The process that causes degenerative cervical disc disease, also known as spondylosis, is not understood. Scientists believe that hereditary, autoimmune and environmental factors are involved, according to Centra Care Health Library. Other factors such as smoking and strenuous repetitive activities also may contribute. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary from person to person. Some symptoms can vary from mild to debilitating, and may occur gradually or with sudden onset.
Asymptomtic and Onset
Many people who have degenerative disc disease feel no pain and according to the Mayfield Clinic, the condition begins to affect people in their twenties or thirties. The pain may not be present at all during the course of the disease. Usually something triggers the pain such as an injury resulting in unexpected pain. Also, a minor injury may trigger sudden back pain or the pain may begin without injury at all and simply get gradually worse. As the disc degenerates, it begins to bulge and press on the spinal roots producing a radiculopathy, which is characterized by changes in sensorimotor abilities. If the disc pushes onto the spinal cord, it produces a myelopathy with other distinct sensorimotor deficits.
Pain and Parasthesia
According to the British Medical Journal, a common symptom of cervical disc degeneration is neck and arm pain. Pain and numbness in the soles of the feet are also common. As the diseased disk protrudes onto the spinal cord and spinal root, other sensory dysfunctions can ensue such as pain in the neck, back part of the head and inside the shoulder blades. If the neck is bent back or turned to the side, there can be dizziness. Pain may also occur behind the ears and eyes. When the neural tissues are more compressed by the disc, symptoms may include pain in the shoulders, arm and hand. The hand and fingers may also feel numb. The British Medical Journal also states that other symptoms of cervical disc degeneration can include hemidiaphragm paralysis, hemiparesis and Horner's syndrome due to damage of the sympathetic nervous system.
Motor Dysfunction
According to the British Medical Journal, motor dysfunction with cervical disc degeneration is not usually felt as weakness but as clumsiness of the hand. This is where the patient may find it difficult to perform simple manipulative tasks. There can be difficulty moving the neck as well as other motor disturbances that may affect the legs. The patient may complain of an unsteady gait that is stiff-legged and broad based. Sometimes there can be hesitant, shuffling or jerky moments when walking. When the disc degenerates further and protrudes and presses on the spinal cord, particularly on the interior central portion, more involved motor dysfunction may result which more extensively affects the gait and ability to walk.
References
- Centra Care Health Library
- Mayfield Clinic: Degenerative disc disease
- "British Medical Journal"; Degenerative cervical disc disease causing cord compression; P. Bently, et. al.; February, 2001
- "Spine"; The Clinical Presentation of Uppermost Cervical Disc Protrusion; T. Chen; February, 2000
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry"; Midcervical central cord syndrome: numb and clumsy hands; M. Nakajima and K. Hirayama; June, 1995
