Osteoarthritis of Cervical Spine

[uvamomb]

Has anyone had any luck with any meds, treaments, etc. with osteoarthritis of the cervical spine? I'd appreciate any input you could give. Thank you,
Kathy

[goldenmain]

Yep, Meds only... for me anyway

[snowmelts]

I have OA (osteoarthritis) on every inch of my spine, from seat to neck.
On addition to the OA in my spine I have osteoporosis.
The combination has my spine bent 15% convexly to the left (so far)
I do not take any perscription meds for OA.
I see a Chiropractor. He has helped my back, neck and hips feel a great deal better.

[GJZH]

I had a fusion of C4 to C7. I found initial relief from the fusion, but am now facing more degeneration of the spine...

I have not had much luck with medications, though Celebrex was a help in the beginning....

[calady]

I too have both the osteoporosis and the osteoarthritis, and spine beginning to curve. I also have peripheral neuropathy, so its either all of these or whatever that is causing me sooo much pain in my lower back on the left side only. I had 2 back surgeries 30 yrs ago and it held up til about 5 yrs. ago then I started having all of these problems. There isn't much that they can do but to give you meds, I take neurontin for the PN, then Predisone and Methotraxte for the other two things, plus Darvacet for the pain, sometimes the pain just gets to be too much. Do sit w/the heating pad on the back, it helps for awhile. Am starting a series of PT and OT next week, am not expecting miracles, but if I could just elimate some of the pain it would be very nice.

Celia

[Jenifer]

I have osteoporosis and the osteoarthritis--and stenois of the spinal canal--they want to operate but I am not very keen on that --as they say it won't help the back pain--but may help the pain down the legs--to relieve the pinched nerves has anyone else had this done ? and how did it turn out.

[snowmelts]

My brother had a herniated disc in his spine that pinched a nerve.
The pain hit so fierce and fast he was not able to get himself out of bed.
Long story made short.......
They gave him a choice of therapy or surgery.
He chose therapy.
He went through 4 months of very intensive daily therapy and it did the job well enough.
It enabled him to return to work at a job that consitantly required climbing ladders and repairig satalite systems on roofs.
He still has one numb spot on his calf and has to watch what he lifts. He also tends to avoid "sharply turning" his torso but he is happy to have avoided the surgery.
So I'd suggest trying very intensive therapy before even considering surgery.

[Naominjw]

I have osteoarthritis and bone spurs the entire length of my spine. The cervical thing catches on the base of my skull and gives me headaches. It is scary that it was already BAD in my mid-20s... now I am 50... what will happen when I am 70? And 80? ***shudder***

I take Mobic (failed on Vioxx (duh) then Celebrex). But my biggest relief is....

Chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy (HURTS and is expensive but is soooo worth it). I also lie on my back with my head right next to the edge and my hubby does manual cervical traction which the osteopath (I used to see) taught him to do on me.

If you have problems with arm, hand or shoulder, that needs to be addressed as well, since the pain can all be intertwined.

I also take supplements--fish oil, antioxidants, SAM-e, and glucosamine/MSM... among others.

-"Naomi"