Arthritis of Neck

This article describes the condition which could lead to arthritis of the neck and what measures should be taken to avoid it at an early age.

The most important part of a human body is the spinal cord which connects the head with the lower part of the body through neck. Neck is the most flexible portion of the spinal cord and the most used part too. This means that neck is the place where most of the wear and tear could take place due to natural aging. This results in a common problem known as cervical spondylitis or arthritis of neck. The cartilage which acts as a cushion between the vertebra undergoes degeneration which results in stiffness of the neck.

Arthritis of neck causes origin of pain in the neck but it can also lead to pain in shoulders, chest and head. The pain aggravates while standing as this is against the gravity and it pressurizes the spine. A person suffering from arthritis of neck may have other symptoms as well like dizziness of the head, numbness and severe headache. It may also lead to other conditions like problem in swallowing, etc.

Arthritis of neck may be of three types osteo arthritis which occurs due to normal degeneration of the tissues, rheumatoid arthritis which occurs due to swelling etc., and post traumatic arthritis which is due to injury to neck. Arthritis of the neck affects the spinal cord and compresses it which may lead to decrease in the supply of blood to the brain. The patient may feel weakness and may not be able to stand.

The physician predicts the condition by performing certain tests which help in determining the condition. He may ask the patient to walk in a straight line or may ask him to hold his fingers tightly. These physical tests determine the condition of the arthritis. He may then go for an x-ray which clearly shows the degeneration of the tissues or an overgrowth of the bones near the joints.

Treatment of arthritis of the neck depends on the extremity of the arthritis, the age of the patient and the medical condition of the patient. It is seen that in most of the cases exercises yield a good result. In the initial stages physiotherapy, heat massage and diet which prevents arthritis is very helpful in relieving the pain. Use of neck pillows while sleeping provide a support to the spinal cord as the neck muscles relax. In some cases analgesics are used to reduce the pain. Surgeries in very extreme cases cure pain with the arthritis.

Arthritis of neck has now become a common problem. It is not only with the people of old age but is now a common disease with the new generation. Poor sitting posture and pressure on the neck due to one’s profession like dancing, smoking, bending over a desk for a prolonged period of time and incorrect sleeping posture all leads to neck arthritis. It could be prevented by lifestyle modifications and adopting a right sitting and standing posture which does not exerts pressure on the neck. Diagnosis of the cervical arthritis at the right time may prevent the extreme conditions.