Treatment options for cervical spine arthritis

Posted by slho6 @slho6, 15 hours ago

My husband has been experiencing severe neck pain on L side and NO range of motion to the L since 1/2026 and he is looking for treatment options for relief. Imaging (MRI, CT ) shows cervical spine arthritis. C1-2 steroid injection with no improvement. After viewing imaging neurosurgeon did not recommend surgery. Referred to a physician for non invasive treatment and advised diagnostic MBB (medial branch block) to confirm 70-80% pain relief at C2-3 and C3-4. Ablation procedure done 8/19/2026. As of now no pain relief and no range of motion to the L. Seeking recommendations for other treatment to relieve neck pain and improve range of motion.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 12 hours ago

@slho6 That must be disappointing to be in so much pain and nothing helps. I am a cervical fusion patient and I have had a steroid injection for C5/C6 that was diagnostic. The anesthesiologist who did the injection told me that injections should not be done above this level because of increased risks. Consider that the nerves that control your heart and lungs are exiting the spinal cord in those upper levels near C3. Many spine surgeons will not operate at C3 and above because of risk to life support nerve function. Instability in those areas can also be serious and you need to know before anyone works on your neck. My PT had said this to me.
That being said, have you tried any physical therapy? My PT did a stretch called myofascial release that has helped me a lot. Neck spasms often accompany spine conditions and can move the vertebrae around changing alignment and causing pain. If you release the tight fascia and muscles you can gently get back to better body alignment. We have several discussions here on MFR that you can search for. Other resources are myofascialrelease.com and there is a provider search at mfrtherapists.com .
Even if your case becomes a surgery, you may benefit from looser tissues ahead of it that would make it easier for the surgeon.

Have you tried PT or heard about MFR therapy before?