What Causes Neck Arthritis and How Can You Treat It?
Neck arthritis, or cervical spondylosis, often develops from aging, wear and tear, or repetitive strain on the cervical spine. At OmniSpine, Dr. Andrew Morchower focuses on addressing the root causes with personalized treatments, including lifestyle modifications, therapies, and personalized medical care to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX.


Table of Contents:
Can Neck Arthritis Develop From Poor Posture?
How Do Age and Lifestyle Affect Neck Arthritis?
What Are the Symptoms of Neck Arthritis?
How Is Neck Arthritis Diagnosed?
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand that neck arthritis, also called cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This degeneration of the cervical spine is primarily influenced by aging, but factors like poor posture can worsen its progression and symptoms. Forward head posture, or “tech neck,” often linked to prolonged use of computers or smartphones, places excessive strain on the cervical spine. This stress can accelerate degenerative changes, causing muscle fatigue, tightness, and imbalances that intensify pain and limit flexibility.
While poor posture plays a significant role, other factors like genetic predisposition, previous injuries, smoking, and inactivity also contribute to neck arthritis. To manage the condition effectively, we emphasize preventative measures and holistic care. Our approach includes educating patients on maintaining good posture, adopting ergonomic solutions, and incorporating exercises to strengthen neck and back muscles. We also recommend regular physical activity and breaks from prolonged sitting or device use to reduce stress on the cervical spine.
For those with persistent neck pain, our team offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Through evidence-based care, we aim to improve neck health, alleviate discomfort, and enhance your quality of life.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand the challenges and discomfort that neck arthritis, or cervical spondylosis, can bring to your daily life. This condition involves the degeneration of the cervical spine’s discs and joints, often influenced by age and lifestyle factors. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive care and guidance to manage this condition effectively.
Cervical spondylosis, or neck arthritis, is a common condition caused by the natural aging process. Over time, the cervical spine undergoes wear and tear, including cartilage breakdown, bone spur formation, and reduced disc cushioning. These changes can increase pressure on vertebrae and nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms, and muscle spasms. Factors like repetitive neck movements, smoking, obesity, poor posture, and inactivity can accelerate its progression.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we focus on helping patients manage neck arthritis and slow its progression through personalized care plans. Weight management reduces strain on the neck, while smoking cessation resources protect spinal health. We provide guidance on proper posture and ergonomic adjustments to minimize stress on the cervical spine. Tailored physical therapy programs strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance range of motion. Pain management strategies include medications like over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. For severe cases, advanced interventions, including surgical options, may be considered.
Our specialized team at OmniSpine Pain Management is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals suffering from neck arthritis. We recognize that symptoms such as persistent neck pain, stiffness, and the notorious grinding sensation (crepitus) can severely affect your quality of life. Additionally, we address associated symptoms like radiating shoulder and arm pain, headaches, and neurological issues such as tingling or numbness in the arms and hands.
At our practice, we offer a personalized approach to managing neck arthritis, starting with a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose your condition. Our treatment plans are tailored to the severity of your symptoms and are designed to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall well-being.
Our multidisciplinary approach may include:
1. Medications: We prescribe appropriate medications to help reduce pain and inflammation, ensuring you find relief from discomfort.
2. Physical Therapy: Our skilled therapists work with you to improve your range of motion and strengthen the supportive muscles, reducing strain on the cervical spine.
3. Interventional Procedures: For more severe cases, we offer minimally invasive procedures, such as corticosteroid injections, to effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
4. Surgical Consultation: In situations where conservative treatments are insufficient, our experienced team is prepared to discuss surgical options to alleviate nerve or spinal cord pressure.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, your health and comfort are our top priorities. We strive to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to manage neck arthritis effectively, helping you regain control over your life.
Inflammation and degradation of the cervical spine joints are common symptoms of neck arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis. At OmniSpine Pain Management, we use a thorough diagnostic process to guarantee precise diagnosis and efficient care that is customized to meet the individual needs of every patient.
Our diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination conducted by our experienced healthcare providers. We explore a wide range of symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness in the arms or hands. We also consider any past neck injuries, family history of arthritis, and lifestyle factors contributing to the condition. During the physical examination, our best pain management doctors evaluate the neck for tenderness, swelling, and restricted movement, while assessing range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation for signs of nerve involvement.
OmniSpine Pain Management utilizes state-of-the-art imaging technologies for diagnosing neck arthritis and determining its severity. X-rays help identify narrowed joint spaces and bone spurs. For more detailed views, we employ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine soft tissues, spinal cord, and nerves, and computed tomography (CT) scans for evaluating bony structures in depth.
When nerve damage is suspected, we perform nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical activity in nerves and muscles. These tests are crucial in identifying nerve compression or damage associated with neck arthritis.
In complex cases, we may conduct additional investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests can rule out other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that may affect the neck. If needed, we collaborate with specialists such as neurologists or orthopedic surgeons to ensure comprehensive assessment and treatment planning.
Understanding the causes of neck arthritis is the first step toward finding effective relief. At OmniSpine, Dr. Andrew Morchower provides expert care to help you manage symptoms and regain mobility through targeted, evidence-based treatments. With the right approach, living comfortably and improving your quality of life is within reach. 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.