Neck Degenerative Diseases

Degenerative neck disorders are mainly caused by deterioration of the cervical vertebrae, abnormal wear on the cartilage and bone, degeneration and mineral deposits, resulting in the loss of the physical and chemical properties of the intervertebral discs, leading to cervical osteoarthrosis, arthrosis of the neck or cervical arthrosis.
As a result of chronic degeneration of the cervical spine, including the intervertebral discs and facet joints, cervical spondylosis can occur.
Pressure on the nerve roots can produce progressive neck and shoulder pain and weakness in the arms, and even in the legs.
Abnormal vertebral growths, known as osteophytes, can appear, which, along with herniated discs, can create narrowing of the vertebral foramen, resulting in pinching of one or more nerve roots.

Neck pain with numbness in the shoulders, arms and hands in more advanced cases.
Progressive increase of neck stiffness with loss of balance.
Posterior headache.
Loss of functional mobility of the cervical segment.

The objective is to relieve pain and prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord and nerve root. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are effective in relieving pain, along with the use of a cervical orthosis for immobilising and unloading the head. For this, it is important to select the most appropriate cervical orthosis, depending on the required function and the degree and severity of the cervical segment degeneration.
Surgical decompression of the spinal cord may be necessary in severe cases and complemented postoperatively with stabilisation and distraction by means of an OMI-type cervical orthosis featuring an adjustable occipital/mandibular support and optional Indiana strap at the front.