Description Osteoarthritis of t...
Description
Osteoarthritis of the neck. This arthritis usually occurs because of the age-related degenerative disease that develops in the neck joints and disks. All patients experience some wear and tear of the neck joints as they age but some have more severe damage causing significant pain and loss of function. As the arthritis develops there can be the development of bone spurs, or osteophytes. These bone spurs can irritate the nearby nerves, ligaments and muscles causing pain. Spondylosis is one of the most common causes of pain in the elderly.
Symptoms
Neck pain, increased neck pain with movement, neck stiffness, numbness, weakness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray, CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to identify the extent of the degeneration.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray, CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to identify the extent of the degeneration.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, Family Practice, Pain Medicine, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of the disease and symptoms. Treatment includes: pain medications, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), exercise and physical therapy. Injections of cortisone may be recommended. Surgery is considered for persistent pain, loss of sensation, or weakness.