Morning or Postural Stiffness
Neck stiffness may be worse in the morning or after spending a long time in one position.
Lakeside Chiropractic · Joondalup
Cervical Osteoarthritis Treatment in Joondalup
Neck stiffness, aching, and reduced movement from wear and tear in the cervical spine. Here is what is happening and what can help.
Cervical osteoarthritis, also called cervical spondylosis, refers to age-related wear and degeneration in the joints, discs, and vertebrae of the neck. It is one of the most common findings in adults over 50, and its management is something we see regularly at Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup.
Assess More Than the Scan
Imaging changes do not always match pain or function
Keep the Neck Moving
Mobility and strength are central to long-term management
Adapt Care to You
Techniques are selected for your comfort and presentation
Understanding cervical spondylosis
What Is Cervical Osteoarthritis?
As the spine ages, the discs gradually lose height and hydration, the cartilage lining the facet joints wears thin, and bony spurs can develop at the vertebral edges.
These changes are referred to collectively as cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis.
One thing worth knowing: degenerative changes on a scan are extremely common and do not reliably predict pain.
A systematic review by Brinjikji et al. (2015) found that disc and joint degeneration is present in a significant proportion of people with no symptoms at all, and that these findings become more common with age whether or not someone has pain.
A scan tells part of the story, but it is not the whole picture.
Common symptoms
How Cervical Osteoarthritis Can Feel
Symptoms vary considerably from person to person. When they are present, several patterns are commonly reported.
Neck, Shoulder, or Upper-Back Pain
A deep ache may remain local to the neck or spread into the shoulders and upper back.
Difficulty Turning or Looking Up
Rotation and extension may become limited or uncomfortable.
Grinding or Clicking
Some people notice grinding, clicking, or other sounds with neck movement.
Headaches at the Base of the Skull
Irritated upper cervical joints and tight muscles may contribute to headache symptoms.
Arm Pain, Tingling, or Weakness
In some cases, nerve-root irritation may create symptoms into the arm or hand.
Evidence-based management
What the Research Says
Research supports a hands-on, active approach that focuses on movement, function, and education rather than relying on imaging findings alone.
Improvements in Pain and Daily Function
A randomised controlled trial by Maicki et al. (2017) found that manual therapy produced significant reductions in pain and meaningful improvements in daily function in patients with cervical osteoarthritis.
Benefits were still evident at three months.
Movement and Education Matter
A systematic review of 11 high-quality clinical practice guidelines by Lin et al. (2019) consistently found that exercise, manual therapy, and patient education produce better outcomes than passive or imaging-driven approaches.
Moving well and staying active matters more than what a scan report says.
Manual Therapy
Restore comfortable movement where possible
Exercise
Build strength and support around affected joints
Education
Understand the condition and remain appropriately active
Individualised conservative care
How We Help at Lakeside Chiropractic
The degenerative changes themselves cannot be reversed, but symptoms can often be managed well and function can be maintained or improved with the right approach.
We focus on reducing pain, keeping movement as good as it can be, and supporting the structures around the affected joints.
- History: We review your symptoms, activity levels, aggravating positions, and relevant imaging or health history.
- Movement assessment: We examine cervical movement, stiffness, and the positions that reproduce your symptoms.
- Neurological screening: Nerve function is assessed when pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extends into the arm.
- Adapted plan: Treatment intensity and technique are selected according to your comfort, mobility, and degree of degeneration.
Chiropractic Adjustment and Mobilisation
Gentle, targeted techniques may be used to restore movement at restricted cervical levels and reduce joint irritation. The approach is adapted to what is appropriate for the degree of degeneration present.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Releasing the cervical and upper thoracic musculature may reduce secondary pain and improve comfort when chronic joint degeneration is accompanied by muscle tightness and guarding.
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Strengthening the muscles that support the cervical spine reduces load through the affected joints and helps maintain function over time.
Dry Needling
Dry needling may help address chronic muscle tension and trigger points that build up around arthritic cervical joints.
Cold Laser Therapy
Low-level laser may be applied to reduce inflammation and pain in affected joint tissues.
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)
Electrical stimulation may be used to reduce pain and muscle spasm around affected cervical levels, particularly in more symptomatic presentations.
Activator Method
A low-force, instrument-assisted technique may be well suited to patients with significant degeneration where a gentler approach is more appropriate.
Graston Technique
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy may be used to address fascial tightness and chronic muscle restrictions in the cervical and upper thoracic region.
Come and see us
Keep Managing Your Neck Actively
A diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis on a scan is not a reason to stop managing your neck actively. Movement and the right treatment approach can make a real difference to how you feel day to day.
We see patients from Currambine, Woodvale, Kingsley, Duncraig, Wanneroo, Tapping, Carramar, Heathridge, Edgewater, Mullaloo, Padbury, Banksia Grove, Yanchep, Gnangara, and across Perth's northern suburbs.
Call us on 9300 0095 or book online at lakesidechiro.com.au.
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified health professional to discuss your individual circumstances.
Supporting literature
References
- Brinjikji W, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811-6. PMID 25430861
- Maicki T, Bilski J, Szczygiel E, Trabka R. PNF and manual therapy treatment results of patients with cervical spine osteoarthritis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017;30(5):1095-1101. PMID 28946528
- Lin I, Wiles L, Waller R, et al. What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(2):79-86. PMID 30826805
- Bryans R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(1):42-63. PMID 24262386
Location Details
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
