Arthritis of the Neck

Arthritis of the neck can be a discomforting and painful condition. Through this article we will discuss about arthritis of the neck symptoms, causes and treatment methods...

Many people suffer from neck pain due to various reasons. Some of the causes may be due to wrong movements or position of the neck, which can result in neck pain, whereas sometimes it can also be caused due to some disorder in the body. One such cause for pain in the neck region is arthritis. Arthritis, especially neck arthritis, is a degenerative disease, where the bones and inter vertebral discs of the neck become worn out, mainly due to aging. Arthritis of the neck is also known as cervical spondylosis. Before we discuss about the symptoms, causes and treatment for neck arthritis pain, let us see what is arthritis of the neck.

Arthritis in neck can be attributed to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both these disorders are caused due to the inflammation of the ligaments and tendons. As the discs lose their water content, they begin to degenerate and weaken. Continuous rubbing can cause abrasions in the discs and owing to pressure, they can lead to pain and discomfort in the neck region. This is a very annoying condition since it can cause a hindrance to daily activities and the individual also suffers from a lot of pain. Now we will discuss about the symptoms, causes and treatment methods of arthritis of the neck in detail.

Neck Arthritis Causes

As we have seen earlier, one of the main causative factors for arthritis of the neck is aging. There are also several other reasons why some individuals may suffer from neck arthritis. Given below are a few other causes of arthritis neck pain.

Overuse of the neck joint in case of working in front of the computer for a long time, chewing gum, grinding teeth can cause cervical spondylosis.

Posture is also one of the causes of pain in the neck region. Keeping the neck in the same position for a long time may lead to arthritis.

Trauma or injury due to a fall or accident can damage the vertebrae of the neck and lead to arthritis in the neck.

Infections in the ligaments and tissues of the neck like meningitis, Lyme disease and encephalitis cause neck arthritis as a side effect.

Deposits of calcium in the spinal discs or bone spurs are some of the bone disorders which may lead to arthritis. Spinal disorders like herniated discs may develop into arthritis of the neck, if not diagnosed and treated on time.

Arthritis of the Neck: Symptoms

One of the most common arthritis in neck symptoms is stiffness and pain in the neck region. The pain may sometimes become so severe that even a slight movement may be difficult. The pain can even radiate to the shoulder. Muscle spasms and grinding sounds in the neck can also be felt. Some individuals may also experience other neck arthritis symptoms like fatigue, a feeling of dizziness due to inability to maintain balance and sleep disorders.

Treating Arthritis of the Neck

Before administering arthritis treatment, the doctor may perform a few diagnostic tests like X ray, MRI and CT scans to determine the exact cause and severity of the condition. Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctor may administer neck arthritis treatment. Application of cold or warm compress to the affected region may reduce the pain and swelling, if any. The doctor may prescribe pain killers and other medications for symptomatic treatment of the disorder. There are also some exercises for neck arthritis like flexion and extension, lateral bends and neck turns, which help alleviate the pain and speed up the recovery process. But these exercises must be done only under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

This was about arthritis of the neck. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent this condition from worsening. This disorder can be treated and cured with a proper diet and medication. You can even undergo physical therapy for neck pain, which will provide relief. Take care!