Do you have neck stiffness?

The most common form of joint disease of the neck is Cervical Joint Degeneration (CJD).  CJD is the loss of cartilage over time which includes reactive changes at the joint margins and bone.  The symptoms begin as morning stiffness that is relieved by rest, a decreased range of motion and pain that develops slowly or with use. You may even have numbness or tingling in your fingers or weakness in your arms.



If you have those symptoms does it mean you have CJD?

Not necessarily, however symptoms and an examination of your spine may lead me to order an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

How did you get CJD?

CJD usually occurs earlier in men after some sort of trauma or repetitive stress due to poor posture and dehydration.

What can you do to treat CJD?

I will evaluate the severity of your diagnosis, and if the degeneration has not progressed too much, I will treat your symptoms with conservative care including joint manipulation, teaching and treatment for pain management.  This includes:

• Rest
• Heat
• Electrical modalities
• Traction to unload the joints
• Myofascial Release Techniques such as Graston or ART

I will also work with you to prevent worsening of the condition, including decreasing or removing the causal factors. If your symptoms worsen despite aggressive conservative care, I may refer you for a surgical consult.

I want you to HURT LESS and PLAY MORE, and this is one condition you should not just live with… let’s work together to manage it.

Source:   Snider, Robert K, MD.  Essentials of Musculoskeletal care 1999

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Laurie call us at (512) 258-4425 or visit our website to learn more.