Neck Arthritis
About Neck Osteoarthritis
Like the rest of the body, the disks and joints in the neck, called the cervical spine, slowly degenerate as we age. Neck arthritis, which is known medically as cervical spondylosis is the result of these age related, “wear and tear” changes that occur over time. Neck arthritis can also result from previous trauma such as from a car accident or contact sports that result in repetitive minor neck injury, such as football. Neck arthritis is extremely common with more than 85% of people over the age of 60 suffering from neck pain and stiffness from degenerative changes.
Causes of Neck Arthritis
The facet joints are the joints in your spine that make your spine flexible. Healthy facet joints have cartilage, which allows your vertebrae to move smoothly against each other without grinding. If it degenerates you can experience neck arthritis. Further, if the discs between the vertebrae become compressed, simply wear out from age or repetitive pressure or trauma there can be increased pressure on the facet joints. As the facet joints experience increased pressure, they also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis. If the smooth, slippery articular cartilage that covers and protects the joints wears away it will result in neck arthritis.
Symptoms of Neck Arthritis
Neck arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, a “grinding” or “cracking” sound when you turn your neck, muscles spasms in the neck and shoulders and sometimes weakness and possibly even numbness in your arms, hands or fingers. When you experience these symptoms, especially pain, it can range from being mild to severe and can be made worse by looking up or down or by holding your head in the same position for long periods of time such as from driving or sitting at your computer or just reading a book. The pain usually improves with rest or lying down.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Neck Arthritis
For most people, neck arthritis can be managed by non surgical treatment that might include physical therapy, stretching and medications. Oral medications, topical crèmes and gels to reduce inflammation may be helpful. For some patients, treatment of neck arthritis might include steroid or other types of injections.
To learn more and get help for neck arthritis please Schedule an Appointment with Regenerative Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist Daniel Southern, M.D. in Danbury or Wilton in Fairfield County Connecticut by calling 203-456-5717.
Surgical Treatment for Neck Arthritis
Surgery is not commonly recommended for cervical spondylosis and arthritic neck pain unless your doctor determines that a spinal nerve is being pinched by a herniated disk or bone, or your spinal cord is being compressed. Surgery may also be recommended if you have severe pain that has not been relieved by nonsurgical treatment. However, most patients with neck pain only and little or no arm pain will not be surgical candidates.
To learn more and get help for neck arthritis please Schedule an Appointment with Regenerative Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist Daniel Southern, M.D. in Danbury or Wilton in Fairfield County Connecticut by calling 203-456-5717.
Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine Treatment for Neck Arthritis
Regenexx® Procedures provide non-surgical treatment options for those suffering from pain related to osteoarthritis, joint injuries, spine pain, overuse conditions, and common sports injuries. These medical procedures are only performed by highly-skilled doctors and are used to help reduce pain and improve function. Regenexx procedures have helped thousands of patients improve their quality of life, return to the activities they enjoy, and avoid the need for surgery or joint replacement*.
Regenexx Physicians represent a very selective, highly-skilled, interventional orthobiologics network that is 100% focused on orthopedic conditions. All Regenexx physicians are musculoskeletal experts with extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as complex, image-guided injections of your body's own healing agents to treat orthopedic issues. Regenexx patient outcomes are tracked in a registry and with that information, we provide transparent outcome data (below) for those who may be considering this treatment option.
Want to find out if you are a Regenexx Candidate? Complete the Candidate Form.
