Support for neck arthritis

Hi,

My partner has been struggling with chronic, debilitating neck and back pain for as long as I’ve known her (about three years). The pain began around 2020 after a work-related accident, and she hasn’t been able to find lasting relief since.

Last year, she saw her primary care provider and was finally able to get an MRI of her spine and neck. She was diagnosed with arthritis in her neck. From my understanding, there isn’t enough space in parts of her cervical spine, which is causing severe pinched nerves.

Her pain is constant and often described as tight and restrictive, with a noticeable loss of mobility. She experiences pain in her neck, shoulders, and down her back. At times, the pain radiates, making it difficult for her to move. She also has numbness in her pinky toes and occasionally in her hands.

A few months ago, she began seeing a pain management specialist, who recommended an epidural injection near her spine. The results were incredible—she felt like a completely different person. It was as if her light suddenly came back.

Unfortunately, after about four weeks, her pain started to return, and now she is struggling again without any real solutions. Today, she went back to the pain management doctor, but was only advised to increase her ibuprofen dosage and start physical therapy. She is hesitant to take more medication, especially since she was already using it daily and is concerned about the long-term health effects of taking ibuprofen regularly.

I’m trying to find other ways to help her and I am considering looking into a functional medicine doctor or more holistic approaches. It’s really hard to see her pain being dismissed, and it’s frustrating knowing she’s constantly hurting and not feeling like herself.

Has anyone experienced something similar? What helped you find relief or move forward? Thanks !