Cervical discogenic syndrome: a cause of chronic head and neck pain.

In patients with persistent pain of the neck, head, shoulder, and periscapular area, the diagnosis of cervical discogenic syndrome should be considered. The intervertebral disc can be a source of persistent pain and the severity of the symptoms should dictate the treatment. Surgical intervention should only be considered as a last resort in someone with significant pain who has failed prolonged conservative therapy. The success of the surgical treatment of this entity is most closely linked to adequate patient selection and rigorous patient preparation.