Neck arthritis

Gcraner, First question would be is this a MDs diagnosis or your own? If it’s a MDs diagnosis then treat it as you would any joint with arthritis. Secondly get a good pillow that keeps your spine in alignment. As well check your mattress. Just a FYI, in Texas and Florida, your MD can write a Rx for a “ orthopedic “ mattress and you’ll pay no taxes on it. Lastly OTC meds and ice/heat packs will help. If this wasn’t a MDs diagnosis, then make an appointment with a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon and let them order the appropriate test to determine the best treatment……David

A doctor did tell me it was arthritis but did not do tests to confirm. I go for acupuncture for acute pain if I can get in quickly. Physical therapy and exercises are painful to start but they are helping me now. The therapy is concentrated on strengthening my whole back. The trick is that you still have to exercise even if you are better. That is the hardest part once you stop therapy.

Mtnyankee, yes, it might be just “arthritis “ but pain is a clue. You honestly need to see a spinal MD who can order the proper test to determine what the true diagnosis is. I’m not saying a chiropractor but a true orthopedic spinal surgeon or a neurosurgeon who specializes in the spine. You’re actually rolling the dice on making a possible serious condition and potentially making it worse……David

You may be at the point where it would be worth seeing a pain management doctor and consider the several procedures available for treatment. There is everything from steroid injections, to multiple kinds of nerve blocking including Radio Frequecy Denervation (aka rhizotomy) where they sever nerves (unfortunately they grow back). There's also implants to consider. A pain management doctor is where to get it all explained.

I've been trying stuff for a long time. I was in a car acident as young child. Eventually I just went for pain medication.

I know neck pain can debilitating. I missed work for a month one time.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best for sure!

I have considerable arthritis and degenerating disks in my cervical spine. Sometimes muscles get tight which causes pain and dizziness. Physical therapy has been helpful to keep things loose and moving. NSAIDs can be helpful. I also use heat on my neck daily and do stretches to keep things loose.

Also, disks between vertebrae can degenerate or "slip" and press against the spinal column which can be very painful and potentially dangerous. In rough conditions where there is a lot of bouncing around a soft cervical collar may be of help to prevent muscle strain.

If you haven't seen an orthopedic doctor and/or neurologist, that's is something your primary care physician can request. I started with ortho and they referred me to neurology. The ones my wife and I have seen are VERY reluctant to do surgery - as in only the last resort.

I go back to my neurologist tomorrow for a recheck. The concerns they have is whether arthritis in the cervical spine is pressing on a nerve root which can cause nasty pain, neuropathy and difficulty moving whatever the nerve serves. I also need a renewal of orders for my PT guy.

All the best to you.

Have you considered any pain management procedures? There are many, and the area has come along way from where pill dispensing was their main purpose.

I am seeing one of the best pain management doctors and we have a plan for both my neck and T level disc tear.
Thank you for the advice.

Yes. OTC stuff is not helpful. Tried cyclobenzaprine in past, tired Lyrica, now taking duloxetine for FM symptoms. Am working on it - via trial and error. Have other medical issues which have taken a higher priority.

What is NSAID and cervical collars from pharmacy are not comfortable since I have a short neck. I will see a neurologist in November but I have dizziness and afraid to fall.

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - many are over the counter. Examples are: aspirin, naproxen/Naprosyn/Aleve, ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, diclofenac.

Unfortunately, many can't take them because they in general cause bleeding especially when taken for a long time.