Cervical degenerative disc disease is a condition that can compress the spinal cord and nerves in the neck.  Intervertebral discs are shock-absorbing pads located between vertebrae, the small bones that make up your spine.  Aging can cause the discs to lose fluid, collapse, and sometimes rupture.  As the disc deteriorates, it affects the structure of the vertebrae.  The structural changes can put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, resulting in pain and loss of function.