Neck arthritis, or cervical spondylosis, is caused by age-related wear and tear of the cartilage and bones that make up the spine. By the age of 30, many people are already showing signs of deterioration of the backbone and sometimes bone spur growth in the neck. If you think you may be suffering from neck arthritis, consult your doctor.
Symptoms
Neck arthritis involves abnormal degeneration of the bones and cartilage of the neck vertebrae and the cushioning disks between them. It may also include bone spurs -- small bone growths on the vertebrae. Over a prolonged period, this condition can cause compression of the nerve roots and may eventually affect the spinal cord, causing chronic pain and reducing the mobility of your arms and legs. Symptoms of neck arthritis include pain in the neck, shoulders and arms, neck stiffness, are weakness and headaches.
Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs may help to ease the stiffness in your neck and shoulders if you suffer from neck arthritis. Slowly pull your shoulders upward, as close to your ears as comfortably possible. Then push your shoulders backward in a slow, rolling motion, and drop them down as low as they will go. Repeat this movement five to six times.
Isometric Exercises
According to Hansa Kanuga, a consultant physiotherapist for the Doctor NDTV website, isometric exercises are beneficial for cervical spondylosis. When doing these, breath calmly and deeply, and relax. Press your palms to your forehead for five second then release. Keeping your head and neck still, press your palm to the right side of your head and lower your head to your right shoulder, then straighten. Repeat this on the left side. Tilt your head back as far as is comfortable, so you are looking up at the ceiling. Then raise your head back to its normal position.
Range of Motions Exercises
Kanuga also recommends neck range-of-motion exercises. To do these, first turn you head to the left until you start to feel some discomfort, hold it for a few seconds, then turn back to the front. Repeat this to the right side. Drop your chin onto your chest and hold it for a few second, then return to normal. Finally, tilt your head all the way back so you can see the ceiling and, after a few seconds, return to normal.
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