What Are The Best Treatments For Degenerative Discs In The Neck?

Posted on Sat, 8 Nov 2014

Question: What are the best treatments for degenerative discs in the neck. My major symptom is stiffness at the back of my head. I pan to go to May Clinic soon.Thanks

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment modalities depends on symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query carefully. The treatment modalities varies from cervical traction, medicine (conservative treatment), to surgical intervention depending on the clinical sign and symptoms.
As far as your stiffness is concerned, my suggestion would be to add hot water fomentation along with prescription only muscle relaxant drugs like thiocolchicoside.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

I don't rspond well to muscle relaxants. What is hot water formentation? thanks

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you.
You may use soft cervical collar temporarily. To have soothing effect on stiff muscle I usually ask my patient to have hot water fomentation. In this a towel is dip is XXXXXXX warm water and after squeezing, it is placed at the stiff muscle. In your case it may be applied at neck and shoulder area.
Hope this suffices.
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar