Cervical osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis is a traumatic condition that particularly affects men and women over the age of 50.

Cervicarthrosis is caused by the wear and tear, over the years, of the cartilage protecting the neck joints.

The causes of cervical osteoarthritis, the symptoms of this disease, as well as possible relief… That’s all you’re going to find out in this article.

Causes

Even today, the causes of osteoarthritis remain relatively unclear. What we do know is that our bodies tire and erode little by little, as the years go by.

This wear and tear has a detrimental effect on cartilage. The conclusion is that those most prone to osteoarthritis are people who use their neck muscles excessively, whether at work or in their daily lives.

However, it has been observed that even people with professions requiring them to stand up straight for long hours can suffer from this degeneration.

A neck that works too much, or a neck that rests too much, can both lead to osteoarthritis. Based on this observation, the body’s ability to regenerate, but also to destroy cartilage, is called into question.

Symptoms

Once again, cervical osteoarthritis is a disease whose secrets are still unknown. Some people feel nothing at all, while others suffer from one or more symptoms:

• cervicalgia or neck pain
• neck stiffness
• dizziness and migraines
• difficulty swallowing
• possible numbness, or pain from the shoulders to the fingertips*.

*This last symptom is due to the fact that the body responds to the lack of cartilage by producing new cartilage. However, the resulting growths can sometimes compress nerves, such as those in the arm.

Relief

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for cervical osteoarthritis. However, there are a number of ways to relieve pain and reduce the nuisance of the disease.

Natural relief from cervical osteoarthritis

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, the best thing to do is to try to relieve your pain naturally, without resorting to chemicals or surgery. If, following these treatments, nothing improves or the pain is still too much, then you may want to consider a more serious treatment.

The Capsaicin(what makes chillies hot). You can find capsaicin-based creams and lotions, or consume it directly through your diet. Capsaicin acts as a mild analgesic, reducing pain. Ideal for minor cases of osteoarthritis.

The Glucosamineand/or Chondroitinare naturally produced by your body. These substances, also sold in supplement form, can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with cervical osteoarthritis. The two substances can be combined for best results.

L’Harpagophytumis a plant native to South Africa. Its roots are used to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is sold in powder form, which must be diluted in water.

The Green tea. For centuries, green tea has been one of Asia’s leading traditional remedies. There’s no doubt that this beverage has many virtues. In the case of cervical osteoarthritis, green tea plays a role in slowing down the destruction of cartilage.

In the case of mild cervical osteoarthritis, a healthy lifestyle can also help improve the situation. Mental and physical health are linked. So remember to vary your diet and eat more vegetables and fruit. Reduce your intake of fats, sugar and salt.

Couple this “diet” with sport such as walking or cycling. Beware, however, of intense sports such as boxing or basketball… That could make things worse. The important thing is to get moving, get a change of scenery and have a positive effect on morale, and therefore on pain. A little rest via a spa cure can also be beneficial.

If these natural remedies don’t help, consider taking the next step…

Medical relief for cervical osteoarthritis

The analgesicsare drugs that act on the patient’s pain. In the case of cervical osteoarthritis, the most commonly prescribed analgesic is acetaminophen.

The anti-inflammatoriescan also relieve your day-to-day pain. However, they must be prescribed for long-term use. It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor before starting any anti-inflammatory treatment.

Clinical relief for cervical osteoarthritis

As a last resort, and especially for advanced and dangerous cases of cervical osteoarthritis, you may need to undergo surgery. Be aware, however, that surgery in the cervical area is risky and sometimes a little complicated. Talk to your doctor, who will be able to assess the situation and give you the best advice.

Article by : Francis Galineri | Review guidelines | Review consultants
Last updated on 24 January 2025.
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