How is your neck feeling?
Do you suffer from degenerative disc disease in your cervical spine?
1.) Introduction to Cervical Disc Degeneration
Cervical DDD (degenerative disc disease) is a common reason why individuals suffer from a stiff or painful neck. Cervical DDD is considered to be less prevalent than disc degeneration in a patient’s lumbar spine. Unfortunately, cervical degenerative disc disease can creep in as part of the aging process. Our intervertebral discs (discs located in between each vertebrae) tend to lose their bounce as we age and this can create problems in either your neck or back when it happens. The discs will generally lose their flexibility and shock absorbing characteristics when this happens and you may tend to feel more pain in your neck or have stiffness as a result.
2.) Supporting Your Neck Before and After Surgery
There are two main benefits to neck supports. These two reasons are pain control and movement restriction.
A.) Pain Control
When an individual uses a quality neck support their pain can be reduced. Why? – Their cervical spine is now supported. Not only can proper posture of the cervical spine be achieved, but a person has to worry less about making painful movements that will further their pain levels. There are different kinds of neck braces, so when it comes to getting the best brace for your needs, you will want to talk to your local, licensed orthotist for more information on the proper choices for your needs.
B.) Movement Restriction
When you stop movements that can cause you pain, then a brace can really help you. This is especially true after surgery. If you are a patient that has had a cervical procedure done, your doctor may call upon the use of a soft or rigid collar, for example, that can help to restrict unwanted movements. Think of this as your insurance policy for the work your surgeon has completed. These collars are usually worn long enough to help facilitate the healing process. Once healing is complete, then you may wean from a rigid collar to a soft collar, or nothing at all. This is a conversation you and your physician need to have, when the time comes.
Note: This is health information. Although it is good information, medical advice on bracing should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals are brace specialists and are best suited to give you quality advice on bracing.