Arthritis of the neck (also known as neck osteoarthritis or neck osteoarthritis) Cervical spondylosis) is a degeneration of the joints, bones, and discs of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. Arthritis of the neck is a common condition, affecting more than 85% of people over the age of 60.
Neck arthritis can cause neck pain, stiffness, tingling, numbness, headaches, and clicking sounds at the base of the skull. Neck pain from arthritis can be severe and can cause muscle spasms and shooting pains in the shoulders, back, legs, thighs, and buttocks.
Compression of nerves caused by collapsing bones in the spine can also cause weakness in the arms and legs, lack of muscle coordination, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Talk to your health care provider about any symptoms that require diagnosis.
symptoms
Some people with neck arthritis have no symptoms at all, but most people experience at least some discomfort, usually chronic pain or stiffness. As the condition progresses, other symptoms may develop, especially if spinal nerves become compressed (“pinched”).
Symptoms of arthritis in the neck include:
Neck pain or stiffness that gets worse during activity or standing A crackling sound or sensation in the neck when you move A headache that starts in the neck Muscle spasms that affect movement or cause pain Fatigue, trouble sleeping, or irritability Arms or Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands, fingers, legs, or feet
Neck arthritis can also affect your ability to work and perform normal daily activities. In severe cases, complications such as loss of bladder and bowel control may occur and require treatment.
Spinal stenosis is a complication that occurs when the spinal space narrows and compresses the spinal nerves. Stenosis that affects the spine (cervical vertebrae in the neck, lumbar vertebrae in the back) can cause a variety of symptoms. This congestion can cause referred pain (pain felt in other parts of the body). It can affect your ability to walk quickly and cause problems with your fine motor skills.
cause
Symptoms of arthritis in the neck include: osteoarthritisalso known as “wear and tear” arthritis. Symptoms develop when the cartilaginous plates (called cartilage plates) between the bones in the cervical vertebrae are damaged. spine) will deteriorate or be damaged. As we age, these gel-like discs can also dry out and become flat.
Due to the loss of cartilage, the space between the vertebrae narrows and the nerves become compressed (so-called radiculopathy). This causes referred pain in different parts of the body, depending on which spinal nerve is “squeezed.”
Progressive damage can stimulate the growth of bony protrusions called. bone spur (bone spurs). These bone growths can also cause complications.
cervical spine anatomy
The cervical vertebrae are made up of seven vertebrae stacked on top of each other. The top ring is located at the base of the skull. Starting at the second vertebra (C2), there is a soft pad of cartilage called an intervertebral disc that cushions between each vertebra. facet joints (called) between each vertebrae zygomatic joint) Improves stability and flexibility.
risk factors
The main cause of arthritis in the neck is simple wear and tear on the structures of the cervical spine over time.
Risk factors for neck arthritis include:
Elderly Neck injury history Repetitive stress injuries Smoking Genetics Depression or anxiety
diagnosis
To diagnose neck arthritis, your health care provider starts by taking your medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, including when they started and what makes the pain better or worse.
Next, we’ll perform a physical exam to assess the range of motion in your neck, check your reflexes, and see how well your arm and leg muscles are working. The patient may also be asked to walk to check for abnormalities in gait that may indicate radiculopathy.
Imaging tests are commonly used to obtain information about the location and extent of injuries to the cervical spine. Options include:
Spine X-ray: A common imaging test that uses low doses of ionizing radiation Computed tomography (CT): A technique that combines multiple X-ray images to create three-dimensional “slices” of the spine Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ): An imaging technique that uses strong magnetism and radio waves to visualize bones and soft tissues, such as chondromyelography. A technique that shows how bone spurs and intervertebral discs affect individual nerves Electromyography: A technique that evaluates how well nerve signals are transmitted to muscles
process
The main goals of treating arthritis in the neck are to reduce pain, prevent nerve compression, and restore function. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
If you are diagnosed with neck arthritis, a symptom-specific treatment plan will be developed to achieve optimal results while minimizing side effects and risks.
non-surgical options
Cervical arthritis is most often treated conservatively, but more aggressive or invasive treatments are used in refractory (meaning resistant to treatment) cases.
Treatment for arthritis in the neck usually begins with rest and immobilizing the neck with a cervical collar. Cold compresses or ice packs can help relieve pain, and heating pads can help relieve neck stiffness, especially in the morning.
The following over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to relieve neck pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
Physical therapy, such as cervical traction, heat and cold therapy, and massage therapy may also be recommended.
Neck exercises in physical therapy
Performing neck exercises and stretches at home can provide lasting relief from neck pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Exercise programs typically include neck flexion (bending forward), neck extension (bending back), lateral bending (bending the head toward each shoulder), and neck rotation.
surgery
Surgery is usually only done in the most severe cases. One reason for this is that surgery does not always completely resolve the symptoms of neck arthritis, but only provides minimal to moderate relief. Also, any surgery comes with risks.
Surgical options for neck arthritis include:
summary
Neck arthritis, also known as neck osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis, is caused by progressive wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae in the neck.
Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headache, weakness in the arms and legs, and referred pain in other parts of the body. In severe cases, it can also affect a person’s mobility and lead to loss of bowel and bladder function.
Neck arthritis is diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment options include rest, neck immobilization, over-the-counter and prescription medications, physical therapy, and neck exercises. If conservative treatment does not improve symptoms, surgery may be considered.
A word from Berrywell
Degeneration of the cervical spine is almost inevitable with age, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer chronic pain or face significant physical limitations. In other words, arthritis in the neck is not a disease that you have to live with for the rest of your life.
At the first signs of neck arthritis, see your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. The sooner you begin treatment, the better you can maintain neck and spine function and minimize pain.