osteoarthritis

[Yarnold]

I have osteoarthritis of the neck and wake up every morning with sore neck and headache . I use one pillow at night. Any thoughts on what else I might do without medication

[Fanfab1]

hi have you had a look at this?

nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarth...

Could you see GP for referral to physio who might be able to recommend some neck exercises?

👍

[Yarnold in reply to Fanfab1]

Thanks for this

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to Yarnold]

Check if your local NHS trust runs a self referral physio service at one of its hospitals. Mine does and that means I can bypass the GP. Result !!!

[scentedgardener]

One of the best pieces of advice I was given was to buy a feather pillow, as you can squish it to a comfortable position and it stays there. I did, and it's very beneficial, but I won't replace it again as I disagree with how it's produced by some unscrupulous manufacturers.Physio is another helpful source, and I used to visit a McTimoney chiropractor, as that is very gentle but still effective.

[Happyrosie]

you can, as Lowerfield says, self refer to your local physio. Here it’s a 26 week wait, though.

I had probs with my neck about ten years ago and saw a physio privately. She gave me exercises to do and also did a massage. I only needed to see her twice (from memory) and have had no trouble with my neck since.

[Yarnold in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for your reply

[Callie456]

I have a bad neck and have tried various things, which help. Sometimes one thing works, then another day something else works. The different things I try are: use a heat pack/wheat pack, a shaped pillow which has one side higher than the other, a very thin down feather pillow, even no pillow at all. Also I go to physio and have gentle neck exercises to do to loosen my neck when it gets stiff. An aching neck certainly is a pain in the neck!

Best wishes finding what works for you ❤️

[Yarnold in reply to Callie456]

Thanks for reply

[Morges]

Scentedgardener writes - I disagree with how it's produced by some unscrupulous manufacturers.

It is possible to buy items that are humanely produced.

At the same time I trust you give the same consideration to what you eat.

[scentedgardener in reply to Morges]

Had you added some sources where humanely produced pillows are available I would have applauded your response. I also find your implied criticism of my food choices distasteful. We come on this site for encouragement, understanding and advice.

[Lilypocket]

I also have neck problems and I use a rectangular bamboo memory foam pillow which has really helped ( ordinary pillow shape not the one that's shaped like a step - tried that and no good at all for me)

[Hephzibar]

I am going through a bad patch of neck, upper back problems causing almost constant headaches atm. I see an Accupuncturist and osteopath which does help for a short while then my neck muscles go back into spasm! I have a memory foam type of pillow which is the most comfortable. Tried an orthopaedic pillow which just made the pain worse 😔

I use heat and cold to try and alleviate the pain which varies from day to day. Certain activities might aggravate my neck and stress and tension plays a big part - both difficult to completely avoid. Am trying a low dose of amitriptyline - it worked before, but isn’t making much difference atm.

Would love to find some relief!!

[StayStrongOver60]

I have the exact same issue as you and the osteopath helps for a short while but it’s way too expensive. I now use a small heat pad which helps in an acute phase but I’ve recently switched to a Groove pillow and this is helping with the neck pain and headaches quite considerably, plus I’m sleeping a lot better. I also bought one for my husband and our daughter recommended it originally. They both highly recommend for a better night’s sleep.

[Maxwall47]

Hi I know how you feel I have spondylitis in my neck I have to do excise every morning I use elastic bands they are big ones I pull them apart hopefully it pulls my neck up l

[Qualipop]

Have you been sent for an x ray to see whether you have a herniated disc?

[Shabana1974]

I use to get terrible neck pain, then worked out every time the cold got to my neck that's when I got the pain so for a longtime in the night and day I would wear a snood or scarf. Never had pain since it settled. It took a few days. But now pain free in my neck.

Hope my suggestion helps

[PecanSandie]

I can tell you what helped me. A soft pillow that supports the back of my neck that is practically flat at the back of head (creating as straight a line as possible) and sleeping on my back. I have a foam pillow that I can put under my knees. the trick is you get the back of the neck and the spine in alignment. Lofty pillows are really bad for my neck!

[talipia]

Hi, 6 months ago I changed my mattress from a 10yr old Multi Sprung to a Foam Based Mattress. I wish I hadnt, because I seem to have more aches and pains when I awake, mind you the other culprits could be age or an increase in statin dose from 40 to 80. Who knows?