As with other body parts, the neck structures change as time passes. These changes can result in neck spondylosis or arthritis in the neck, manifested as stiffness and inflammation in the joints. Approximately 85% of people over 60 are affected by neck arthritis. Neck arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the neck. There are various types of neck arthritis with multiple treatment options, but wear and tear of the spinal discs is generally responsible. A person with neck arthritis can maintain a good quality of life with the appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms of Arthritis in the neck
Arthritis in neck shows some specific signs as follows:
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Muscle Spasms
The neck and shoulder muscles experience muscle spasms when neck arthritis is present. These muscle spasms are sudden and sharp. It can cause the head to jerk on one side.
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Popping and Grinding Noise
Neck arthritis causes sudden popping noises while moving the neck joint. The underlying reason for this grinding noise may be the pressure changes injoints or bones rubbing against each other.
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Headaches
Headache experienced as a result of arthritis in neck is known as cervicogenic headache. It is slightly different from the casual headache and involves degeneration of neck bone and discs.
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Numbness
Weakness and numbness in shoulders, arms and legs are observed if the nerves get compressed. The narrowing of neck discs causes surrounding nerves to pinch off. It results in several repercussions, leading to tingling and numbness.
What May Cause Arthritis in the Neck?
The most common cause of neck arthritis is osteoarthritis. The degeneration of neck cartilage leads to disc shortening, reduction in flexibility and bulging out of neck spurs. Overgrowth of bone spurs causes the bones to rub against each other, decreasing mobility and increasing friction.
Risk Factors for Arthritis in the Neck
Older individuals above 40 have more chances of getting affected by arthritis in neck. However, certain other factors such as family medical history, diet, body movements, mental conditions, and sudden incidents such as trauma may also lead to neck arthritis.
Types of Arthritis
Neck arthritis can hit the body in several different types. They are as follows
- Cervical Osteoarthritis-deterioration of neck cartilage within the joints
- Rheumatoid Arthritis- An autoimmune disease damaging the joints.
- Ankylosing spondylitis-Inflammation at a point where ligament and tendons join together.
The most commonly discussed type of arthritis in terms of neck arthritis is cervical osteoarthritis. It is diagnosed by symptoms like neck stiffness or pain when bending the neck. However, neck impingement may also be observed that radiates towards the shoulders.
Treatment Options for Arthritis in the neck
Several nonsurgical treatment options for arthritis in the neck have proved effective. The healthcare experts offer to manage the pain at home actively, following the guidelines of professional therapists. The easiest and favorite approach includes the heat application. They apply heat through a heating pad for 10-15 minutes on the affected area. According to a neck pain doctor, it causes the muscles to relax for a specific period.
Moreover, excess water intake is necessary to keep the muscles hydrated. The physical therapists may also recommend regular massage and physical therapy for pain reduction.
A patient’s medical history decides which over-the-counter medications are allowed to be administered. The most commonly prescribed medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. However, corticosteroids may also be recommended for those individuals who want to control the pain immediately and cannot bear it further. Corticosteroid injections are also prescribed for patients who are diagnosed with pinched nerves.
Surgical Treatment
Only some of the patients are good candidates for surgical procedures. However, if the pain persists and worsens even after applying all nonsurgical treatment methods, you must consult your healthcare provider to ask about surgery.
The neck is a very delicate area of the body handling several movements and nerve connections, so it is always better to visit a licensed professional, just like those available at pain management in Dallas, to better diagnose arthritis in the neck.
Summary
There are different forms of neck arthritis, with cervical spondylitis being the most common type. People over 60 are highly likely to develop this condition due to age-related degeneration of the spinal bones that support the neck.
Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, and a range of treatments are available depending on the cause of arthritis. Healthcare professionals may suggest non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and pain medications. People who face severe symptoms may recommend surgical interventions.
People can easily manage their symptoms at home by doing physical therapy and staying active. Anyone who is concerned about persistent neck stiffness and pain should consult a doctor.
