Arthritis in Neck

Arthritis in neck is a common chronic and inflammatory disease that affects the bones and intravertebral discs in the neck. Read the article for information on arthritis in neck symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

There are two main types of arthritis which can lead to pain in neck - osteoarthritis of the neck and rheumatoid arthritis. With osteoarthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, the pain in neck area or cervical spine occurs due to age. The degeneration of neck bones with age is caused due to the wear and tear of the bones. Also, osteoarthritis is often accompanied by growth of bony spurs, problems with muscular ligaments, and intra-vertebral discs in the neck.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease which causes neck arthritis and pain in back of head. This type of arthritis can damage the joints in the neck. With any form of arthritis in neck, causes are basically related to disc degeneration and bone spurs. Normally, kids and young adults have high water content of water in discs. However, as we get older, these discs start to dry out and become weak overtime. The discs collapse and lose space in terms of its height. Similar to hip or knee arthritis, the joints will experience intense pressure, degenerate, and develop arthritis in neck area. In the following article about neck arthritis, we will read about osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in neck and back of head symptoms and treatment methods. Fibromyalgia is also a type of arthritis wherein neck pain is one of the symptoms in addition to other fibromyalgia trigger points.

Osteoarthritis

Each year, at least 85% of people in United States who are over 60 years old get affected by cervical spondylosis. But it shouldn't be confused with disorders that cause disability. To better understand osteoarthritis, read the following neck arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Arthritis in Neck - Symptoms

Stiffness in neck

Pain going towards arms & hands

Weakness in legs

Difficulty walking or balancing

Grinding sound in neck

Muscle spasms in neck

Headaches & difficulty sleeping

Arthritis in neck and dizziness go hand in hand. That's the main reason behind not being able to keep proper balance, some individuals might also feel as if the surrondings are spinning. Standing can also worsen the arthritis in neck symptoms as the force of gravity can increase the pain and stiffness in neck.

Arthritis in Neck - Treatment

Only your doctor is qualified to diagnose osteoarthritis and will be able to understand/study the symptoms for proper treatment methods. Typically, your doctor will perform a physical examination along with X-rays or an MRI. These tests will aid in viewing any abnormalities in the vertebrae, ligaments, and discs in the neck. The following are the options for treating osteoarthritis.

Limiting neck movements by wearing a cervical collar

Heat, ice, and physical therapy

Cervical spondylosis exercises to improve posture

Neck stretching and strengthening exercises

Anti-inflammatory drugs which are non-steroidal to relieve pain & swelling

Surgery to relieve pressure off spinal cord; very rarely

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although rheumatoid arthritis affects fingers and wrists joints, the neck joints can also get affected. To better understand rheumatoid arthritis, read its symptoms and treatment.

Arthritis in Neck - Symptoms

Inflammation

Tender & swollen joints

Fatigue and joint pain

Fever

Typically, if someone is suffering from arthritis in neck and shoulders, he/she will experience stiffness during mornings which can last to about half an hour.

Arthritis in Neck - Treatment

Only your doctor is qualified to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and will be able to understand/study the symptoms for proper treatment methods. For treating rheumatoid arthritis in neck, your doctor will do blood tests and X-rays that will explain the reasons and severity of the symptoms. As the problems can affect differently in different people, the course of arthritis treatment may vary. The following are the options for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Rest as much as you can & whenever needed

Use splints that will support swollen joints

Prescribed drugs to reduce inflammation and pain

Prescribed drugs to slow down damage to the joints

Surgery for joint replacement, to reconstruct tendons, or remove inflamed tissue; if needed

Arthritis in neck usually is restricted to that area only, however, it can sometimes radiate into arms, hands, head, shoulder blades, and upper back (depending on the extent of damage). This is due to compression of nerves in the neck which also makes the patient experience some amount of pain. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the arthritis in neck symptoms. Don't self-diagnose yourself or anyone in your family, take proper and necessary steps. Take care.