How Does Disc Replacement Surgery Work?
Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure that can replace a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc in your neck or back. But how exactly does it work? Read on to learn more about disc replacement.
5 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Neck Pain
Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, can occur in any joint. It’s most common in your hips, knees, and spine. When arthritis develops in your cervical spine (your neck), it can dampen your quality of life quickly.
Neck pain can make it hard to dress, check your blind spot when driving, and simply move throughout the day. Even turning to speak to a co-worker can trigger pain. To compound matters, neck pain can radiate and contribute to headaches.
If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis neck pain, you’re not alone. Over 85% of adults over the age of 60 struggle with arthritis in their neck. If you’re included in that statistic, Dr. John Regan and the team at Spine Group Beverly Hills encourage you to visit our office in Santa Monica, California, to explore your pain management options.
In the meantime, here are five ways to manage osteoarthritis neck pain.
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is good for all types of osteoarthritis, and neck arthritis is no exception. Gentle neck exercises can help improve your range of motion, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. Exercise also helps lubricate your joints because exercise triggers the synovial membrane in your joints to provide more fluid. This fluid helps your bones glide more smoothly in your joint.
Some effective neck exercises include neck stretches, neck rotations, and shoulder shrugs. Be sure to perform these exercises slowly and gently, and avoid any movements that exacerbate pain.
2. Use heat and cold therapy
Heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief from neck pain associated with osteoarthritis. Apply a heating pad, warm towel, or heat wrap to your neck to help relax your muscles, increase blood flow, and alleviate stiffness. Conversely, cold therapy, such as ice packs or cold compresses, can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
You don’t have to choose between heat therapy or cold therapy. You can likely benefit from both. Heat therapy is good for easing stiffness, while cold therapy is good for inflammation. With this in mind, you might enjoy heat therapy in the morning when your joints are stiff but prefer cold therapy after exercise when your joints are a little swollen or inflamed.
3. Try over-the-counter pain relief medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, both oral medication and topical creams, can help ease neck pain. You might consider:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Topical analgesics, such as creams or patches containing menthol or capsaicin
Regardless of which over-the-counter pain relief treatments you try, always follow the directions carefully and use only as directed.
4. Try joint injections
The Arthritis Foundation recommends steroid joint injections for smaller joints, and your neck definitely fits into that category.
Steroid injections contain two main compounds that help alleviate neck pain. They often contain a local anesthetic, which helps provide pain relief. They also contain a steroid, which helps combat inflammation.
5. Massage your neck
It’s no secret that a neck massage feels good, but it can also help you manage your arthritis pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, gentle neck massage can:
- Lower your cortisol levels (which are often higher in people dealing with chronic pain)
- Reduce inflammatory cytokines
- Increase the production of serotonin, which can help modulate your pain perception
You can massage your neck, or you can try a professional massage. Swedish massage, hot stone massage, and deep tissue massage are just three types of massage that help with arthritis pain.
Get help for your neck pain
Maybe you’ve been dealing with arthritis pain for years, or maybe you’re just now stranding to wonder if your neck pain is related to arthritis. In either case, Dr Regan and our team are here to help. Dr. Regan can examine your neck, review your symptoms, order diagnostic imaging, and confirm the source of your pain.
If arthritis is to blame, he may recommend prescription medications, physical therapy, and/or steroid injections.
Visit our Beverly Hills, California, location and explore your arthritis treatment options. You can reach us at 424-238-3281 or through our online booking tool.
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