title: Natural history and pathogenesis of cervical disk disease.
abstract: As the cervical spine ages, degenerative processes occur that involve the intervertebral disk as well as facet joints. Some individuals experience pain as this process evolves. In many instances, it can be difficult to correlate a patient's symptoms with the associated changes. This article reviews the appropriate anatomy and biochemistry of the cervical spine and presents the pathologic entities that are encountered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Connell
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Wiesel
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000737:chemistry / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000503:physiopathology; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D006025:Glycosaminoglycans