Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease DJD

Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease (DJD)

What Is Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease (DJD)?

Cervical degeneration joint disease is caused by a breakdown of the discs that rest between the vertebrae of the neck. Over time, these essential cushions that keep the bones from rubbing together can be damaged as they wear out. As a result, there can be considerable discomfort and a lack of flexibility that can have a negative effect on a patient’s quality of life.

Causes

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to cervical degeneration disease, including osteoarthritis and injuries. The aging process is one of the most common causes of the condition. The disc loses hydration over time and begins to deteriorate. Blood flow to the area surrounding affected discs tends to diminish over time and the cells fail to regenerate. As more tissue breaks down, there is less of a cushion between the delicate bones in the neck. This friction produces troubling symptoms. Add inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and the condition can be more severe.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cervical degeneration joint disease include pain that can strike suddenly or build up slowly over time. The discomfort may be a nuisance or the pain could be extreme to the point of affecting a person’s ability to do the things that he or she loves. Numbness and weakness can result that travels from the neck to one or both arms. This numbness and weakness can travel all the way to the hands.

Treatments

How is Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease Treated with PRP?

Many different approaches are used to treat cervical degeneration joint disease. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, taps into the power of a patient’s blood. It is a natural solution in which the blood is drawn and PRP is separated from the rest in order to be prepared for injection. This concentrated amount of platelet-rich plasma targets the damaged discs and repairs damaged cells, thanks to the growth factors that are naturally in platelet-rich plasma.

How is Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease Treated with Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment option that is being used to treat pain and promote faster recovery from surgery and injuries. It is hoped that one day scientists will find a way to regenerate damaged or diseased organs by using a patient’s stem cells. Stem cells could have the potential to heal spinal cord injuries and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Stem cells are vital cells within the body that regenerate cells in areas where there has been damage. They are versatile in that they can become any type of cell that is necessary and they multiply in large numbers. They can be found in the fat of the body and are referred to as adipose or adipose derived stem cells. Once the fat is harvested, the stem cells are referred to as Stromal Vascular Fraction. Stem cells can also be harvested from bone marrow, the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus, and the umbilical cord. Wharton’s Jelly is the term referring to the rich source of stem cells found in the umbilical cord. Stem cell transplantation can also be allograft in which stem cells are harvested from another individual. Stem cell transplants from donors are most effective when donors are related to the recipient. Stem cells are injected into the neck where there has been damage from cervical degeneration joint disease in order to perform vital repairs by regenerating new cells.

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Cervical Degeneration Joint Disease DJD