Neck Arthritis: 5 Things You Should Avoid to Prevent Pain

If you have arthritis in your neck, certain activities may aggravate your symptoms or increase discomfort. At OmniSpine Pain Management, our goal is to help you maintain an active lifestyle while effectively managing your neck arthritis pain. Typically, we recommend avoiding high-impact activities or sports involving sudden, jerking neck movements, as these can intensify inflammation and pain. Activities such as contact sports—football, rugby, or martial arts—can pose risks due to abrupt impacts and potential trauma to your cervical spine.

Additionally, prolonged tasks that require awkward neck positions, such as extended bending, twisting, or looking upward, should be minimized. For example, gardening, painting ceilings, or prolonged computer use without ergonomic support may exacerbate your symptoms. Our specialists at OmniSpine Pain Management can offer guidance on ergonomic adjustments and appropriate posture to help reduce discomfort during everyday activities.

You should also exercise caution when lifting heavy items, especially overhead or carrying heavy loads on your shoulders, as this places additional strain on your cervical vertebrae. Likewise, repetitive neck movements, such as those involved in swimming strokes like breaststroke or freestyle, can sometimes worsen arthritis-related discomfort.

Moreover, activities involving vibration or jolting motions, including horseback riding, off-road biking, or certain amusement park rides, may also intensify symptoms by placing increased stress on your neck joints.

We understand each individual’s condition is unique. We encourage you to discuss your specific symptoms and lifestyle goals with our healthcare providers or physical therapists. Our team will work with you to develop personalized treatment plans and activity modifications, empowering you to stay active and manage your arthritis symptoms effectively.

If you’re experiencing arthritis-related neck pain, the specialists at OmniSpine Pain Management understand that the way you sleep can significantly influence your comfort and symptoms. Certain sleeping positions can place excessive stress on your cervical spine, increasing stiffness, pain, or overall discomfort. Specifically, sleeping on your stomach often forces your neck into unnatural rotations, placing strain on joints and muscles, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

We recommend sleeping on your side or back to minimize discomfort. Sleeping on your back helps maintain proper alignment and provides good support for your spine and neck, especially when using a pillow designed to support the natural curvature of your cervical spine. Side sleeping can also be beneficial if you ensure your neck stays at a neutral height with an appropriately supportive pillow. Selecting the right pillow—one that is neither too high nor too flat—is essential, as it directly impacts your spinal alignment and overall comfort.

If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain or discomfort despite adjustments in your sleep position, the expert team at OmniSpine Pain Management can offer a personalized evaluation and customized treatment plan tailored specifically to your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the causes of neck arthritis.

We understand that effectively managing neck arthritis pain often includes simple yet impactful home therapies, such as heat and cold treatments. Choosing the right therapy depends on your symptoms and the specific stage of arthritis you’re experiencing.

Heat Therapy: Applying gentle heat using a heating pad can significantly ease arthritis-related neck pain by relaxing tense muscles, improving blood circulation, and decreasing stiffness. Heat therapy is particularly beneficial first thing in the morning or after extended periods of rest when stiffness and limited mobility are common. At OmniSpine Pain Management, our specialists often recommend heat therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients experiencing chronic stiffness and tension in the neck.

Cold Therapy: Cold therapy, such as using an ice pack wrapped in a towel, can effectively reduce inflammation and numb acute pain sensations, making it an ideal choice during flare-ups characterized by swelling, heightened tenderness, or elevated discomfort. Always avoid placing ice directly onto your skin, as this could cause irritation or frostbite. Instead, wrap the ice pack in a soft cloth or towel before application.

Safety and Best Practices: At OmniSpine Pain Management, patient safety and comfort are our priorities. We recommend limiting heat or cold therapy sessions to 15–20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between applications, to avoid skin irritation or tissue damage. Patients with underlying medical conditions—such as diabetes, poor circulation, or sensory impairments—should consult our medical team before incorporating these therapies into their routine.

While heat and cold therapies can be highly beneficial, persistent or worsening symptoms require professional consultation. Our experienced providers can evaluate your unique condition, offer personalized guidance, and help determine the most suitable combination of treatments to manage your neck arthritis pain effectively.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand that neck arthritis (cervical spondylosis) can significantly impact your quality of life, including everyday activities like driving. Neck arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, making it challenging to turn your head comfortably, react quickly, and stay alert behind the wheel.

Our pain management specialists emphasize the importance of evaluating your condition honestly and regularly discussing your symptoms with our healthcare providers. Depending on the severity of your arthritis, we may recommend personalized treatments and therapies, such as targeted physical therapy, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or custom exercises designed to improve flexibility, relieve pain, and help you maintain safe driving habits.

If your arthritis symptoms are mild and effectively managed through our tailored treatment plans, you may continue driving safely. However, if stiffness, pain, or limited mobility significantly impacts your ability to drive, our team can offer guidance and support, including recommending adaptive driving aids like specialized mirrors to reduce neck rotation and ergonomic seat cushions to improve comfort during travel.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, your safety and independence matter. Regular evaluations by our team and individualized adjustments to your pain management plan or driving habits can help you remain comfortable, confident, and safe on the road.

Avoiding the wrong movements and habits can make a big difference in controlling neck arthritis and maintaining your quality of life. Small changes today can help prevent major pain tomorrow. Dr. Andrew Morchower and the team at Omnispine Pain Management are here to guide you with expert care and proven strategies. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.