Arthritis in the Neck

Natural and Medical Cervical Spondylosis Treatments

Arthritis in the neck, officially called cervical spondylosis, is a common and painful problem. Like the rest of the body, bones in the neck change as we grow older. The surfaces where bones come together become rougher. The discs that cushion the bones of the spine get dryer and the ligments that hold bones in place become stiffer.

In time, arthritis of the neck may result from bony spurs or rough spots that develop on the surfaces of the bone and form problems with ligaments and discs.

Cervical spondylosis, is an osteoarthritic condition affecting the upper spine. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis where the cartilage in joints begins to wear away because of an accident or because of the natural aging process. In cervical spine arthritis, the vertebrae in the neck, known anatomically as the cervical vertebrae, begin to degenerate, accompanied by degeneration in the flexible disks of shock-absorbing cartilage that fit between them. These changes gradually narrow the space in the vertebra called the foramen. This narrowing causes compression on the nerves leading from the spinal cord in the neck. The nerves become inflamed, producing neck pain that may radiate to the arms.

Cervical spondylosis is primarily due to aging. The condition usually first starts after the age of 40 and continues to progress as you age. Men tend to develop cervical spondylosis at an earlier age than women. The condition often leads to myelopathy. Cervical spondylosis is the most common condition of the neck that can affect the spinal cord.

Cervical arthritis like all arthritic conditions, it may grow worse over time. Nearly everyone over the age of 50 experiences some wear and tear in the cervical spine, but not everyone develops symptoms of cervical spine arthritis. Once the cervical vertebrae and their disks begin to degenerate, a minor injury to the spine (such as that caused by a fall or sudden twist) may provoke symptoms. Cervical arthritis may also begin earlier in life, perhaps as the result of a back injury, such as those experienced while playing football or falling from a horse.

While cervical arthritis tends to affect men more often than women, its symptoms may be similar to those produced by two conditions seen more frequently in women: rheumatoid arthritis

Signs of this condition include:

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that may be worse with upright activity
• The sound or feeling of popping in the neck when moving
• Involuntary contractions of the muscles (spasms) that cause pain or a loss of movement or headaches that start from the neck
• Numbness and weakness in the arms, hands and fingers
• Weakness in the legs and difficulty walking
• Irritability
• Fatigue and disturbed sleep
• Difficulties working

Treatment of cervical spondylosis should reduce pain and irritation to spinal cord and nerves, while also improving activities of daily living. Treatment modalities may include:

• use of a neck brace to immobilize the neck
• medication
• physical therapy
• possible traction and epidurals, depending on the findings from diagnostic imaging tests
• in extreme cases, surgery

Surgery for Cervical Spondylosis

Most of the time, surgery is a very extreme solution, and not always a successful one. From a surgeon's perspective, there are numerous techniques that can be used, but as yet, medical research has not identified any one of them as the best choice. Generally, a laminectomy, which goes in through the back or an anterior cervical decompression from the front may be done.

Studies show that a surgical approach from the back does not always yield the best results in terms of getting out all the bone spurs and pieces of disk that tend to be located further toward the front. Sometimes a spinal fusion is performed in the same operation. Discussing the options with your doctor prior to surgery is imperative.

There are numerous natural and homeopathic solutions to arthritis back pain.
To get your free mini-course on Natural Arthritis Remedies click this image:

And fortunately there are more natural cures you may want to consider. Here are some of the most popular arthritis natural remedies.

Acupuncture or acupressure is thought to be able to relieve the symptoms of arthritis in the neck. The patient can also take more conventional body massages and steam baths to help alleviate the pain. Often a warm bath can be beneficial, though it is highly advised that the patient avoid cold water treatments, as these could aggravate the symptoms.

Another option that a patient with arthritis in the neck may wish to consider is adjusting the diet. A diet with omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like tuna, for example, is said to help relieve the symptoms. Studies have also found that gamma-linolenic acid, present in borage oil, black currant seed oil and so forth, could also have a positive effect on the patient's symptoms. Weight loss in general could also relieve the pressure on affected joints. In addition, a diet composed of fruit and vegetables is said to ease the patient's symptoms in the long run.

Various herbal remedies are also held to be effective in treating the symptoms of arthritis. This includes boswellia, an herb from India, Devil's Claw from southern Africa, and the more readily available nettle leaf, alfalfa and ginger.

Aside from the above treatments, it’s recommended that patients continue to exercise to maintain joint mobility and make muscles stronger. Physical therapy is often an option for more severe cases, though is also sometimes performed during the onset of the disease.

If you're suffering from cervical spondylosis, or know someone who is, do consult with a medical professional before trying out any of these natural remedies, particularly if the patient is currently on any medication to treat the affliction.

While there is no known cure for cervical spondylosis, judicious application of effective treatments can alleviate the pain, allowing the patient to live a more productive life despite the presence of the disease.

And to find out much more check out this free mini-course on natural cures for arthritis sufferers by clicking this link: Arthritis Natural Remedies