What Are the Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Neck?

Cervical spondylosis, commonly referred to as osteoarthritis, is the degeneration of the neck joints. Spondylosis occurs when the joint facets in the spine degenerate. Degeneration of the facets occurs when the surrounding cartilage breaks down due to the normal aging process.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

• Treatment of early spondylosis may include anti-inflammatory medications and over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Wearing a cervical collar may help reduce irritation of the surrounding nerves.

Muscle Relaxants

• If spondylosis fails to subside with anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants my be prescribed in order to reduce the stress around the facet.

Injections

• Some persons with more severe cases of cervical spondylosis may require spinal injections of corticosteroid.

Traction

• Where medications fail, hospitalization may be required. Complete bed rest in a hospital setting as well as traction of the spine may help reduce pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Surgery

• When all else fails, or cervical spondylosis poses additional problems such as weakness, or pain that radiates down the arms, surgery may be required.