Degenerative Cervical Spine

Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery, and more, serving the greater Roanoke, VA area. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

Degenerative cervical spine conditions affect the neck and upper back, specifically the seven vertebrae located at the uppermost part of the spine. These vertebrae (i.e. the cervical spine) connect the spine to the skull.

What is the cervical spine used for? The movement of nodding and shaking your head is controlled by the movement of the cervical spine. As we grow older, the discs in the neck and upper back can begin to break apart and press upon spinal nerves. This can cause a painful degenerative vertical spine condition to arise. The cervical spine is particularly prone to problems because of its large range of motion and complex anatomy.

Here are some symptoms of cervical spine disease to look out for:

• Neck or Upper Back Pain
  Pain that begins in the neck or upper back and feels as if it is radiating or shooting down through your shoulders, arms, and hands.
  *If the pain is more concentrated in your hips, buttocks, legs, or feet, please mention this to your doctor, as these may be symptoms of a degenerative lumbar spine condition (in the lower back). If the pain is in the center part of the spine, this may indicate a degenerative thoracic spine disorder.
• Numbness in upper body
  If a disc is putting stress on a spinal nerve root, it limits the nerve’s ability to transmit the sensation of touch to the area of the body it serves.
• Tingling
  A “pins and needles” feeling caused by certain spinal nerves being restricted. Tingling in the arms and hands is an extremely common symptom.

There are nonsurgical treatments as well as surgical treatments for cervical spine disorders. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms and are concerned you may have a cervical spine disorder, request an appointment today. Dr. James Leipzig will conduct the necessary tests to identify the problem and help you choose the correct treatment.