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Suggest Treatment For Neck Pain Due To Neck Arthritis

Posted on Wed, 23 Aug 2017

Question: Almost 3 years ago I was diagnosed with having mild arthritis in my neck. Besides a sore neck once in awhile, I have gotten this sharp pain a couple of different times on one side of my neck up into my head , maybe the occipital nerve? This last flare up has lasted two weeks; the pain will go away for a few days, but then it comes back. Is there anything that can be done for this or is it a muscle spasm that just needs to work itself out. I saw a neck specialist 2 1/2 years ago and the x-rays confirmed the arthritis and he didn't seem concerned. What can a person do to relieve this type of neck pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pain killers + Muscle relaxant when acute pain , Exercises for long term.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
In my opinion you probably have pinching of C1 nerve root in spinal canal. You feel pain, whenever the nerve is pinched, and spasm is secondary to nerve pinching.
In acute phase pain killers , muscle relaxants and physio will help but for the long term relief , I would recommend Neck strengthening exercises.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (17 minutes later)

Yes I was given some neck exercises to do with my last visit, but are these ok to do when in pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes no problem unless the pain increases.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
In my opinion there is no problem in doing neck exercises unless the pain increases while doing exercises.

Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad