There are many symptoms of arthritis neck pain and they do not happen all of a sudden. The problem begins earlier in time and gradually progresses.
Why Does Arthritis in the Neck Happen?
Arthritis neck pain is caused by the deterioration of the bones as well as the neck disc. This disorder is known as cervical spondylosis (or neck osteoarthritis) and occurs due to at least one of the following reasons:
- Age: A major factor in the development of this disorder is age. As you grow older, you develop bone spurs. These spurs can cause pain in the neck and spine area because of pressure on the spine, which worsen and lead to a condition called cervical myelopathy.
- Degenerated Disc: A disc in the neck that has degenerated can cause this condition.
- Past Neck Trauma: People who have experienced neck injuries or traumas in the past are more susceptible to contracting this problem later in life. Injuries can happen in various ways like while working out, dancing or playing a sport.
- Hereditary: If someone in your immediately family has the disorder, it is possible you may develop arthritis neck pain. This condition may be hereditary.
- Smoking: Everyone knows that cigarette smoking is an atrocious habit. What some people do not know is that it can contribute to the degeneration of muscles and bones and could lead to arthritis in the neck.
- Other Diseases and Disorders: Some diseases and disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy or down syndrome may have a higher chance of developing this problem and cause the onset of arthritis neck pain.
Neck Pain Symptoms:
Some symptoms that are easily associated with arthritis neck pain include:
- Neck Stiffness: The most obvious symptom is stiffness of the neck. If it is not treated, the problem may worsen.
- Radiating Neck Pain: Pain that goes from the neck area to the arm is another sign of this disorder.
- Weak Neck Muscles: Weakness of the muscles in the neck is another neck pain symptom. If the condition is accompanied by myelopathy, this may also lead to the inability to walk properly. It can also lead to numbness of the hands as well as a person’s arms.
- Neck Spasms: Pain when moving your neck is an obvious symptom though it can happen for many reasons. Spasms can occur in the neck and may be a sign of this condition.
Did You Know…?
There are also some symptoms of arthritis in the neck that are not as obvious or easy to link with neck problems. If you are irritable, it may be because of this problem. Headaches may also be present along with neck pain. Additionally, some people experience neck popping or other sounds from the area when moved. Tiredness and sleeplessness may also accompany the problem.
If arthritis of the neck is not treated early on, the problem may affect other areas of the body. Treatments to relieve arthritis neck pain include massaging, medicine, therapy, steroid injections, and using a soft cervical collar or neck brace. If the conditions become more severe, surgery is recommended but rare. Traction is also another method used as an arthritis neck pain treatment.
