Can one go to the gym with osteophytes in the neck?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 18 years old and have osteophytes in my neck. It is causing me pain from neck to shoulder blade to shoulder, and sometimes it is causing less pain, and sometimes it is medium. My real problem is I am overweight, so I wanted to go to the gym. Can I?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

I suggest you first get proper treatment for the neck pain, as there are osteophytes noted. You can take cervical traction with IFT (interferential therapy) for five days and IFT and US (ultrasound) therapy for ten days. In two weeks, with these electrotherapy and neck isometric exercises, the compression of nerve and osteophytes can be reduced. After which you can start the gym, as if you do exercises at gym to reduce weight it involves all your neck and upper back muscles it gives you more pain after the gym. So, do take proper treatment for the cervical pain and then start the gym. Maintain proper posture, avoid bending on your neck while you study or work, and do hot water fermentation and neck isometric exercises to relieve muscle tension in the neck, which helps reduce pain.

Thank you.

Stay safe.