Cervical Arthritis Can Be A Pain In The NeckCervical arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, is osteoarthritis of the neck. Your spine extends from your pelvis up to the skull. The cervical area of the spine is defined as the seven vertebrae below the skull. Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis, as opposed to rheumatiod arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Cervical arthritis, as a form of osteoarthritis, is thought to be precipitated mainly by aging or by an injury or repeated trauma (such as from sports or occupational activities). The condition begins when the vertebrae and cartilage in the cervical spine, or neck, begin to deteriorate. Bone spurs called osteophytes can begin to form on the vertebrae as the body tends to attempt to stabilize the joint. This tends to constrict the spacing of the vertebrae over time, causing stiffness and pain. It can also eventually lead to pressure on the nerves of the spine or the spinal cord, called myelopathy or spinal stenosis. The symptoms usually appear in people over the age of forty, however, frequently the disease process will have begun in a person's twenties, but not create any symptoms until decades later. X-rays show that almost everyone develops cervical arthritis by the age of sixty, although many people exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis include neck pain and stiffness that becomes progessively more severe or that radiates to the shoulders and arms, the neck actually feeling tender to the touch, headaches that radiate to the back of the head, muscle weakness or numbness in the arms, hands and fingers, and loss of balance. If spinal stenosis is present, the legs may become weak or numb, or control of the bowel or bladder may be lost. Initial treatment can include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) like ibuprofen or aspirin, wearing of a cervical collar or neck brace, rest, and exercise, possibly with the guidance of a physical therapist. A physical therapist can provide information regarding posture improvement and teach about proper positioning of the neck when at rest, in addition to prescribing exercises. Also, massage, hydrotherapy (warm water treatment) and ultrasound are sometimes employed. More severe cases may call for taking muscle relaxants or injecting corticosteroids into the neck, or bed rest (usually in a hospital setting) utilizing traction to immobilize the spine and move it into correct position. Rarely, surgery is necessary. There are a number of different approaches, all with advantages and disadvantages. Consult your physician for more information regarding these options. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I Cured My Arthritis - You Can Too" A Natural Arthritis Remedy... No Drugs... No Secret Formula... 43-Year Sufferer of Arthritis Shocks Her Doctors (Who Predicted She'd Soon Need A Wheelchair) With Her Natural Arthritis Cure Without Expensive Medication Or Surgery (And Challenges You To Do The Same!) Yes, the story of this lady's arthritis cure seems almost impossible. And incredible as it seems, it's all true. I'm about to let you in on the secret that got her thrown out of an arthritis convention - For trying to tell the truth - that the arthritis sufferers attending DIDN'T NEED the expensive drugs and treatments they were being sold... Now YOU can learn about the natural arthritis treatment that the medical community wants to keep from you - because it's not profitable to them. Read the secret that got this lady thrown out of the arthritis convention. Ankylosing Spondylitis Privacy Policy Contact Us Legal Information |