What you Need to Know About Cervical Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful condition. It affects joints in the body. Cervical arthritis (neck arthritis) is especially painful. This is due to a result of inflammation and stiffness. If you are suffering from neck arthritis it’s important to understand the different types, such as:
- Cervical osteoarthritis: This type of neck arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. The cartridge breakdown is located between the neck’s joints. Its typically caused by wear-and-tear over time. However, it can also worsen due to an injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: RA is an autoimmune type of arthritis. It causes chronic inflammatory damage to joints. The most common affected areas for development are the upper neck and base of the skull.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: The joint pain of this type of arthritis results from inflammation. where ligaments and tendons meet the bone. This type typically starts in the lower back. However, in severe cases, it can travel up the spine to the neck region.
Cervical Arthritis
Of these types of neck arthritis, cervical osteoarthritis is the most common. The spine contains small facet joints that run along its length. The joints are lined with cartilage. Surrounding the cartridge is a fluid-filled capsule. This synovial fluid lubricates the joint allowing for fluid movements between vertebrae.
Cervical arthritis develops when this cartilage breaks down. Then bones begin to touch during movement. This bone-on-bone friction creates inflammation. Plus it develops bony growths called spurs.
Symptoms of Neck Arthritis
The pain associated with cervical osteoarthritis appears gradually. However, over time it will worsen. Your neck will feel stiff and achy, especially when you wake. Then your neck will start to feel better as the day goes by. There are additional symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis, such as:
- Neck tenderness
- Referred pain up to the head or into the upper back
- Reduced range of motion
- Neck pain that is dull or sharp and burning
Bone spurs can become a problem when they impinge on the nerve roots in your neck. This can cause a small electric shock in the arm, called radicular pain. When nerve roots are inflamed, neurological deficits can develop. Such as weakness in the arms or hands. Without treatment, a condition known as cervical radiculopathy can develop.
Treatment for Cervical Arthritis
Cervical osteoarthritis can be managed successfully non-surgically. The most common treatments include:
Rest and activity modification. Taking it easy can reduce inflammation and painful flare-ups. Modifying certain activities or sports may also be necessary to reduce pain.
Physical Therapy (PT). These programs are designed by medical professionals. They help to demonstrate proper exercises. A physical therapy (PT) specialist works with you to strengthen your neck. This enables proper healing while reducing inflammation and pain.
Medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve inflammation and pain. Always use these over-the-counter prescriptions according to the labels. This reduces the risk of side effects and complications.
Heat or cold therapy. Applying ice reduces inflammation and swelling to relieve pain. Heat therapy can also help by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to the damaged area. Applications of heat or cold need to be done for 15 minutes at a time with 2 hours of rest between. Never apply heat or cold directly to the skin.
Your doctor may also recommend injections. Which helps reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.