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Just diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of the Neck

dynasu
1 Recommendation

Now what? I have no idea where to go from here. On top of al l my other medical problems, now they say I have osteoarthritis and osteopena as well as a slightly block caroid artery. What do you do to work with it and slow it down and live a normal life. My neck and shoulders and down my back hurts constantly, muscle relaxers help some but the pain doesn't completely go away. Doctor said physical therapy and massage therapy. My husband feels that the doctors are just guessing and picking out something easy for them to prescribe more pills for. How do you make your family members understand?

Explore topics in this discussion:

Arthritis Pain Memory Osteoarthritis Chiropractic Physical therapy Stress

12 replies

Calaneet

HI Dynasu,
I am really sorry to hear about everything you are going through. I was wondering what kind of doctor (specialist) have you seen? This can make a big difference on the kind of treatment they reccomend. Talk with you soon-Calaneet

deebelle

I have osteo in my neck as well and have had it for some time now. What I hate most is the cracking. I move my neck and it cracks. Poeple can hear it if they sit next to me. I will say that I am now getting a little used to it but when it first started it drove me nuts. I do know that stress is the worse thing, and can tighten you up, and make your neck so much worse. Also, different types of pillows can cause pain. Look at what you are sleeping on.That may make a difference. Also, your purse. Is it too big and heavy?
Get that spouse of yours to give you neck massages, and if you can afford it, try to go for massages.
Also running the shower on your neck help using as hot a water as you can stand.
Some people use a heating pad, or alternate hot with cold. It works for some.
I know this troubles you, but again the stress will only make it worse.
I will be thinking of you. Take care of yourself.
Deebelle

dynasu

I don't mean to sound like I am a whiner, I'm not. I just have gone through a few years of them finding more and more wrong with me and it makes me wonder. I have downsized my purse. What is the best type of pillow to use? I have a feather pillow, does an angled pillow work better, or a memory foam? Of course, since I am not finding a job, there is stress. My muscles are tightened up at my neck and shoulder area and down the right side of my back. Showers are heaven. My husband does give me back rubs, but he is afraid of hurting me.

I was just wondering how other people deal with employers and the fact that I was told to take breads like every fifteen minutes from computers etc.

deebelle

There is the "Americans with Disabilites Act" which prevents employers from discriminating against employees. I don't know all the in's and, out's but you might want to check in to this. If you have a Dr. note, I believe the employer must comply.
I don't know the best pillow but I do know that too big or too high of a pillow bothers me. I guess you just have to find what works for you. I don't have anything special that I sleep on...just what feels good to me.
God, you are not a whiner but thank heaven we can whine here because all of us understand. I have generalized osteoarthritis which means it is in most of my joints and can be very painful. Today is a pain day for me as it is going to rain and the barometric pressure when its low bothers me. I read about this and I think its true for me at least.
I went out on disability about four years ago. I worked for the State of Florida and they had to get me a special chair for my back and it was no problem at all.
Thank God, no more employers, but I stay so busy sometimes that I might as well work. Oh, swimming also helps!
I have been angry at my pain etc, for years and still get angry at imes especially when I am in a hurry and I can't move fast. That makes mme frustrated as hell.
It is annoying to say the least!!!!!
Hope your weekend goes well, and you had a nice 4th!!
Cheers;
Deebelle

dynasu

I have not seen a specialist, just my regular internist. He put me on Omega 3 and told me it would take care of it. I know it does not go away, but how can only Omega 3 handle it. They also added that I have it in my lower spine and both feet. No wonder I could not keep up with others, I had no idea that was what was causing the pain in my feet when I walked.

What type of specialist should I find?

dynasu

I agree the cracking and popping bothers me also.

FEC

I also have cervical spine arthritis. Deebelle's advice is very good. Foam memory pillows are not advisable-- according to my physical therapist. As Deebelle said, flat pillows are best. Pilates and Muscle Activation Technique have helped me. The more you activate your core, the less stress is being placed on your neck and shoulders. Also, a lumbar support pillow is imperative when driving or sitting. Check out the wonder roll self inflatable pillow--it is available on the web. It is hard to live around the arthritis, but you can do it w/o medication. Hang in there!

dynasu

I sometimes think that I am a real whiner. I was raised not to complain about anything and just to grin and bear it. I just sometimes feel that if they find one more thing wrong with me I will explode. Nothing I have is serious and I know there are many people out there worse off then I am, it is just the whole thing gets old. For the last four years it seems like they just keep adding to my problems, but do not find a way to fix anything.

dianafleur

Dynasu,

I was just doing some research online and found your posting and felt compelled to offer some information that I have. I was just diagnosed last week by a chiropractor that I drove over 1 hour to see. I have know for sometime that something was not right with my neck. I have been to see over 6 other chiropractors and no-one thought to do x-rays. Sure enough... osteoarthritis. I always try to treat things without medicine if possible. Here are some sites that helped me and are really helping.
http://www.upcspine.com/prac1.asp,
http://www.upper-cervical.com/,
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/devils-claw-000237.htm.

I started upper cervical chiropractic care last week and I have faith that it is going to be helpful. Also, yoga has been really helpful. I cannot stress how important it is to get a teacher that will really help you with your form. That will really help your neck in the end. Also, I have been using a memory foam pillow, suggested by my last chiropractor, and it seems to be helping. I am really trying hard not to sleep on my stomach at all anymore.

Check in with your body and see what it needs. It will tell you a lot. Stay positive!

slp176

I too went to the doctor last week and was told the same thing. What bothered me more then anything is the way the PA told me that it was going to get worse. I am 51, I also have had a partial knee replacement which now should be a full replacement, and my other knee is not much better. She did give me some mild pain medicine to use on a as needed basis. I have been sleeping in a recliner at night, it seems if I lay flat for too long I hurt all over. I guess it is almost a trial and error thing on what to try and see what works for you.

MangoFlamingo

I was just diagnosed myself (at age 35) last week of the same thing. I thought I was too young for this! But it explains the constant worsening pain that I've been in for the last 3 years...

kajira

What can I say the whole thing I find to be a disaster of epic proportions! Everytime I think I have one pain under control , some other part of my body starts and as for work, well, I live in constant stress because I cant keep up with the others and at 45 yrs old no one really believes I could be in pain all the time!

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