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Neck ArthritisThe neck is actually an extension of the spine and is composed of vertebrae which begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull.
These vertebrae are surrounded by muscles that allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and also has the task of supporting the head, one of the heaviest parts of the human body. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders such as arthritis that produce pain and restrict motion.
The kinds of arthritis that most commonly affect the neck include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people due to the wear down of the cartilage between the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory auto-immune condition that occurs when the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy tissue. It can occur at any age.
Symptoms of Neck Arthritis
The main symptom of this type of arthritis is neck pain and stiffness. The severity of these afflictions may vary, depending on how bad the problem is. Moreover, it is also seen that the neck arthritis symptoms usually get worse when a person spends a lot of time standing, because of the force of gravity on the spine. However, the pain and stiffness could also seem more intense after sleeping, as the muscles are relaxed when a person sleeps, because of which they cannot provide any extra support to the spine.
Other symptoms that could be seen in certain cases are weakness, numbness and a tingling sensation felt in certain parts of the body, such as the hands, arms and forearms. In some severe cases, a person could also experience dizziness and headaches. The common symptoms associated with neck arthritis include neck or shoulder pain, headaches in the back of the head, stiffness of the neck, difficulty in turning or bending the neck. The neck pain may also radiate down to the arm. If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to consult your physician as soon as possible. He or she will carry out a thorough physical examination and may, in addition, carry out test such as x-rays, MRI, CT scans, myelograms, or an EMG. Samples of blood and synovial fluid may also be taken. These tests are carried out because there are many conditions that have these same symptoms and it is important to eliminate all the possibilities to confirm the presence of arthritis.
Treatment for Neck Arthritis
Treatment of neck arthritis aims to reduce the pain and inflammation and stem the further spread of arthritis. You have to wear a neck brace to immobilize the neck and prevent further damage from occurring. Your physician may also prescribe some exercises to strengthen the neck muscles.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat the inflammation and may be combined with analgesics or supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin-sulfate to relieve the pain. In case of severe cases of arthritis, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may be sued to suppress the immune system and prevent the spread of arthritis.
You can also aid the treatment process by following the doctor’s instructions and performing the prescribed exercises regularly. Avoid spending long hours in front of the television or computer and ensure that your posture is always straight. Avoid high impact sports that may cause jerks to the neck. Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably without a pillow, or with a small pillow. Arthritis can be described as a very common condition, which affects the joints, like the knees, wrists, fingers and so on. In some cases, arthritis could also cause problems in the spinal column, or could trigger off neck arthritis symptoms. There are several different types of arthritis, the most common ones being rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The less common types of arthritis are usually associated with conditions, which affect the other body parts, such as lupus, gout or even a specific kind of psoriasis. When a person suffers from any of these conditions, it is quite likely for them to suffer from intense pain as well as stiffness in the joints.
While anybody can suffer from arthritis, this condition is a lot more common in elderly women. However, people who have a family history of the condition or are overweight are at a much higher risk of suffering from arthritis. While this condition is not very common in younger people, those who have suffered from a previous joint injury while playing sports are more like to develop arthritis. Also, the risks of several types of arthritis usually increase with age. People who are overweight or obese are also at a much higher risk of suffering from arthritis.
What Causes Arthritis
There are several people who do not realize that they are suffering from arthritis and wonder what causes arthritis pain. The exact causes that could lead to arthritis in an individual are quite hard to determine, but the pain that has been associated with the condition is generally a result of joint damage. In the human body, the joints are made up of cartilages, joint capsules and the synovium. The cartilage is a slick and hard coating, present on the ends of all the bones; its main function is to allow the joint bones to slide over each other smoothly. The joint capsule can be described as a hard or a tough membrane, which encloses all the parts of the joint.
The synovium is a thin membrane, which lines the joint capsule. It also secretes a fluid known as synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. Damage to any of these parts could trigger off arthritis in a person. Some of the most common factors that lead to arthritis are immune system disorders, following a poor diet, prior injuries, metabolic abnormalities, heredity, infections and of course, damage to the cartilage.
Treatment for Arthritis
The treatment of the condition is mainly aimed at controlling the stiffness, pain and the other symptoms of this condition. However, it is also possible to control certain types of arthritis by using a combination of certain medicines and therapy. Some of the most common medication suggested for arthritis treatment are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), analgesics, corticosteroids, counterirritants, biologics and Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD). In case the use of medication and therapy does not yield the desired results, doctors may advise patients to go in for one of the required surgeries, which may include Joint Fusion, Joint Replacement or Synovium Removal.
It is important to assess the severity of the condition, as well as its causes, before making any attempts at treating this condition. Drugs that can be prescribed for neck arthritis treatment include simple over the counter painkillers.
In most cases, patients respond very well to neck arthritis exercises, prescribed by a physician. Patients are also usually advised to wear a collar brace, especially during the night. It is very important for all arthritic patients to follow a proper diet. Heat Therapy, Ice Therapy and Massage Therapy are also great for reducing neck arthritis symptoms.
Apart from the medical treatment for arthritis, many patients are advised to try out home remedies for relief from the condition, which could also include following a diet for arthritis.
Diet for Arthritis Patients
Unfortunately, there is a lot of conflicting information available on the proper diet for arthritis pain. Given below are some of the common foods that should be included in a diet for arthritis relief:
- Foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwi and peaches
- Oily fish, such as salmon, tuna or sardines
- Spices, such as ginger and turmeric
- Unsalted nuts, which are high in Vitamin E
Foods that should be avoided in a diet for arthritis are:
- Baked foods, that contain refined flour
- Meats which are high in fat
A diet for arthritis pain should only be followed for about a week, to check for any side effects.
What is Arthritis of the Neck?
It is possible for a person to suffer from arthritis in the neck area, which is generally referred to as neck osteoarthritis, cervical arthritis or cervical spondylosis. People who are over the age of 40 are more likely to suffer from neck arthritis symptoms. Women who are pre-menopausal are at a lower risk of arthritis in neck, as compared to men. However, the risks of neck arthritis in women increase, after menopause.
What Causes Arthritis in the Neck?
The main causes of neck arthritis are inflammation in the cartilage, other underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis, prior injuries or trauma affecting a specific area, excessive amounts of stress and genetic factors.
In case a person suffers from arthritis in neck and headaches, dizziness and back or upper back pain, it is best to consult a doctor, without any delay.
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