Neck Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments

Overview

Neck arthritis is a degenerative condition that worsens with age, injury, or poor posture. While it cannot always be completely prevented, early diagnosis and modern treatments can significantly reduce pain and improve long-term outcomes. Understanding the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to managing this condition effectively.

What is Neck Arthritis?

Neck arthritis, or cervical spondylosis, refers to the gradual breakdown of the cervical spine’s bones, discs, and joints. This process can lead to bone spurs, disc herniation, and nerve compression, which may cause pain and neurological symptoms.

Although common in people over 50, younger individuals can also develop this condition due to injuries, genetic factors, or occupational strain.

Causes of Neck Arthritis

• Degeneration with age – discs lose hydration and elasticity
• Bone spurs – overgrowth of bone irritating nearby nerves
• Disc herniation – bulging or ruptured discs pressing on nerves
• Injury – trauma such as whiplash accelerating wear and tear
• Repetitive strain – poor posture or repetitive neck movements

Risk Factors

• Age (over 50 most common)
• Family history of arthritis
• Smoking (linked to disc degeneration)
• Occupations with repetitive neck strain
• Previous spinal injuries

Symptoms of Neck Arthritis

• Neck stiffness and reduced mobility
• Chronic or sharp neck pain
• Headaches at the back of the skull
• Pain radiating into shoulders or arms
• Numbness or tingling in hands and fingers
• Weakness in arms or legs (in severe cases)

Possible Complications

If untreated, cervical arthritis can progress to serious complications such as:

• Cervical myelopathy: spinal cord compression leading to balance issues
• Chronic nerve damage: causing persistent numbness or weakness
• Reduced quality of life: ongoing pain limiting daily activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis combines medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests:

• X-rays: show bone spurs, disc narrowing
• MRI: highlights nerves, discs, and spinal cord involvement
• CT scan: detailed view of bone structures
• Nerve conduction tests: check nerve signal function

Treatment Options

Self-Care & Lifestyle

• Heat or cold packs for pain relief
• Posture correction and ergonomic adjustments
• Daily stretching and mobility exercises

Medications

• Painkillers (paracetamol)
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Muscle relaxants

Physiotherapy

Custom exercise programmes can improve strength, posture, and range of motion.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections reduce local inflammation and nerve irritation.

Surgery

Reserved for severe nerve or spinal cord compression. Includes spinal fusion or laminectomy.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection treatment proven to reduce pain and support healing in neck arthritis. It works by stimulating collagen production, strengthening ligaments, and addressing the root cause of degeneration. Unlike temporary pain relief methods, prolotherapy encourages long-term structural repair.

Prevention

• Maintaining good posture
• Regular exercise and strengthening
• Avoiding smoking
• Using ergonomic workstations

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Corporate Manager

A 52-year-old manager developed neck stiffness from years at a desk job. After prolotherapy combined with posture training, symptoms reduced significantly, and mobility was restored.

Case Study 2: Ex-Rugby Player

A 60-year-old ex-athlete with advanced cervical arthritis reported significant pain relief after regenerative prolotherapy, regaining the ability to stay active in retirement.

FAQs

Is neck arthritis curable?

No, but symptoms can be managed and progression slowed.

What is the best treatment?

A tailored approach – including physiotherapy, medications, and regenerative options like prolotherapy.

Can exercise help?

Yes. Gentle stretching and strengthening improve mobility and reduce pain.

When should I seek medical help?

If you experience persistent pain, weakness, or balance issues.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let neck arthritis control your life any longer. Join thousands who have found lasting relief with prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

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Phone: +44 1234 380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

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• London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
• Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
• Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH

About the Author

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the treatment of neck arthritis. With over 12 years of experience, he specialises in prolotherapy and regenerative medicine.

He trained in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, and pursued advanced studies at Keele University, Heidelberg University, and the Royal Society of Medicine in London.

Oliver has worked with Olympic and Commonwealth athletes and patients from across Europe and the Middle East.

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References

1. NHS. Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis
2. Arthritis Foundation. Neck Arthritis
3. Spine-health. Cervical Osteoarthritis
4. PubMed. Clinical Studies on Cervical Arthritis