Neck arthritis also known as cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis is primarily an outcome of the degeneration of neck bones. This type of arthritis is mainly caused due to ablation of neck bones and the loss or absence of a cartilage that normally works as a buffer between the neck and vertebrae. It can also be characterized by various degenerative variances such as bulging discs and expansion of calcium deposits that compress spinal nerve. This arthritis is mostly tagged along with neck discs and ligaments problems and most commonly the growth or development of bony spurs. It is mostly caused due to aging but sometimes a severe injury can also become an excuse for generating this painful disease.
Facts about Neck Arthritis:
Some important facts about cervical spondylosis are:
- In general, this type of arthritis affects people beyond the age of fifty.
- This disease affects a large percentage of men as compared to women.
- People too busy in physical activities or work are more likely to suffer from this disease.
- Mostly overweight people are found affected with this hurtful disease.
Symptoms of Neck Arthritis:
Some common symptoms of this type of arthritis include:
- Weakness or numbness in hands, arms, legs or feet
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sleeping trouble
- Neck cracking and grinding sounds in the neck
- Arm pain
- Severe pain in neck
- Neck stiffness
- Urinary problems
- Abnormal sensations in arms and shoulders.
Treatments for Neck Arthritis:
Normally, doctors perform an examination to diagnose this aching arthritis such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging MRI, nerve conduction velocity and EMG. There are various effective options for treating this disease; some of which are:
- Pain killers or non steroid anti-inflammatory drug NSAIDs to relieve swelling and pain.
- Wearing cervical collar to restrain neck movements.
- Heat, ice or physical therapies.
- Neck exercises for stretching cervical spine.
- Steroid injections.
- Surgeries in severe cases.