Cervical disc disease is when the discs between vertebrae become herniated or deteriorate, sometimes pinching nerves. Narcotic painkillers can help ease the resulting neck pain. But these drugs can be addictive, so your doctor will have you try other pain meds first. Opioids such as codeine (contained in Tylenol with codeine), hydrocodone (contained in Vicodin and Lortab), and oxycodone (such as OxyContin, and contained in Percocet and Percodan) can provide significant relief when neck pain is particularly intense.
Narcotic painkillers are best used over the short term (one to two weeks) and under your doctor's guidance.