Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

I have just been told i have Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease, and now have to wait a month before i see a doctor. Can anyone  tell me the best treatment is for this? It causes me constant pain in my neck and shoulders, i also have constant pins and needles, and weakness in both arms. The doctor told me it is age related i'm 35, and he said the rest of my spine looks ok. I also have a herniated disc l5 s1. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[ferret5]

Physical therapy and pain meds if needed

[susan047]

Hi:  Neck and back pain is unbearable, and its hard to decide what to do.  I just went for x-rays of my shoulder clavicle bone and cervical spine.  I am in such pain where I cannot even turn my head.  The thing bothering me is that I have a lump in the front of my collarbone.  Everyone is telling me that they think I dislocated something from the discs degenerating.
Still waiting for test results.  My doctor did recommend physical therapy for me, but it would mean constant co-pays everytime I go.  I also have other serious medical problems that are making me go broke with bills.  It is frustrating.  You are so young.  I am 63, and have had degenerative disc disease since the late 80's.  I have good days and bad days with it.  This thing with my neck and shoulder is new.  I have had people tell me they got relief with a Chiropractor, but I am leary about doing that.

[richmill1]

first physical therapy then injections then surgery if needed....you will need an mri and perhaps a myelogram..also an emg test..good luck

[Pippy42]

I agree with richmill1, as there is no 'cure' as such for degen disc disease and everyone's case is unique. also find out about any spinal canal stenosis, root nerve involvement and foraminal stenosis as these can complicate things and need to be factored in to the equation.You need a full spine MRI, dont bother getting just neck etc as you may have other underlying problems elswhere.
Injections and pain meds may help but do not 'fix' the problem and especially with the injections the results vary from useless to amazing for a certain time period.
surgery is usually only recomended after trying all of the other 'conservative techniques'.

Considering the pins and needles etc, a neurology/neurosurgery consult would strongly be advised. Don't listen to complacent GP's who say it's your age etc as it's YOUR spine and you don't get another one. Personally I have 8 disc herniations and neural involvement and have been through the "system' and can certainly empathise with you. Good Luck.