The cervical spine is susceptible to developing spondylosis or osteoarthritis (OA), which is the wear and tear breakdown of the joint and disc. Cervical arthritis develops because of excessive wear and stress on the joints due to poor posture or injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis is most common in people 55 years and older. As osteoarthritis develops, the disc dries up, cracks and narrows, causing the vertebrae to compress upon each other. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness and tingling, and treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing further destruction.
Medication
Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but cannot reverse the degeneration that has already occurred. NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen have both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and can be obtained over-the-counter or by prescription. In more severe cases of pain, a doctor may prescribe opiate narcotics, but these should be a very temporary measure. If pain and inflammation are not responding to more conservative treatments, injection of a corticosteroid may help temporarily relieve symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Physical Therapy
In many cases, osteoarthritis is the result of improper joint motion caused by tight, strained or weak muscles. Physical therapists may use passive modalities such as hot/cold, ultrasound and muscle stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation. They also will use soft tissue modalities to break up adhesion within the muscle and fascia, stretch short and tight muscles, and utilize therapeutic exercises to rebuild weakened muscles.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat neck and back pain associated with osteoarthritis, and are primarily concerned with proper function and motion in the spinal joints and soft tissues. Like physical therapists, many chiropractors use passive modalities to reduce symptoms, but their primary form of treatment is spinal manipulation or adjustments. According to the American Chiropractic Association, these adjustments improve mobility and restore normal range of motion in the cervical joints. Chiropractors often use therapeutic exercise and doctor-assisted stretching to treat surrounding muscles that may be contributing to improper function.
Traction
Neck traction is a common treatment for cervical osteoarthritis, according to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. Traction increases the space between the vertebrae and helps to rehydrate deteriorated discs. When there is pressure on a nerve from deteriorated joints, traction can reduce the pressure and resolve symptoms of weakness, numbness and tingling.
Surgery
In very severe cases when symptoms have not responded to conservatives care, surgery may be recommended to remove pressure on nerves or to stabilize joints that are beyond repair.
About this Author
Dr. Blake Biddulph received his chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas in 2007 and has been practicing as a chiropractic physician in Provo, Utah, ever since. He has a special interest in spinal rehabilitation and treats patients with a variety of neck and back conditions. He has been writing health-related articles and newsletters for several years.
