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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness Due To Osteoarthritis Of The Neck
Question: Hello. After an Xray and MRI of my neck and head I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the neck which is pushing against the cervical artery. It causes me to have a kind of constant dizziness which resembles disequlibrium, lack of energy, pain in neck and shoulder on left side. (Do not feel dizzy lying down or sitting.) I am currently taking 2 lexatine a day and paracetamol 3 or 4 times a week, and Crestor 10mg. Three doctors have told me it is not serious however it is quite debilitating.
I have had this condition for 5 months and although I can drive and walk without any problem the lack of energy has caused me to change my life and do much less than before. I also have very bad nights and always wake up 2 or 3 times in the night sometimes for 3 or 4 hours. The pain in my shoulder can be quite bad too. I was having spikes in my blood pressure associated with panic attacks but they have subsided considerably.
Two months ago I began physiotherapy once a week. The therapist is careful not to manipulate my neck and mainly works on muscles in back and throat area, with some manual traction for a few minutes each time. The physio improved my condition quite a bit but lately I am not making any more progress.
Can you suggest anything else that might help? I was prescribed Idapatan by a traumatologist to improve blood flow to the brain (plus the physiotherapy) but I couldn't take the Idapatan because of side effects. My GP suggested Ginkgo Biloba and a collagen supplement but I am afraid to try these as I have had such bad reactions to so many medications since I developed this condition. Even aspirin makes me dizzy.
Also since my last physiotherapy session I feel my heart skip when I bend over or turn my head in a certain direction. Is this anything to worry about?
My other question is is there anything else that can be done? Should I visit a rheumatologist?
I am a Canadian XXXXXXX living in a small town in Spain with only one English speaking doctor.
Thank you
XXXX
I have had this condition for 5 months and although I can drive and walk without any problem the lack of energy has caused me to change my life and do much less than before. I also have very bad nights and always wake up 2 or 3 times in the night sometimes for 3 or 4 hours. The pain in my shoulder can be quite bad too. I was having spikes in my blood pressure associated with panic attacks but they have subsided considerably.
Two months ago I began physiotherapy once a week. The therapist is careful not to manipulate my neck and mainly works on muscles in back and throat area, with some manual traction for a few minutes each time. The physio improved my condition quite a bit but lately I am not making any more progress.
Can you suggest anything else that might help? I was prescribed Idapatan by a traumatologist to improve blood flow to the brain (plus the physiotherapy) but I couldn't take the Idapatan because of side effects. My GP suggested Ginkgo Biloba and a collagen supplement but I am afraid to try these as I have had such bad reactions to so many medications since I developed this condition. Even aspirin makes me dizzy.
Also since my last physiotherapy session I feel my heart skip when I bend over or turn my head in a certain direction. Is this anything to worry about?
My other question is is there anything else that can be done? Should I visit a rheumatologist?
I am a Canadian XXXXXXX living in a small town in Spain with only one English speaking doctor.
Thank you
XXXX
Brief Answer:
cervical spondylosis
Detailed Answer:
Good evening XXXXXXX
Thank you for writing on health care magic.
I have gone through your history. I understand the situation you are in and it does get quite distressing especially when you can't express your problem.
As for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of cervical spine the options do get limited. But yes if it is compressing the cervical artery you need to be careful.
With cervical spondylosis you need to continue with your physiotherapy. The improvement will be there but it is usually slow. Also add calcium and vitamin d supplements to your diet as they will help strengthen the bone.
The second step is to avoid using pillow in the night. It will avoid the stress on the neck muscles
If you can consult someone doing yoga, it will be great. Yoga does help a lot with these kind of pains
But yes, if these conservative management fails you need to look into the other options. One of which is cervical traction where they reduce the compression on the vessels
Finally surgery is an option but being in the neck lot of surgeons avoid it. I don't think you will need it at this stage..
Do let me know for further queries
Would be happy to help you out with whatever I can
Regards
Dr naval
cervical spondylosis
Detailed Answer:
Good evening XXXXXXX
Thank you for writing on health care magic.
I have gone through your history. I understand the situation you are in and it does get quite distressing especially when you can't express your problem.
As for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of cervical spine the options do get limited. But yes if it is compressing the cervical artery you need to be careful.
With cervical spondylosis you need to continue with your physiotherapy. The improvement will be there but it is usually slow. Also add calcium and vitamin d supplements to your diet as they will help strengthen the bone.
The second step is to avoid using pillow in the night. It will avoid the stress on the neck muscles
If you can consult someone doing yoga, it will be great. Yoga does help a lot with these kind of pains
But yes, if these conservative management fails you need to look into the other options. One of which is cervical traction where they reduce the compression on the vessels
Finally surgery is an option but being in the neck lot of surgeons avoid it. I don't think you will need it at this stage..
Do let me know for further queries
Would be happy to help you out with whatever I can
Regards
Dr naval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank you for your reply
In your opinion would you recommend hydrolized collagen supplement or not?
Should I tell my GP and/or my physiotherapist about my heart skipping when I turn my head or bend over?
It is worse when I am tense probably because I am tensing my neck and/or my throat. Could it be related to anxiety as I do suffer from that, especially since I developed this condition.
Thanks for your reply
XXXX
In your opinion would you recommend hydrolized collagen supplement or not?
Should I tell my GP and/or my physiotherapist about my heart skipping when I turn my head or bend over?
It is worse when I am tense probably because I am tensing my neck and/or my throat. Could it be related to anxiety as I do suffer from that, especially since I developed this condition.
Thanks for your reply
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Collagen supplements wouldn't help much, giddiness needs to be monitored.
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
The collagen supplements don't have much role in cervical spondylosis. They can work as a placebo at times to give a sense of good feeling.
As for the giddiness on turning the head you should let your physician know as the vagus nerve also passes nearby that area. You need to make sure it is not getting pressed as well. So whenever you feel that episode do keep a hand on your pulse. If it is going down below normal then it s a cause for concern
A little bit giddiness is a part of cervical spondylosis. You need to strengthen your neck muscles to give your bones a better support
Do let me know for more queries
Regards
Dr naval
Collagen supplements wouldn't help much, giddiness needs to be monitored.
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
The collagen supplements don't have much role in cervical spondylosis. They can work as a placebo at times to give a sense of good feeling.
As for the giddiness on turning the head you should let your physician know as the vagus nerve also passes nearby that area. You need to make sure it is not getting pressed as well. So whenever you feel that episode do keep a hand on your pulse. If it is going down below normal then it s a cause for concern
A little bit giddiness is a part of cervical spondylosis. You need to strengthen your neck muscles to give your bones a better support
Do let me know for more queries
Regards
Dr naval
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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