Cervical degenerative disorders refer to conditions, such as cervical degenerative disc disease, which can occur as bones in the neck age and form bone spurs that pinch the nerves and/or spinal cord in the neck. Bone spurs are growths that form on the bones in the spine. These conditions may limit a person’s ability to function in their daily life due to pain in the neck and/or arms. Weakness in the arms and legs can develop as well.

Norton Leatherman Spine has been a leading spine center for more than 20 years.

Our orthopedic spine surgeons have extensive experience treating complex and straightforward cases of cervical degenerative disorders.

Signs and symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease and other cervical degenerative disorders include:

• Neck pain
• Pain that radiates to the upper back and shoulder blades
• Radiculopathy, or pain that radiates into one or both arms and is caused by compression and inflammation of a nerve
• Numbness and tingling that radiates into the arms and hands

Treating Cervical Degenerative Disorders with Internationally Recognized Expertise

The orthopedic spine surgeons at Norton Leatherman Spine have internationally recognized expertise in cervical degenerative disorders, including cervical degenerative disc disease.

With a combination of nonsurgical, surgical and innovative techniques, our surgeons can help relieve neck and arm pain and restore function. In cervical degenerative disorders where there is compression of the spinal cord, surgery can relieve the pressure and prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

Treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease and other disorders include:

• Observation: Observation is recommended for minor cervical degenerative disorders that aren’t getting worse or causing significant difficulties. Observation includes visits at regular intervals to ensure the disorder is not progressing.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help treat pain from cervical degenerative disorders and reduce inflammation.
• Injections: Injections may be used to treat pain and reduce swelling.
• Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for severe cervical degenerative disorders that cause pain or other difficulties, and conditions that are at risk for getting worse over time.

Norton Leatherman Spine uses computer-assisted navigation and robotic-assisted surgery for complex cervical spine surgery.

Making It Easy to Get Back to Your Life

• With six Norton Leatherman Spine locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana, we have specialists near you.
• We use minimally invasive procedures that can reduce recovery time and reduce the risk of complications.
• Sophisticated pain management aims to keep you comfortable and safe.
• Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free MyNortonChart account.

About Norton Leatherman Spine

Norton Leatherman Spine in Louisville and Southern Indiana offers world-class care from surgeons who are recognized nationally and internationally for their innovation, expertise and skill. Norton Leatherman Spine is one of the premier research and education programs in the United States for spinal surgeons.

Our rich history traces back to Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., who more than 50 years ago became the first orthopedic surgeon in Kentucky to specialize in spine care. A University of Louisville School of Medicine graduate, he developed leading-edge approaches to treating scoliosis after World War II.

• The board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists at Norton Leatherman Spine are among the most experienced in the country, treating conditions like yours for an average of 20 years.
• We have orthopedic spine surgeons providing care from our offices in downtown and suburban Louisville and in surrounding counties.
• Our physicians pinpoint your diagnosis to come up with the right treatment plan, including surgical and nonsurgical options as appropriate.
• We offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that carry less risk and can speed your recovery. Norton Leatherman Spine surgeons are actively involved in the development of next-generation minimally invasive technologies.
• The physicians at Norton Leatherman Spine are leaders in their field and train the next generation of specialists. More than 100 of the leading spine surgeons practicing throughout the U.S. today were trained at Norton Leatherman Spine.
• Techniques developed at Norton Leatherman Spine have produced better outcomes for patients, with fewer side effects, and are routinely performed around the world today.
• Our team performs more than 4,000 surgeries a year, and patients come to our providers more than 30,000 times a year