Neck Osteoarthritis

Neck Osteoarthritis

The cervical spine has seven vertebrae, between which there are discs (excluding between the first and second vertebrae). The function of these spacers is to connect the vertebrae to each other, relieve the pressure and shocks on the vertebrae and the spine, and enable the spine to move in all directions. In osteoarthritis of the neck, the cartilage surface of the discs is weakened or damaged. With the weakening of the cartilage surface, the vertebrae move closer to each other, which may cause, for example, pinched nerves.

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Common symptoms of neck osteoarthritis

The most common cause of osteoarthritis of the neck is wear and tear of the vertebrae, for example with aging or work that requires frequent movements and lifting heavy loads.

    • Neck pain that gets worse when standing
    • Neck pain that radiates to the shoulder or arm, sometimes even to the lower limbs
    • A tingling sensation in the hands
    • Headache
    • Pain and stiffness in the neck area

 

Exercise Therapy for neck osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the neck is usually treated with either drugs, physical therapy or surgery, or a combination of these.

Neck osteoarthritis treatment with medical exercise therapy always begins with an initial examination by a physiotherapist, after which an individual rehabilitation plan is drawn up. This may include pain-relieving methods, exercises to strengthen the neck and back muscles, and ergonomic guidance. Medical exercise with David upper spine equipment is controlled to provide safe and effective treatment for neck osteoarthritis.

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Patient Experience

At Mondorf Health Center, Jarmo follows an exercise treatment program that includes 4 David devices. This includes the upper spine devices Cervical Extension and Cervical Rotation devices. In addition, Jarmo’s treatment includes the Shoulder Abduction and Pulldown devices to mobilize and strengthen upper back muscles that support the neck.

The treatment program is individualized to his needs. This includes customized parameters for weight resistance, speed, repetition, and range of motion for all exercise movements. “My neck exercises use very small weights but with many repetitions, even up to 40 repetitions per side”. After completing a neck device exercise, Jarmo spends one minute stretching before starting exercise on another device.

Patient story