What is Neck Arthritis?

Read about Neck Arthritis Disease presented in simple easy to understand language

Arthritis of the neck is diagnosed by taking into account the patient’s medical history, physical examination reports as well as the symptoms reported by the patient. The doctor will look for range of neck motion, tenderness or swelling in the neck. The changes seen in the X-rays are studied to determine the presence or progression of the disease. Sometimes the doctor will order further evaluations like an MRI, CT scan, Myelogram or EMG(electromyelogram) to rule out additional problems.
Each patient is treated differently for arthritis depending on their individual condition. In the early stages lifestyle modifications or medicines are used for treatment and surgery is needed only if these measures are ineffective. 

Some of the Ways of Treating Arthritis of the Neck are
• Modifying the way you rest your neck. General posture of sleeping as well as the pillows used may need to be reconsidered.
• Physical therapy involving gentle neck exercises to prevent further atrophy and maintain function of the neck.
• Cold compresses on the affected area two or three times a day to relieve the pain.
• Whirlpool treatments or ultrasound and massages..
• Using NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as asprin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
• More powerful steroid epidurals can also be injected directly into the affected area to provide relief.
In more severe cases surgical methods are advised to improve pain and increase motion. Various options for surgery should be discussed by consulting with an orthopedic surgeon. Read Previous