As we age, the bones in our neck deteriorate and can cause arthritis neck pain. Two types of arthritis that can cause neck pain are cervical spondylosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that more than 85 percent of those over the age of 65 may experience cervical spondylosis, which is the degeneration of the joints in the neck.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “pain from cervical spondylosis can be mild to severe. It is sometimes worsened by looking up or down for a long time, or with activities such as driving or reading a book. It also feels better with rest or lying down.”
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons stated that symptoms of neck arthritis may include the following:
• Headaches
• Neck pain and stiffness (may be worse with activity)
• Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
• Numbness and weakness in arms, hands, and fingers
• Grinding and popping sound/feeling in neck with movement
• Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in hands or legs
If you are suffering from neck arthritis, here are some at-home remedies recommended by EverydayHealth.com. However, you should contact your doctor in advance to make sure these treatments do not conflict with their diagnosis and recommendations.
Herbal remedies
If you’re looking for natural relief, turmeric, the common kitchen spice, is known to be an anti-inflammatory and may reduce neck pain caused by inflammation. Boswellia is another natural pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties.
Ice packs
The next time you need to reduce swelling and pain, go to your freezer and grab a bag of frozen peas or corn — these aids conform easily to the neck area.
Exercise
When your disease isn’t active, get moving — just don’t overdo it. In moderation it can reduce your pain, help with movement, make you feel less tired, and it’s just a good thing to do for overall health.
Your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation may offer water exercise and other kinds of classes specifically for people with arthritis.
Yoga exercise
This ancient practice, which involves stretches, poses, and meditation, is not only a great exercise, but it also relieves stress and neck pain by reducing tension.
Not smoking
If you smoke, find a way to stop. The chance of complications from RA increases if you smoke, as do your odds of developing osteoporosis.
Warm baths
Besides helping with sleep, a warm bath can soothe achy joints and relax muscle tension.
Massage
Have your partner or a professional gently massage your neck where it hurts, for temporary relief.
References:
"Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck) - OrthoInfo - AAOS." Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck) - OrthoInfo - AAOS. Web. 22 July 2012.
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00369
"When Arthritis Causes Neck Pain." EverydayHealth.com. Web. 22 July 2012.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-arthritis.aspx
Reviewed July 23, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith