The cervical spine makes up the neck region and contains the first seven spinal bones, or vertebrae. The vertebrae in the cervical spine protect nerves and the spinal cord, support your skull, and give you the ability to move your head.

Vertebrae are cushioned by discs that act as cushiony pads, protecting the vertebrae and allowing the spine to move and bend. The outer portion of a disc is made up of thick cartilage and the inner portion is comprised of a watery gel-like substance.

When discs in the cervical spine degenerate, the padding wears down and the vertebrae move closer together and triggers pain in the neck and shoulders. This is similar to cartilage wearing down in an arthritic knee joint causing painful bone-on-bone rubbing.

"Wear and tear" degeneration of the discs in the spine is a normal part of aging. But degenerative disc disease, injury or a herniated disc can also cause deterioration.

The PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc is an artificial disc replacement designed to maintain motion for patients suffering from the symptoms of degenerative cervical disc disease or acute unresolved cervical disc herniation.

VOA's Dr. Jason Thompson is trained in artificial disc replacement. If you are currently living with pain in your neck and non-surgical treatments have not helped, call VOA at 425-656-5060 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson.

Additional Resources:
The Spine Center at Valley Medical Center