Brief Answer:
Treatment of cervical spine osteoarthritis is given in step wise approach

Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. The cervical spine consists of 7 small bones aligned on top of each other. In between 2 bones there is a soft structure which is spongy called disc. The nerves originate in the spinal cord and come out through small foramen between 2 bones at the level of the discs. Osteoarthritis of the spine is a degenerative condition of the bones and discs and probably you are having it at an early age.

2. The pain in osteoarthritis is due to the nerves being pinched in the neural foramina due to overgrowth of the bones from degeneration. The treatment of osteoarthritis is in a step wise approach and milder forms of treatment are suggested in the beginning.

3. Treatment with exercises, topical pain relief and muscle relaxants are the mildest treatments and work for early osteoarthritis. Avoiding sudden neck movement and lifting heavy weights is recommended.

4. When the above shows less response then treatment with non steroidal pain relief like celebrex and ibuprofen is suggested. There are mild oral pain relief medicines.

5. If the oral mild pain relief medicines do not control the pain then nerve pain relief medicines are given. Gabapentin and pregabalin are nerve pain relief medicines. It is important to discuss with your doctor before taking them.

6. In significant pain not responding to above medicines, steroid shots can be given to the painful joint and opioid analgesics can be suggested. There are always given after clinical discussion and are only when required.

7. If a patient has significant nerve root compression not responding to above treatments and of the doctor feels that surgery can improve the quality of life and help control the pain then surgery is advised.

Therefore multiple options are available to control pain in cervical spine osteoarthritis and it is important to get clinically examined and discuss with your doctor on which treatment is suitable for you.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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