Has anyone had neck cracking or degenerative arthritis.. It is driving me crazy.. what to do?

Answer 1

Arthritis anywhere is painful & frustrating. You know there's no cure & nothing works for any long period of time. I feel your pain.I use moist heating pads, any rub I can find like Ben gay, Icy Hot, etc., I use a neck brace when I sit at the computer for long periods of time. Take prescription medication & my Dr. also perscribed a TENS unit that I can use whenever I need to. I've already had surgery twice on my lower spine & am not too keen about having it done on the cervical spine area, but the Dr says with a degenerative disease like this it only gets worse with time & it may be my only option. See a good orthopedic surgeon or Nuerosurgeon & they will do an MRI to see exactly how far the disease has progressed & perhaps they can offer you some type of solution. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever.Good Luck

Answer 2

I have both degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis. About three months ago my neck started cracking and popping, but over the past month it has become painful. My doctor is attributing it to rheumatoid arthritis. I put a towel (dry) in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes and then wrap it around my neck until it cools off. Doing that three or four times really seems to help. It also helps if I roll a large towel or a flat pillow up and place my neck on it so that my neck is arched and the top of my head touches the mattress or couch. If I relax in that position for at least fifteen minutes and then get up slowly, the popping and pain seem to subside. Be sure to check with your doctor too, as it may not be related to arthritis at all. Hope you feel better soon! Annie

Answer 3

Sandi Beach, I like your sincerity but don't let a doctor, especially a cutter, tell you that you need an operation. I was told that 14 years ago and I'm still managing. I'll distill what I've been told by doctors and patients who are friends and what I've read: you got a 1/3 chance of nothing happening, of it getting worse or perhaps improving. Personally, I don't like those odds. Think about it: you have to go under, there's more meds and then rehab--without an guarantee.

Sure I have pain, but it's my pain. I've had four operations including on my index finger (RA), twice on my right knee (OA) and a cyst removed from my lumbar. Any bravado I may have had has passed. Just my opinion, but expect an orthopedic surgeon says you need cutting, back off and truly consider the implications.

Answer 4

There is geat book called 'The Arthritis Cure' that gives pointers on suppliments and dietary changes that have helped people with arthritis. You might look for it at an online book store and health food stores might carry it.

Answer 5

See your physician about taking anti inflammation meds and change your diet.

Also see

"The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book" Jessica K. Black.