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39 year old female just diagnosed with neck osteoarthritis.. anybody else have this?

Posted , 5 users are following.

leigh40412
leigh40412

I had been getting one sided constant headaches.. doctor sent me for a neck xray not expecting my results to come back having osteoarthritis in my neck...it usually doesn't happen to people until they are over 50..taking physio.. .just scared of the long term effects.. .

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • miele55255ch
    miele55255ch leigh40412

    Posted

    Hi Leigh!

    I've had OA of the cervical spine for about 14 years and I'm 58.

    I also have stenosis and have had bulging discs as well.

    So you know it can be very painful and the pain, at least mine was, can be throbbing and sort of settles between your shoulder blades and sometimes can be very difficult to try to get the pain to subside. Thank God I never had headaches or numbness and tingling in my arms or hands.

    I had my first surgery in '06 then a 2nd one in '11. Needless to say, they both worked for awhile but I am back in the same boat as I was before.

    Keep up with your physio and get a game plan together with your doc.

    Physio, injections, medications, hot/cold packs, Ben-Gay or whatever helps to alleviate the pain.

    I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you but OA is a long road. It's painful, it's depressing and it's tiringI have had it in all of my major joints, except my elbows for about 18 years now. You'll have good days and bad and you'll just need to find whatever works for you to calm the pain but also do what you need to help fight any depression that may accompany it.

    This has been my journey with OA but remember everybody is different!

    But stay connected to this forum because they've helped me thru my 1st total hip replacement and people are always willing to give advice and to show you what they themselves have been through.

    But just keep in touch with your doctor and educate yourself as much as you can.

    I do wish you luck and prayers!

     

  • amkoffee
    amkoffee leigh40412

    Posted

    Your doctor is right. It is unusual to see it in someone so young because OA is when the soft tissue between the bones that cushions the bones deteriorates and the bone on bone causes pain. This deterioration is normal to happen as we age. That is why it is surprising to see your has deteriorated so early. But hopefully PT will help you. It is possible that you will start having this problem in other areas of your body.

    You asked if anyone else has it. Well I do, but I am 55 yo. So it makes sense. I also have OA in several other joints. Talk with your PT about long term effects.  You just need to be sure to take care of your body, be sure to take calcium for your bones, continue the stretches your PT gives you and try not to worry about it. (I know, easier said then done.)

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