WHAT IS IT? NECK OSTEOARTHRITIS
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative process affecting the neck. Degeneration can affect the discs and joints, resulting in reduced disc height, increased bone growth, and sometimes the formation of osteophytes.
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In severe cases, the space in which the nerves and spinal cord pass can become encroached, resulting in nerve compression or stenosis.
Signs and symptoms
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Pain in the neck (worse in the morning, in cold weather, before it rains, and after exercise
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Reduced neck range of movement
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Aggravated by neck extension, and at the extreme range of neck movements
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Limited ability to carry out normal preferred activities
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Possible referred pain to the shoulders, shoulder blades, and down arm
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Possible sensory disturbances such as pins and needles or numbness
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Eased with heat and lying down
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WHAT CAUSES IT?​
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Age related degeneration increased by:
- Weak deep neck flexor, lower trapezius and other relevant muscles
- Increased lordosis of neck (chin poking position)
- Forward head posture
- Protracted or rounded shoulders
- History of postural neck pain
- Long standing incorrect work station set up (computer, chair, table)
- Activities involving repetition, or sustained postures
- History of hypomobile vertebrae and joints
HOW TO SELF MANAGE
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Keep your neck moving (pain free range)
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Reduce high impact exercise, but maintain flexibility and strength
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Use heat and rest to reduce pain
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See your pharmacist for advice on joint supplements
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Seek assessment of your neck by your physiotherapist
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Consider requesting an x-ray referral from your GP for confirmation of diagniosis
PROGNOSIS
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Conservative management should be enough to manage mild to moderate arthritis
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Once pain becomes constant and severe, and life activities are significantly impeded then specialist intervention may be required
HOW PHYSIO HELPS?
- Assess your neck to confirm if OA is likely
- Refer for an investigation (x-ray) if necessary
- Prescribe an individual specific exercise program to gain as much range as possible
- Address any biomechanical contributing factors
- Correct any muscular weaknesses or imbalances
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