Just diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the neck

GreenEyes

Hello. I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the neck whilst in accident and emergency with severe neck pain, cluster headaches, eye pain and sickness and vomiting. Diagnosed by X-ray and prescribed codeine, paracetamol and voltarol gel. I was given no information about groups like this one or advice on managing my condition so I would appreciate an overview of how I should deal with this diagnosis please and suggested medication. I chatted to a GP online since and other than self referral to physio he suggested nothing else. He said I can’t be referred to any outpatient clinics as there are none for arthritis which isn’t of the rheumatic type. Is this right? Not feeling very supported and quite alone with a new diagnosis right now (I already have a number of other lifelong health conditions to contend with too). Wishing you all good health and happiness x

[Deleted User]

Hello @GreenEyes, welcome to the Online Community! It's lovely to have you here.

I see that you've recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the neck and that you're looking for advice. I'm sorry that you're not feeling supported at the moment, it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by a diagnosis like this and you're not alone.

Here's a link with some background information on your condition:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

Here's a link with some stretches and exercises that you can do to improve movement and help to relieve pain in your neck by building strength and naturally lubricating the joints:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-neck/

You can find local support by putting your location into the In Your Area search bar on the Versus Arthritis website. If you'd like to get support over the phone, you can call the Versus Arthritis Helpline: 0800 5200 520 for free on weekdays from 9am to 6pm.

Best wishes, Sarah (moderator)

Jona

Hi @GreenEyes

Welcome to the forum, I use heat like hot water bottles and cold therapy you can buy wraps off the internet, I also use a tens machine I bought which is great also off the internet, I’m afraid with osteoarthritis they put it down to wear and tear or age related maybe you could also ask for a referral to pain management via physio or your gp.

I also have a lot of other problems and noticed that I’ve opened my own pharmacy recently so will try everything I can not to be so reliant on pills and potions

I bought a long version hot water bottle from a bargain store wraps around my neck really well and it helps too when you get a lot of pain it’s very upsetting I try to exercise my neck I just find the creaking and cracking utterly horrible but my best friend is my hot water bottles

hope my advice helps take care

Jona 😊

nicholaj

I really take issue with the statement that there are no clinics for OA.

I went to the local Musculoskeletal clinic yesterday and they are experts in dealing with OA.

I would suggest that you ask for a referral to such a clinic

Good luck

r

wazz42

Hi @GreenEyes

I have found when my neck OA is bad it's a real struggle. First the exercises are great - my good friend reminded me of them - I'd forgotten and my brain hadn't come up with it myself. When it is having a flare I go for heat too, I have a Wheat pad, slightly larger than usual so it sits on the shoulders too which I find great.

I have seen about MSK clinics in England, they sound fantastic and I think it's the right way to go, waiting for Wales to agree!

xxx