Degenerative arthritis neck, also known as osteoarthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage of one or more joints. This is one of the most commonly experienced types of arthritis, and therefore one that you are definitely going to want to be on the watch out for.

Degenerative arthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States alone, which just goes to show you how incredibly common a condition it really is.

The Details

Degenerative arthritis typically develops in older-aged adults, but it can affect younger people as well. You want to watch out for the most common symptoms of this condition which includes pain and inflammation in the associated joints, as well as headache and a loss of balance.

Treatment

One of the most important issues of all when it comes to the topic of degenerative arthritis is the degenerative arthritis treatment that is available. One of the first degenerative arthritis treatment options that you want to try is weight reduction. The majority of people diagnosed with arthritis are overweight, and even by losing just a few pounds, this may help relieve the pain associated with your condition.

You should also avoid the activities that are causing your arthritis to flare up if you want the best degenerative arthritis treatment. If you play sports or are otherwise very physically active and need degenerative arthritis treatment, you want to make sure that you take it easy at least for certain times because this way you will not be overstressing your body.

Now if your condition is more serious, you are going to need a more intense degenerative arthritis treatment. Your doctor may suggest that you start on some medication, but keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to stay on the medication for the long term of things. In fact, it is recommended by doctors that you only stay on medication for your arthritis for a certain period of time, so that your body will not become dependent on it and when you do go to get off you will not go through such serious withdrawal symptoms.

There are lots of different medications that are out on the market today to choose from, and it is important that you are put on the right one. Each medication will come with its own side effects and symptoms which you are going to need to be prepared for, but which should go away over time.