6 vertebral levels?
See Surgery for Neck Pain Surgical methods used in the C5-C6 vertebral levels are described below. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery involves removing the C5-C6 intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or C6 nerve root.
What is the C5 vertebrae?
The C5 spinal vertebra is the fifth vertebra from the top of the column. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury. If the injury is at or above the C5 vertebra, the person may be unable to breathe since the spinal cord nerves located between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae control respiration.
How can I Fix my C5 and C6 spine?
Commercially prepared contour pillows offer another option for properly cradling your neck's curvature while resting or sleeping. Applying heat throughout the day can provide a number of benefits during your physical therapy for C5 and C6 spine problem areas.
What are the treatment options for C6-C7 spinal motion segment?
Treatment of the C6-C7 spinal motion segment includes both surgical and nonsurgical methods. Usually, nonsurgical methods are tried first. Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve pain or in cases where severe spinal cord or C7 nerve damage progresses. See Treatment for Neck Pain
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease in neck?
The first line in treatment for cervical disc disease is over-the-counter pain medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
What is degenerative disc disease C5 C6 C7?
Spondylosis. Spondylosis (degeneration) of the C5-C6 vertebrae and intervertebral disc occurs at a higher rate compared to other cervical vertebrae. 3. Spondylosis usually results in the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), eventually leading to stenosis or narrowing of the intervertebral foramina or spinal canal.
Can my neck degeneration be reversed?
No, your chiropractor cannot reverse cervical disc degeneration.
When is surgery needed for cervical degenerative disc disease?
If cervical degenerative disc disease symptoms last for 6 months despite trying multiple treatment options, surgery may become an option. In cases where tingling, numbness, weakness, and/or problems with coordination are worsening or severe, surgery may be scheduled much sooner rather than waiting months.
What nerves are affected by c5 c6 and C7?
From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the musculocutaneous nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lateral forearm.
What happens if degenerative disc disease is left untreated?
Without appropriate treatment, degenerative disc disease can cause lasting, debilitating back pain. The pain may become so severe that you find it difficult to carry out your normal daily activities. It can interfere with your mobility and your overall quality of life.
Can you live a normal life with cervical degenerative disc disease?
Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease? The answer is yes, even it forces you to be out of work for an extended amount of time. Do not give up. There are many methods of pain relief that you can do at home that can help you live a normal life.
How can I prevent degenerative disc disease from getting worse?
Preventing Degenerative Disc DiseaseStop smoking, or better yet, don't start — smoking increases the rate of desiccation.Be active – regular exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles that surround and support the spine.More items...
Can a chiropractor treat degenerative disc disease?
Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment option for degenerative disc disease for a variety of reasons. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic is much less likely to create undesirable side effects—which are common with prescription medications and surgery.
How long does c5 c6 surgery take?
The arthritis and bone spurs are removed allowing for more space in the canal for your nerves to run. Your own bone from the surrounding area and possibly bone from the iliac crest (hip) will be used. Rods and screws are placed to stabilize the spine. Surgery will last approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Is neck surgery Risky?
Some risks related to neck surgery can include: bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site. infection of the surgical site. injury to the nerves or spinal cord.
What kind of surgery is done for degenerative disc disease?
A spinal fusion is the most common procedure used for degenerative disc pain. In recent years, artificial disc replacement has become more widely used as devices and surgical methods have improved.
C3 Vertebrae
The C2 - C3 junction of the spinal column is important, as this is where flexion and extension occur (flexion is the movement of the chin toward th...
C4 Vertebrae
The portion of the spinal cord which relates to the C4 vertebra directly affects the diaphragm. Patients with C4 spinal cord injuries typically nee...
C5 Vertebrae
Damage to the spinal cord at the C5 vertebra affects the vocal cords, biceps, and deltoid muscles in the upper arms. Unlike some of the higher cerv...
Causes of Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
The most common causes of cervical spinal cord injuries are: 1. Tumors 2. Trauma 3. Birth defects 4. Motor vehicle accidents 5. Infections or disea...