Neck Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis of the neck is more common among elderly, mainly due to the age related degeneration of the neck bone. Usually, neck arthritis is caused by two types of arthritis, known as cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cervical spondylosis is also known as degenerative joint disease of the neck.

Causes of Neck Arthritis

As has been mentioned already, the most common types of arthritis that can affect the neck bone is osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis. It is basically caused by age related, gradual wear and tear of the joints. Cervical spondylosis can be characterized by several degenerative changes such as, development of bony growth or bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs and build up of calcium deposits within the discs, which can compress the spinal nerve and cause neck pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause neck pain. It is an inflammatory condition that destroys the joints of the body, especially the joints of the fingers and the wrist. Sometimes, it can affect the joints of the neck as well. Apart from these, some other types of arthritis like, psoriatic arthritis, gout, pseudogout, ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's disease can also be associated with arthritis of the neck.

Symptoms of Neck Arthritis

The symptoms depend on the location, where the nerve is compressed. The most commonly observed symptoms are pain and stiffness of the neck, pain in the shoulder and numbness or weakness in the arms and the hands. The pain caused by neck arthritis can radiate from the neck to the arms as well. Headache, especially in the back of the head could also be a symptom of arthritis in neck. Other symptoms include, pain and weakness in the legs, clicking sounds in the neck and spasms of the neck muscles. If it is rheumatoid arthritis, then one can experience joint swelling, fever and increased fatigue along with joint pain and stiffness.

How to Treat Neck Arthritis?

It is diagnosed with the help of X-ray and MRI scan, along with physical examination. After detecting the specific abnormality of the neck bone or the joint, physicians can recommend appropriate medications and exercises or physical therapy for treating arthritis of the neck. Usually, the patients are advised to limit the movement of the neck by wearing a cervical collar or neck brace. The pain associated with this condition can be resolved with the application of ice and heat. If the pain and swelling is too severe to be managed with ice and heat therapy, then physicians can recommend the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for its treatment.

Along with medications, exercises, especially posture improving exercises, stretching exercises and neck strengthening exercises can be of great help in reducing the pain and stiffness of the neck, and increasing its flexibility and range of motion. A physician or physical therapist can give you a better understanding about the appropriate exercises for neck arthritis. Many people can experience discomfort in sleeping properly due to this condition, as the neck pain can worsen while sleeping. Such individuals can opt for the use of specific pillows after discussing the issue with their physicians.

In rare cases, surgery can be required for the treatment, which is caused by cervical spondylosis as well. If medications, and all other treatment options fail to alleviate the pain caused by bone spurs or the herniated discs, then surgery is performed to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. If neck arthritis is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, then its treatment can involve the use of anti-rheumatic drugs and medications for reducing the joint pain and inflammation. The patient can also require splints, in order to support the swollen joints. If these measures fail to manage the condition, then surgery can be required. Surgery may involve joint replacement or removal of the inflamed tissue. Surgery can also be performed for reconstructing the tendons.

So, these are the usual treatment options for neck arthritis. To sum up, its treatment mainly depends on the severity of the condition. Therefore, get the condition medically evaluated by consulting a certified physician.