What is neck osteoarthritis?
Over the years, the discs between the neck vertebrae lose height and flexibility, and small bony growths can form around the joints. Doctors call this neck osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis.
According to NHS inform, Scotland's national health information service, these are normal age-related changes. Most people whose MRI or X-ray shows these changes have no neck pain. Osteoarthritis seen on imaging does not necessarily explain the pain.
For care options, see our Neck pain and Osteoarthritis pages. This article focuses on symptoms and daily life.
Neck osteoarthritis: what are the symptoms?
According to NHS inform, symptoms can vary from day to day. The main ones are:
- neck pain and stiffness;
- tight muscles or spasms;
- clicking or grinding when you move your neck, usually not serious;
- headaches that often start at the back of the head.
According to the Swiss League against Rheumatism, the pain can spread to the back of the head or the shoulders; it depends on position and effort and is felt little at rest. If a nerve root is irritated (radiculopathy), pain can travel down the arm, with pins and needles or numbness. More rarely, pressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy) can make the hands clumsy or walking less steady.
Neck osteoarthritis, headaches and dizziness: further reading
Headaches that start at the back of the neck and dizziness are common questions. We cover them in detail in Neck pain and tension headache, with the signs that should prompt a visit to the doctor. Brief, sharp shocks at the back of the head point rather to occipital neuralgia.
How is it diagnosed?
According to NHS inform, the diagnosis rests on your symptoms and an examination: the health professional looks at how your neck moves and tests the strength in your arms. An X-ray or MRI is usually not needed: many people over 40 show these changes on scans without having symptoms. If you already have an MRI, read what cervical degeneration on an MRI means.
Neck osteoarthritis: what to do day to day?
Move. According to NHS inform, exercise is safe, even if it is a little uncomfortable at first, and fear of moving can make pain worse. Move your neck for a few moments every hour if you sit for long periods. A neck collar is not recommended unless it has been prescribed.
Posture. Place your screen at eye level, avoid keeping your head bent over your phone and take regular breaks.
Sleep. A pillow that supports your neck well can help.
Heat or cold. According to NHS inform, heat or cold can ease pain. Always put a towel between your skin and the heat or cold, leave a few hours between applications and avoid them if you have problems with circulation or sensation.
Sport and work. Stay active at your own pace. Adapt activities that keep the neck bent back for long periods or involve impacts with your doctor or physiotherapist. According to NHS inform, you do not need to be symptom-free to return to work.
Medicines. According to NHS inform, painkillers can help you move more comfortably. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Warning signs: when to seek help without delay
These signs can mean that a nerve or the spinal cord is compressed: they need medical advice the same day.
Contact your doctor urgently or, if you cannot reach them, go to the emergency department if:
- you have new problems passing urine or opening your bowels;
- you lose sensation around your bottom or genitals;
- your balance gets worse or you have difficulty walking;
- you feel pain, weakness, heaviness or a change in sensation in your arms or legs;
- your hands become clumsy;
- you have neck pain with a severe headache.
See your doctor if:
- you have neck pain and feel generally unwell;
- you have rheumatoid arthritis or cancer.
These signs are not part of usual neck osteoarthritis. According to NHS inform, the biggest improvement often comes in the first couple of weeks, and most flare-ups get better within 8 weeks. If not, talk to your doctor.
Looking beyond the images
The first consultation lasts 1.5 to 2 hours (CHF 182). Bring your medical file, your test results (X-ray, MRI, reports) and the list of your medications. We review your situation and build your plan together. Follow-up is then adapted to your progress. We work alongside your GP and the other professionals who care for you, in particular your physiotherapist.
Which approaches can play a part at Centre Algos?
Depending on your situation, several approaches can be combined, alongside your medical follow-up:
- Naturopathy: sleep, stress, diet and daily rhythm, to work on the habits that can influence pain. On diet, see also Anti-inflammatory diet and osteoarthritis.
- Cupping: applied to the shoulders and upper back, it can help release muscle tension around the neck.
- Functional biology and micronutrition: a review of diet and nutritional needs, taking your related conditions and medications into account.
- Percutaneous hydrotomy: micro-injections under the skin. After assessment, when no warning signs are present and in agreement with your medical care, it can be discussed as a complementary option; it can bring relief, with no guaranteed result. We explain how it works, its limits and its contraindications; results vary from person to person. If hydrotomy is part of your plan, price on quotation, set at the first consultation according to your situation.
Everyone responds differently: the aim is to help you live your days better, without promising a result.
When to seek advice
What happens in your case
This text gives general guidance. What keeps your neck pain going, in your daily life, deserves a real conversation rather than a generic answer.
A question before you decide? Book a free 10-minute call to see whether our approach suits you.
