Degenerative Arthritis
Arthritis is a commonly misused term and an overly simplified approach to an appropriate diagnosis. Most people, from their mid 20s through their late 70s and beyond, have some type of degenerative arthritic changes in the neck. The neck has numerous joints that can easily become damaged and inflamed from daily repetitive microtraumas (the same activities day in and day out). Once the inflammation reduces, scar tissue forms and restricts normal motion to the neck, causing “clicking”, “popping”, and even “grinding” sounds. Over time the scar tissue thickens and less blood supply and nutrition are able to feed the spine. As a result, the bones and discs begin to waste away, and eventually the scar tissue calcifies, thus producing spurs which over time fuse the neck vertebrae together, causing great stiffness.
Doctor’s Treatment Plan
The doctors will stop the process of degeneration by using specific non-forceful joint manipulations to restore function and motion to various spinal areas. The treatment may include heat, massage, and other physical therapy modalities to assist in this process. We will provide exercises for strength and flexibility to assist in blood and nutrient flow. |
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