Nonsurgical treatment of cervical degenerative disease

A regular exercise program, even something as simple as a daily walk, can help to keep the ongoing degenerative process at bay. Such efforts at prevention can help with the patient's general health and should be encouraged by the spine physician. The vast majority of patients with degenerative cervical disease that is manifesting itself as neck and arm pain will respond to nonsurgical treatment. However, a very small percentage of patients who have cervical radiculopathy will require surgical treatment. Each practitioner must develop his or her own protocol based on personal experience, using a combination of the methods we have just discussed. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to avoid treating the wrong problem (i.e., lung cancer, shoulder impingement, etc). Patients should be knowledgeable about their disease. They should be empowered to participate in their care and encouraged to work with the physician and/or therapist to accomplish the goal of returning to a reasonable lifestyle at work as well as at home. An ongoing exercise program and an ergonomic evaluation at home and work can be helpful in reducing recurrences.