Spondylitis, also called ankylosing spondylitis, is the chronic pain and inflammation between the vertebrae of the spine, in the sacroiliac joints and other parts of the body, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms depend on the area of the spine, joint or body part affected. Many diseases, conditions, infections and injuries contribute to the development of spondylitis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder, according to MedlinePlus, is the result of the wearing away of the cartilage between the bones. As the cartilage disappears, the bones begin to rub against each other and cause bone spurs to develop. Weakening around the joint occurs as the muscles and joints loosen. Medical conditions that can cause osteoarthritis include bleeding disorders and blockage of blood vessels that supply a joint.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include swelling in the joint, reduced movement, increase in pain with high humidity, aching joint pain that worsens after exercise and a continual increase in the amount of pain experienced during times of rest. The location of the affected joint determines the treatment, and it includes medications to control pain and inflammation, applying heat and cold, physical therapy, braces and surgery for severely damaged joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, known as RA, is an autoimmune disease where the joint lining swells and invades the surrounding tissues, as noted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. As the tissue invasion occurs, chemicals released by the body destroy the joint surface.
Diagnostics for RA include a physical examination that reveals deformed joints, joint swelling and warmth, aching joints with painful movement and stiffness in the joint. Laboratory evaluation includes a blood test for the presence of the rheumatoid factor antibody. Treatment involves medications for pain and medications to slow the advancement of the disease, along with exercise, therapy and joint replacement surgery, if indicated.
Neck Conditions
The top seven vertebrae form the cervical portion of the spinal column. An injury to the cervical vertebrae can lead to symptoms such as severe neck pain, swelling around the injury, tenderness and numbness. The location and extent of the injury determines the amount and type of symptoms. Cervical arthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the joint wears away, causes symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, headaches, limited neck mobility and chronic neck pain.
Treatment options for cervical injuries include wearing a cervical collar and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Cervical arthritis treatment includes resting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injection in the neck and surgery for severe cases, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
