Anyone here with cervical arthritis?

[Fleur29]

I recently found out that the pains I've been having in my neck, shoulders and arms is arthritis. Specifically c4-c5, c6-c7. I don't want ibuprofen, Tylenol isn't working and I'm allergic to sulfa drugs; I'm kinda concerned about all the drugs, but need something to help so I can continue to work. I had a rough bout of COVID in 2021, and now have long COVID in the form of asthma, chronic fatigue, and pulsatile tinnitus. Daily aches in my neck and shoulders along with headaches were attributed to long COVID as well, but Epstein Barr test was also positive this past spring. I should also mention that I'm diabetic (a1c is consistent 6.5)

I'd love to hear from anyone else with this type of arthritis.

[Happyrosie]

I’ve had arthritis in my cervical spine for about fifty years. When the pains worsens I see a physiotherapist and get manipulation and massage.

In the meantime I’m prescribed Butec patches (look it up) which I supplement with CoCodamol (called something different in the US ) or ibuprofen . My arthritis is mainly otherwise in hips, toes and fingers.

[Fleur29 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you. I'm m sorry I didn't reply sooner. Between the neck/shoulder/back pain and the borderline migraine, I'm just surviving here. I'm refusing Ibuprofen because I'll be taking lots of it everyday and the risks are just not acceptable. Dr gave me the combination butalbital-caffeine-acetaminophen. It works to a degree, but doesn't totally kick the pain and is reported to be highly habit forming. I'm having a very hard time adapting to all the health changes I've had over the past two & half years, AND keep my job. My family is supportive but they can only do so much 😕

[twicebaked]

I also have this type of arthritis in my neck . I am at my ends wit with it . I use warm compress and essential oils to massage my neck and shoulder and upper back area. I also don't like to take meds I'm also a diabetic. Diagnosed 12/8/2022 with Spinal Stenosis/ Arthritis.

[Fleur29 in reply to twicebaked]

Thank you for replying. Which essential oils do you use? I read that frankincense, peppermint and lavender all have both pain relieving and anti-anxiety benefits.

[Que27]

I have arthritis knees, rt shoulder. Left hip replaced August 2023, feels great.I to hurt so much of the time and doctors only throw meds at you so you don't complain, so I took it in my own hands and started low inflammatory diet. It's been 2 weeks and already feeling better, and sleep better. Sometimes we have to take care of ourselves because no one else will.

[Sugaree]

I have cervical arthritis with nerve compression. I also get migraines and the terrible headaches that are similar to migraines but come from my neck. I find butalbital combo helpful and muscle relaxer. I don’t take ibuprofen either, or Tylenol. I had weekly migraines for many years and I don’t like side affects from too many of either. I have physical therapy exercises for neck and wear a soft collar when on computer, or in alot of pain. I hope you had a less painful day.

[Sunseaandsand in reply to Sugaree]

Hi, what do you take as a muscle relaxer??

I have severe arthritis and severe osteoporosis with 15 spinal fractures.

As a result I have horrific muscle spasms in my back and would try absolutely anything that may reduce the intensity or frequency of my spasms.

[Sugaree in reply to Sunseaandsand]

Sorry to hear of all the pain you have. I take metaxalone,butalbital, and lorazepam for muscle spasms and headaches caused by nerve compression. It helps and helps me to fall asleep. I have a ten’s machine which helps temporarily for my back. Today I am wearing a soft cervical collar for neck pain caused by pinched nerve. I hope you are feeling better today.

[Sunseaandsand in reply to Sugaree]

Thank you for sending this to me, I am going to look into these meds and hopefully I will be able to have one of them prescribed to me to try help with the spasms.

I have also just been diagnosed with severe arthritis, not what I need on top of the fractures😔

[Sugaree in reply to Sunseaandsand]

having so many spinal fractures and osteoporosis sounds painful and I am sorry your diagnosis with severe arthritis just compounds the pain. I also have severe osteoarthritis in my spine, neck and the latest is knees. Things have gotten worse over the past few months. I also have arthritis in my hands and trigger fingers. There is always pain and I am getting older and it’s hard to ride in the car for more than an hour. I hope your pain is not constant like mine, it can be very depressing and I wish you well.

[Fleur29]

Dr switched me to Meloxicam, which helps my neck/shoulder, but I've also been experiencing a significant headache that didn't respond. Over the past six weeks, I've had a headache everyday and more than half of that it's been a migraine. I've moved on to imitrex, just for the headache

[Sugaree]

I have had migraines for years. I found amerge and frova the best triptans for me. Imitrex did not work as well. Butalbital works with migraine medication for quicker relief. I had daily headaches and about 4 migraines a week for many years. They are not as frequent now since menopause. Cold compress helps migraine pain. It’s discouraging, hard to think with head pain, hopefully today will be better.