Have just been given result of a neck x ray which shows what I knew aready that I had arthritis, what I did not know was that it was only at an early stage, this has really freaked me as I am in so much pain and have been for a couple of years now that I expected it to be advanced and therefore not getting worse, my x ray showed my neck to be a sort of s shape and my head is really forward with a lump on the back. My problem how do I stop it progressing, does anyone know of a more natural way to ease the pain and stiffness. The cracking and popping is really scary. The doctors have given me tramadol and gabapentin which make me feel awful and unable to function and as I have a 15 year old DS I need to be able to drive and feel on top of things. I have tried creams and exercises to no avail and now just put up with it. I am a bit scared to try any type of physio in case it makes it worse. I can't get to see my GP until 27th February and would like to know if anyone has found any form of massage helpful, can you get injections into the area to relieve pain? any ideas greatly appreciated.