Neck Arthritis

Cervical Spondylosis, commonly referred to as neck arthritis, is a common condition that affects the joints and discs in the neck. This condition can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck, making everyday activities challenging.

typical causes:

Neck arthritis is often caused by age related changes that occur in the cervical spine as we get older. As we age, the discs in our cervical spine, which are cushioned pads positioned between each vertebrae, begin to weaken and lose their height. The joint surfaces in the cervical spine begin to break down and bone spurs can potentially develop. It is important to note that this is a common condition and is found in most older adults. It is a normal part of aging and many individuals with neck arthritis do not experience symptoms.

how physical therapy can help:

Neck arthritis can contribute to pain and stiffness in the neck. It’s a challenging condition to navigate, as it can make simple tasks like turning your head or picking up something off the ground a painful experience. That’s where physical therapy is a wonderful resource. Physical therapists can help reduce pain, restore neck mobility, and develop strategies to reduce the mechanical stress in the cervical spine. This likely includes looking beyond the cervical spine and addressing any deficits in surrounding areas that are likely contributing to symptoms in the neck. With a specialized treatment plan and consistent effort, physical therapy can make a world of difference in reducing your neck arthritis symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Neck Arthritis 101 – Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

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exercises that may help reduce pain:

If you experience increased pain with these exercises, hold off from that particular movement.

Cervical Retraction – Sit in a comfortable position with your shoulders relaxed and your spine tall. While looking forward, move your head straight back. Your gaze should stay straight ahead throughout the movement and your head should not be moving up or down. You can hold this position for a few seconds and then return to your starting position. Perform this stretch 10-15 times, 3-5 times per day.

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Upper Trap Stretch –To begin, sit up straight and gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear closer to your shoulder. Use your opposite hand to apply light pressure to the temple on the same side as the stretch, feeling a satisfying stretch in the muscle along the side of your neck and shoulder. Hold the stretch for 1-2 minutes, then switch to the other side and repeat. The key is to not crank on your neck, rather gently pull it until a stretch is felt.

Long Sitting Thoracic Extension –Start by sitting with your legs straight out in front of you and place your hands behind your head. While keeping your legs straight, slowly extend your back and try to get your chest to face the ceiling. You can hold this position for a couple of seconds and then slowly lower to your starting position. Perform 10-15 reps for 2-3 sets.

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