Arthritis in the Neck Can Spread Pain Around The Body

More fun & productivity with

HOME | Signup FREE | Submit Articles | | Blog

Arthritis in the Neck Can Spread Pain Around The Body - By: Jason Hobbs, Posted on: 2008-03-28

For those people who suffer from cervical spondylosis, it can become a real neck pain as it mainly emerges because of the degeneration of padding with those disks situated in the cervical spine in the back. This type of arthritis in the neck is the most predominant reason of the neck pain and is mostly observed in the elder generation. It is estimated that 75 % of the patients above the age of 60 suffer from some variant of arthritis in the neck. Although the ageing procedure is thought to be the most common reason for such problem, neck injuries occurred previously can also become the cause of arthritis in the neck.

Cervical osteoarthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis or arthritis in the neck is a degenerative situation, which is mostly caused due to the odd bone wearing of the neck and cartilage loss. This acts as a cushion for the neck vertebrae. When the bone spurs on the bones that are capable to break off and work their way into the cartilage, it is the time when neck pain is bound to occur. This cartilage loss also results in the formation of an open space in between the vertebrae in which the compression of nerves occurs and can result in additional type of pain in other body edges.

This nerve interfacing results from the pain in the back, neck and arms and in case the spinal cord gets affected due to arthritis in the neck, the pain also travels the leg route. Apart from the pain caused due to arthritis in the neck, a person may also experience a loss of "sensation".

Non-Surgical Curing Techniques:

People who are in the initial stages of arthritis in the neck are advised to take non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug for reduction of pain. However, the major concerns involved are the prevention of any sort of injury to the spinal cord and the nerves. There might be some cases where an individual may also require a neck brace for stabilization of the area around the neck and the prevention of the uncomfortable neck actions. With the deterioration of the condition, it is suggested to hold the neck motionless with the help of a cervical brace. In addition, the cortisone injections which would be given to the affected portion of the cervical spine would help in mitigating some part of the pain.

In certain severe cases of arthritis in the neck, hospitalization would be required in addition to a traction device for averting the neck from movement and causing spinal cord and nerve injury. In such cases, when a person gets hospitalized with arthritis in the neck, then that person could be provided certain narcotic pain relievers and muscle-relaxers.

Doctors may also advise surgical intervention as a last available effort for retrieving the region between the vertebrae. For the removal of fragments or bone chips which might have got placed in those spaces left by degenerated cartilage, surgery may be required.

Article Source: http://www.girlarticles.com

If you would like to learn more about Arthritis Advice and recieve a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site www.arthritishelpadvice.com/