If you suffer from neck arthritis, you know how debilitating the condition can be. Arthritis of the neck is a common complaint, and the pain it causes is both intense and long-lasting. As a neck arthritis sufferer, you probably have a lot of questions, and it is important to get the right answers. Here are some key things you need to know about neck arthritis and how to treat it.
Cartilage Breakdown
The condition popularly known as neck arthritis happens when the cartilage begins to break down. This degeneration of the cartilage in your neck can begin slowly, or it can happen more quickly.
No matter what the speed, once the cartilage begins to thin and degenerate, the pain of neck arthritis starts to appear. In some cases, the friction caused by the thinning of cartilage in your neck can lead to painful bone spurs. In some cases, those bone spurs can rub up against a nerve root in your neck, making the pain even more severe.
Symptoms Vary
The symptoms caused by neck arthritis can vary, and not everyone will present with the same issues. In some cases, the pain may be almost nonexistent, a dull ache that comes and goes. In other cases, the pain and discomfort can be debilitating, interfering with daily activities and making work difficult or even impossible.
Besides neck pain, arthritis of the neck can create a tingling feeling, or a feeling of weakness in your head and neck. In some cases, the pain may radiate down your arm as it follows the nerve path downwards.
No matter how the symptoms present themselves, they should not be ignored. If you experience unexpected pain or discomfort, you should contact your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Problem Can Spread
In some cases, arthritis will remain confined to that one part of the body, but it can also spread to your upper back and shoulders. The pain could spread to your shoulder, or to the space between your shoulder blades, making the discomfort and loss of motion even more severe.
If you experience a worsening in your symptoms or any unexplained pain and discomfort, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. The faster you act, the faster you can start developing a treatment plan that works for you. Every case of neck arthritis is different, and by working with your doctor, you can ease your discomfort and reduce the pain of this common condition.
