Cervical Arthritis

Cervical arthritis also known as cervical spondylosis is an osteoarthritic condition that affects the upper spine. During this condition, the cervical vertebrae and the flexible disks of shock-absorbing cartilage that fit between them begin to degenerate. This degeneration slowly narrows the space in the vertebra called the foramen. This narrowing leads to compression on the nerves leading from the spinal cord in the neck. This makes the nerves to become inflamed causing neck pain that may radiate to the arms.

This condition normally begins between the ages of 30 and like all arthritic conditions it may get worse over time. Early onset of cervical arthritis can be due to a back injury for example those that result while playing football or falling from a horse. Once the cervical vertebrae and the disks begin to degenerate, any minor injury to the spine can trigger the symptoms.

Symptoms of this disorder include chronic pain, muscle weakness with numbness in the neck and arms. You may also experience numbness in the hands and fingers. Other symptoms include tenderness to the touch at the neck, stiffness which makes it hard to move the neck, headaches as well as loss of balance.

X-rays, computer tomography or CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging or MRIs are used during diagnosis of this condition. X-rays help to show any abnormalities in the bones of the spine while CT scans provide details on the bone structure of the spine. Cervical arthritis can be treated using medications and physical therapy. Surgery is recommended in severe cases.