Degenerative neck arthritis (cervical osteoarthritis) affects millions of people worldwide. This condition is a result of overuse of the cervical spine. Eventually, the wear leads to stiffness and discomfort. In severe cases, this exhaustion can cause debilitating pain.
This guide will outline the key symptoms and causes of neck arthritis. It will also explain treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your health.
What is Degenerative Neck Arthritis?
Degenerative neck arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the bones in your neck wears down. This deterioration can lead to joint pain and stiffness. It can also form bone spurs, which can cause pain and a grinding feeling in your neck.
How It Impacts Your Daily Life
Living with neck arthritis often affects more than just physical health. Many people experience difficulty with daily tasks. Driving, using a phone, or even sitting upright can become difficult.
Neck arthritis can also cause discomfort during sleep. Difficulty sleeping can lead to fatigue and make you stressed.
Symptoms of Degenerative Neck Arthritis
Neck arthritis has various symptoms. Here are some of the things to keep an eye out for:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, or hands
- A feeling of tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers
- Headaches at the base of the skull
Risk Factors
Degenerative neck arthritis will usually develop as a person gets older. There are several additional factors that can increase your risk, such as:
- Age: Arthritis occurs more frequently in individuals over age 50.
- Genetics: Having a family history of arthritis can raise your chances of getting it.
- Lifestyle: Arthritis can result from sedentary habits or physical strain on the neck.
- Previous Injuries: Neck trauma from accidents or sports injuries can cause arthritis.
Conservative Treatments For Neck Arthritis
The following non-invasive methods are usually the first treatment methods a doctor will try.
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles in your neck. This helps improve range of motion, and alleviates discomfort.
Physical therapy sessions are often specific to the unique needs of a patient.
Lifestyle Changes
It is important to relieve stress on your neck. Proper posture and ergonomic furniture can decrease your pain while sitting down.
Doing some low-impact exercises can also help improve your condition.
Medications
Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce some of the pain. A neck and pain specialist might prescribe stronger medicine in more severe cases.
Interventional Treatments For Neck Arthritis
A pain specialist might suggest these options if conservative approaches are not enough to reduce pain. Interventional treatments do not involve surgery and should only be done by a licensed healthcare professional.
Epidural Steroid Injections
These injections deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the part of your neck where it hurts. The medication reduces inflammation around nerve roots that cause pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for neck arthritis uses the heat generated by radio waves. It works by stopping the nerve fibers that send pain signals.
This procedure provides long-term pain relief without affecting joint function.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy for neck arthritis involves injecting platelets into the affected area. The platelets promote healing and reduce inflammation.
It may improve joint function and alleviate pain by encouraging tissue regeneration.
Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation for neck arthritis involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the neck. Hyaluronic acid is similar to the fluid that your body produces naturally.
This treatment can help improve lubrication between your bones. It also helps cushion the discs in your neck.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating neck arthritis. Your doctor will consider several factors before prescribing a treatment method.
Severity of Symptoms and Diagnosis
It is important to get assessed by a doctor or healthcare expert. This helps your doctor determine how severe your case is. You will likely need to undergo imaging tests, like an MRI or X-ray.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Consider how a treatment plan aligns with your daily life. You might need to commit to regular physical therapy sessions. Surgery might also be the best option in some cases.
Potential Risks and Benefits
Each treatment option has its good and bad sides. Surgery is a very effective treatment method for severe cases. However, it needs recovery time, and there is a risk of complications.
Less invasive methods are not as risky. Unfortunately, they might not work on late-stage arthritis.
Post-Treatment Care and Long-Term Outlook
Recovering from treatment requires proper post-treatment care. You may need to make some adjustments to how you live your life.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
The recovery plan you need will depend on the kind of treatment you receive. There is a high chance that you have to go through physical therapy.
You might not be able to return to your regular activities right away. It is important to gradually increase your level of activity as you recover.
Managing Degenerative Neck Arthritis Long-Term
Some treatment options for degenerative arthritis in the neck may provide lasting relief. However, arthritis is a chronic condition, which means it lasts for a long time.
Regular follow-ups with your provider and healthy habits are important. Doing so can help manage arthritis flare-ups.
Tips for long-term management include:
- Staying physically active with low-impact exercises.
- Utilizing stress management techniques can help relax your muscles.
- Avoiding activities that strain the neck.
Effective Treatment For Degenerative Arthritis in the Neck in Melbourne, FL
Degenerative neck arthritis does not have to control your life. All you need is the right pain treatment plan. Working with your healthcare team can help you manage pain effectively.
If you are struggling to find the best path forward, consulting a healthcare provider is your first step. It is time to find a neck and spine specialist near you to explore treatment options that align with your goals. Remember, relief starts with taking action. Central Florida Spine & Pain is ready to help you. Call (321) 802-5021 for effective pain management in Melbourne, Florida.
We look forward to helping you find effective treatment for your degenerative arthritis in the neck!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370787
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17685-cervical-spondylosis
