What You Need to Know About Neck Arthritis
Neck pain is a common occurrence for everyone as we age; just like other parts of the body, the neck changes and aches as part of the natural aging process. In time, it’s possible that neck arthritis can develop.
From the arthritis experts at the Orthopaedic Specialty Group, here’s what you need to know about neck arthritis:
What is Neck Arthritis
As we age, the surfaces of the bones and joints in the neck become stiffer and rougher, and the discs that cushion the bones throughout the spine become dryer and weaker. Arthritis in the joints can develop as a result, causing pain, bony spurs, and other complications in the neck or spine.
Types of Neck Arthritis
Neck pain can be caused by different types of arthritis. These are the most common ones:
- Osteoarthritis in the neck – Osteoarthritis consists of degenerating joints, vertebrae, and discs throughout the spine. The padding between has become worn down, and the vertebrae rub against each other, causing tiny bone fragments to break off and sit in the liquid that lubricates the joints, synovial fluid.
- Rheumatoid arthritis in the neck – Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This condition typically starts with smaller joints in the hands or feet but can gradually make its way to other areas of the body, like the neck. If left untreated, the symptoms can get increasingly worse quickly.
- Spondyloarthritis in the neck – Spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term for inflammatory diseases, including psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, which affect the neck joints. Psoriatic arthritis in the neck accompanies psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that attacks the bones in the spine.
Symptoms of Neck Arthritis
Identifying the signs of neck arthritis early can help improve your condition, allowing you to get treatment as soon as possible. Here are the neck arthritis symptoms to look for:
- Chronic pain or stiffness of the neck, especially during upright activity
- The feeling or sound of popping when moving the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Numbness or weakness in the legs, arms, hands, and fingers
- Fatigue and trouble sleeping
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms and believe you may have neck arthritis, it’s crucial to speak with an expert orthopaedist to diagnose and get treatment.
For exceptional orthopaedic care, contact Orthopaedic Specialty Group!
It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you struggle with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty Group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.