Cervical Spine Arthritis: An Overview

Cervical spine arthritis is also known as cervical spondylosis. This is one of the most common problems faced by people. It is an osteoarthritic problem which affects the upper portion of the spine. This condition occurs due to the growing age factor or any accident which tends to wear the joints.

In cervical spine arthritis, the neck vertebra tends to degenerate. This further narrows the space in the spinal canal. This in turn compresses the nerves of the spinal cord, in the neck region. Cervical arthritis or spondylosis increases the neck pain and irritation, which in turns radiate to the arms.

Symptoms of cervical spine arthritis The symptoms of cervical spine arthritis are very prominent and are easily recognizable. You can easily conclude that you are suffering from cervical spine arthritis if you experience chronic pain, especially while moving your neck. Numbing of neck and arms and after some time hands and fingers, due to the weakening of muscles is also a symptom. Also headaches and loss of balance indicate towards cervical spine arthritis. If your neck is stiff and the movement is limited then you should get your self diagnosed for cervical spine arthritis.

Diagnosis of cervical spine arthritis The doctors use different techniques to diagnose cervical spine arthritis. X-rays help in diagnosing any abnormalities in the spinal bones, it also helps in determining the level of degeneration in the vertebrae and its facets. Another technique used for diagnosing a cervical spine arthritis is myelogram with CT scan that can provide all the details of the spine's bone structure. MRI scans are another technique which is used to assess a clearer picture of other structures in the spine apart from the bone.

Treatment for cervical spine arthritis: The treatment depends upon the nature of the disease. If the pain is mild or moderate then the conventional therapy is recommended. Conventional treatment consists of relaxation, exercise and medication. It is very essential that you use proper pillow to rest your neck. Your posture should be proper while sleeping and sitting. Also, proper neck exercises should be done as per the medical professionals advice.

In order to reduce the neck pain and swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen can be used. Patients suffering from severe neck pain can be treated by injecting steroid epidural injection in the affected area. Some of the other non-operative treatments consist of:

* Massaging your muscle

* Avoiding stress* Using cold compresses

* Ultrasound treatment

In extremely severe cases of cervical spine arthritis, surgery is the best known option to relieve the pain. You should also consult an orthopedic surgeon to discuss different procedures related to the problem.

Degenerative Spine