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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Neck Pain Caused By Arthritis

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Posted on Mon, 11 Sep 2017
Question: I have chronic neck pain with arthritis of my neck in at least one joint. The pain is with each movement of my head with a cracking feeling. What options should I seek for treatment. Thank you for any advice you provide. XXXXXXX e-mail: YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Physical therapy is important.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Ibuprofen is fine as an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug to alleviate the pain. A soft cervical collar would also help and decrease the load on the spine. Physical therapy though is essential. Your neck won't be getting any younger, Ibuprofen mainly serves to alleviate symptoms, doesn't change the neck situation. Physical therapy though aims to strengthen the muscles in order to enable them to better support the spine and ease its load.

Other options might include traction therapy, chiropractics or acupuncture, but there aren't many studies regarding their efficacy, physical therapy is the only proven way.

When it comes to medications muscle relaxants like Flexeril may be tried but not for more than a couple of weeks. At times medication for chronic pain like gabapentin, pregabalin or duloxetin is used (but wouldn't really advise unless in pain for months).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Neck Pain Caused By Arthritis

Brief Answer: Physical therapy is important. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Ibuprofen is fine as an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug to alleviate the pain. A soft cervical collar would also help and decrease the load on the spine. Physical therapy though is essential. Your neck won't be getting any younger, Ibuprofen mainly serves to alleviate symptoms, doesn't change the neck situation. Physical therapy though aims to strengthen the muscles in order to enable them to better support the spine and ease its load. Other options might include traction therapy, chiropractics or acupuncture, but there aren't many studies regarding their efficacy, physical therapy is the only proven way. When it comes to medications muscle relaxants like Flexeril may be tried but not for more than a couple of weeks. At times medication for chronic pain like gabapentin, pregabalin or duloxetin is used (but wouldn't really advise unless in pain for months).