Cervical Degeneration is due to chronic and progressive arthritis of the cervical spine. The discs degenerate and cannot provide the cushion necessary to support the bones of the spine. As such, patients develop “bone-on-bone” between successive cervical bone levels and pain becomes the main complaint. As the discs degenerate, some patients can develop neck pain, shoulder pain, and even pain that radiates into the arms. Not all patients with cervical degeneration will develop neck pain or any symptoms for that matter. Smoking is certainly a factor that can worsen the progression of cervical degeneration even after having surgery. One of the risks for patients who undergo surgery is that the cervical spine continues to degenerate as you continue to age. Even though a patient may present with cervical degeneration and undergo successful treatment, they may have recurrent symptoms from another level over time. As the degeneration progresses, it can include foraminal stenosis around a nerve root leading to arm symptoms. Cervical degeneration can also develop into osteophytes that cause central Cervical Stenosis leading to Cervical Myelopathy. With central Cervical Stenosis, the spinal cord is compressed leading to hand numbness or weakness and with more progressive symptoms including difficulty with walking. Cervical degeneration usually occurs in patients after the age of 40 years old. Cervical Degeneration can be associated with a cervical disc herniation but not always. Some patients will present with an isolated cervical disc causing severe symptoms but not really have any Cervical Degeneration. Because Cervical Degeneration is most related to disc and bone deterioration, patients should have an X-Ray with flexion and extension views in addition to a CAT Scan and MRI of the cervical spine. MRI is more useful for soft tissue evaluation of the nerve and spinal cord whereas X-Ray and CAT Scan are better for bone and related osteophytes.
Cervical Degeneration
The Cervical Center is dedicated to the treatment and outcomes of patients who suffer from problems related to the cervical spine including any condition related to bone, nerve, or soft tissue. Our program is focused on high quality clinical outcomes and the most effective treatments for all conditions related to the cervical spine.
Please complete the form below to connect with our Cervical Assistant
Angelo Troiano14/11/2022Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith Schwenker22/03/2022Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen Cully28/05/2021Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen Darcy22/02/2021My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier Masi15/02/2021Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
Dale15/02/2021😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena Mattis12/01/2021Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah Rubeo13/09/2020Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !