About the Symptoms of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Degeneration of the cervical vertebrae (discs) in your neck is usually a gradual process that occurs over a period of years. Cervical degenerative disc disease can be caused by injuries to your back or neck or normal wear and tear that occurs as you get older. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease include body pain and headaches.
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Back Pain
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Discs in your neck may compress your spinal cord, which can result in pain throughout your back, legs and arms.
Headaches
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You may experience headaches as a result of cervical degenerative disc disease, especially if the very top discs of your spine are affected.
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Loss of Balance
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Cervical disc disease can cause you to lose your balance or have a decrease in coordination when doing physical activity such as walking or dancing.
Neck Pain
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You may experience intense pain in your neck due to cervical degenerative disc disease, and the pain may keep you from sleeping well at night.
Stiffness
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Your neck may be stiff, especially when you wake up or if you have been sitting or standing in the same position for a long period of time.
Weakness
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Your upper back, neck and arm muscles may become weak and sore due to cervical degenerative disc disease, which can affect your ability to lift or do upper body exercises.
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