Neck Arthritis

Neck arthritis is synonymous with neck pain, the pain that you feel in the neck is a very common medical condition. The more scientific name is cervical pain. In the neck you have 7 vertebrae that lead to the spine in the neck. In the middle of these vertebrae are discs. When these discs become inflamed they cause a arthritis. Neck pain can be diagnosed but as you are explaining to the doctor where the pain is and how long it does last, you have to be very specific where the pain is and what is feels like.

Most likely the doctor will perform X-Rays, CAT Scan, Bone Scan and Myelograms in order to get the correct diagnosis. But neck pain is treatable and how it is treated will depend on where the pain is radiating from and how severe it is. Some treatment options will include plenty or rest, so your muscles can relax, an application of heat or ice to reduce the swelling. Traction may be necessary in some cases as well as a soft collar so you won't be able to strain your neck muscles. The doctor may want you to do physical therapy as well as medications.

Topical medications may be given to ease the pain. Topical pain patches, muscle relaxants, analgesics could be offered. Also cortisone injections is another common form of treatment. Lastly, surgery as a last resort. When it comes to bones and arthritis, surgery is really a last resort because sometimes the injury won't heal properly and you may still the same if maybe worse than before. Doctors do not like to use that as a first option. If you are feeling neck pain, see a doctor and write down the in a log book the time of day the pain occurred, what you were doing and where the pain is coming from and present it to the doctor when you go to get checked out. It will help them make the proper diagnosis.