Newbie | Arthritis Information

I have known for several years that I have OA in my fingers, but have just found out that I have it in my neck. There has been some degeneration and I have I believe it was three bone spurs.

Something has been pinching a nerve and causing the left side of my neck and my left sholder to "tingle", and I use the werd tingle loosely. Sometimes it is deep and feels like an electric shock that does on and on. Then there is the burning pain in an area of my neck.

Orthopedic dr, has me on Medrol Dose Pack. I am almost done and have noticed very little change. I am using heat, gentle massage and exercise (all at home, insurance coverage not good on PT).

So, whats next? or, is this just something that I am going to have to live with?

It very much sounds like you have degenerative arthritic changes in your neck. Any compression of the nerves as they leave your spine can give shoulder , arm and hand symptoms.

Unlike hips and knees, there is no neck replacement operation.

Treatment is usually painkillers (there is a lot of variation between people - you will need to try a few different types to find the one that works for you) exercise, and postural training.

Postural factors have a big effect on neck pain.This is unfortunate as our resting posture is the position we adopt when we are not thinking about our position. Arthritis sufferers frequently adopt a 'poked chin' posture as it causes short term pain relief. Long term it makes the matter worse.

Chin retraction exercises, done pain free, are recommended. Correct sitting is important as poor lumbar posture leads to poor cervical posture. A lumbar roll on a chair can help with this.

Good Luck