Diagnosed with osteoarthritis on left side of neck about 15 yrs ago. When it "acts up" it can trigger pain across shoulders and up and down cervical spine. Can then lead (and often does) to headache and facial pain. I did get PT from an incredible male therapist, son of the owner of the therapy center. He had recently graduated and licensed etc., and was so intent on relieving my pain. He succeeded, I have had episodes of varying degrees of pain since then. I avoid any and all activity/movement that will aggravate that side of my neck, and I do engage in neck exercises/stretces that tend to be helpful, but not when the area is in intense pain. Aleve (the only allowed OTC), a large shoulder/neck heating pad, and curtailing activities help tremendously, as does applying a non-stinky balm. Thankfully, have had no episodes in several months! Yippeeee! Area was aggravated due to serious injury to shoulder/arm just over 2 yrs ago. Just another factor on my plate to deal with, and thankful when it recedes into the background.😊

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