The Report Is In I Have Degenerative Disc Disease It Common To Have This Level Of Damage At 60?He Says I Have Narrowing On Several Cervical Discs.is It?

Posted on Fri, 31 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 Answered on

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : The report is in I have degerative disc disease in the cervical area on multiple levels.. so what kind of future do I have .. can you ever repair the discs.. what did I do to cause this.. can tight muscles in the area cause this?? I went to physical therapy today he said I had a facet that was locked so he tried to unlock it.. I have better range of motion but still pain.. will this adjustment stick... how long should I go to physical therapy.. he wants me to go twice a week for at least a month and then once a week for a month..will this improve my condition or will it be a waste of my money?? Is it common to have this level of damage at 60??? He says I have narrowing on several cervical discs..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly age-related changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have read your question and here is my advice.

Degenerative disc disease is a common finding in people around 60 years and is mostly linked to age-related changes.

Mild to moderate changes with no subsequent significant neurological deficits are treated conservatively with NSAID drugs for the pain, guided physical therapy (cervical traction and exercises to strengthen cervical muscles ) and for a couple of months and isometric cervical exercises after that.

Tighten muscles are a consequence of the degenerative changes of the spine.

I think the regimen started by the physical therapist is okay and most likely will improve your condition.

Warm procedures on your neck should help you feel better.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

on the X-ray it showed that it was inflamed with pretty close to bone on bone on c 6 and 7.. should I be taking a anti inflammatory or will it calm back down using exercises and with heat? I hate to take medicine.. thanks so much!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can live anti-inflammatory drugs for now.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Since you don't want to use anti-inflammatory drugs, you could try warm procedures and exercises for a few days.

If sufficient improvement, go on with only these measures.

Of no improvement, consider using anti-inflammatory drugs for one week or so.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T