Arthritis is a general term that infers an inflamed or degenerated joint. Cervical osteoarthritis, also known as “cervical spondylosis,” is the degenerative, “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis. Cervical osteoarthritis is frequently caused by neck trauma, poor posture, overuse and dietary deficiencies, although it is also considered a common condition of aging. According to the Arthritis Foundation, women after age 50 are more affected by osteoarthritis than men. Cervical osteoarthritis causes deterioration of the joints and discs of the neck and creates a variety of symptoms.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness is the primary early symptom of cervical osteoarthritis. For stiffness to be felt, some intervertebral disc damage and bone spur formation has to occur. The stiffness is often worse upon waking and can dissipate fairly quickly with normal daily activities. Muscle ache and mild inflammation can accompany osteoarthritis in its later stages. Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can alleviate the symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis. Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of spinal dysfunction among people older than 55, notes Merck.
Loss of Neck Mobility
As the discs deteriorate further and bone spurs, called “osteophytes,” grow bigger, reduced neck motion is typically noticed. Sometimes movement in only one direction, such as rotation, is restricted. A mild grinding feeling with rotation may also be noticed in the earlier stages of cervical osteoarthritis. In later stages, global reduction of neck motion is often experienced, along with louder “cracking” or “popping” sounds. A person who has advanced cervical osteoarthritis will typically turn her entire body to look at something, as opposed to just her head.
Neuropathy
With more severe examples of cervical osteoarthritis, the bone spurs pinch or irritate the spinal nerves, which results in cervical “radiculopathy” and causes tingling or shooting pain in one or both arms. Direct pressure on the spinal cord, referred to as “central stenosis” or “cervical myelopathy,” can cause numbness or weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands or even legs. With severe myelopathy, global lack of coordination, paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel control can result, warns Merck.
Cervicogenic Headaches
As the spinal facet joints deteriorate and the spinal nerves become irritated with cervical osteoarthritis, pain in the upper neck and around the back of the head can develop, which is termed “cervicogenic headache.” The pain of these headaches is often achy and sometimes pulsating, but can become sharp with neck or head movement, explains Meridel I. Gatterman, D.C., in her book "Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders." Again, cervicogenic headaches are often alleviated with anti-inflammatory medications. As the osteoarthritis advances, however, the headaches can become chronic.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet
- MedlinePlus: Cervical Spondylosis
- Merck: Cervical Spondylosis
- "Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders"; Meridel I. Gatterman, D.C.; 2001
- "Arthritis and Arthroplasty: The Spine: Expert Consult"; Francis Shen, M.D., et al.; 2009
