Arthritis, no matter where in the body, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and an overall reduction in quality of life. It can be especially bothersome when it involves areas of the spinal column, because the spine represents our "core" and the spine is largely responsible for our ability to hold ourselves erect. Arthritis of the neck (cervical spine) can be quite bothersome and can affect the ability to work, drive and move about.
Pain
Arthritis in this area can literally be a pain in the neck. The spinal column is made up of many segments called vertebrae, connected to each other by small joints called "facet joints." As we bend and straighten the neck, these joints move one on top of the other. Like any other joint, these facet joints can become inflamed, eroded, rough and arthritic. Their surfaces are made up of the same smooth cartilage that the knees and hip are, and are equally subject to the rigors of life and activity. When these joint surfaces become arthritic, raw bone can become exposed, causing considerable discomfort with even the slightest movement.
Muscle Spasms in the Neck, Shoulder and Arms Possible
As the arthritis condition advances in the neck, the bone spurs that naturally form begin to encroach upon the nerves that exit the cervical spinal column at various levels to serve the upper portion of the body. Many of these nerves service the muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper arms. It's not uncommon for people with arthritis in their neck to complain of muscle spasms in the neck, arms and shoulder areas because of irritation and "pinching" of these nerves. The more the pinch, the more irritable and inflamed the nerves become.
Limited or Decreased Range of Motion
As the degenerative process continues, the small facet joint surfaces become increasingly rough and spur-laden. This begins to cause a decreased ability to move the neck because of decreased mobility of the joints. As the discs that separate the vertebrae from each other deteriorate, which is frequently the case, the pressure and resting weight of the head and spine on the facet joints becomes more and more significant, contributing to more degeneration and more restriction of movement.
Stiffness
If the joints can't move, they become stiff. Motions such as turning the head from side to side become more difficult. This can have a ripple effect on other things, such as driving--in which reasonable neck flexibility allows the driver to look over her shoulder when changing lanes and backing up. Safety then becomes an issue.
"Cracking" (crepitus)
Popping and cracking occurs when the rough surfaces of the joints in the cervical spine rub across each other, just as other joints would exhibit similar symptoms when trying to move. This uneven interaction between the two roughened surfaces produces the cracking many people describe. Additionally, this cracking and popping can be quite uncomfortable.
