Neck Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Symptoms
Neck arthritis, also known as neck osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis, is the degeneration of the joints, bones, and discs of the cervical spine of the neck. This condition affects over 85% of people over the age of 60. Symptoms include:
- Neck pain or stiffness that worsens with activity or standing
- A sound or feeling of the neck popping when moving
- Headaches that start in the neck
- Muscle spasms that affect movement or cause pain
- Fatigue, trouble sleeping, or irritability
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, or feet
Causes
Neck arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis, also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. Symptoms develop when the cartilage discs between the bones of the cervical spine deteriorate or become damaged. With age, these gel-like discs can also dry out, causing them to flatten. The loss of cartilage leads to the narrowing of the space between vertebrae and nerve compression, known as radiculopathy.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for neck arthritis include:
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Age
Surgery
Surgery is generally reserved for the most severe cases, as it may not fully resolve symptoms and can have associated risks. Surgical options for neck arthritis include:
- Spinal fusion
- Disc replacement
- Cervical decompression surgery
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or OTC medications, or that becomes severe
- Muscle weakness or difficulty moving a part of your body
- You have balance problems or can’t complete tasks that require coordination
- Bladder or bowel changes occur
- Symptoms that also include fever or unexplained weight loss
Summary
Neck arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the cervical spine of the neck. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headache, arm or leg weakness, and referred pain to other parts of the body. Severe cases can affect a person’s mobility and even lead to the loss of bowel or bladder function. Treatment options include rest, neck immobilization, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, physical therapy, and neck exercises. Surgery may be considered if conservative therapies fail to provide relief.
A Word from Verywell
Degeneration of the cervical spine is almost inevitable with age, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer chronic pain or be faced with significant physical limitations. At the first sign of neck arthritis, see your healthcare provider for a physical exam and comprehensive evaluation. The sooner you start treatment, the better able you will be to preserve the function of your neck and spine and minimize pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the most effective treatment for arthritis in your neck?
- Arguably, the most effective treatment is physical therapy combined with the conservative use of pain relievers.
- Are there certain movements that make arthritis neck pain worse?
- Yes, heavy lifting, looking upward, and high-impact activities can exacerbate the condition.
- How should you sleep if you have neck arthritis symptoms?
- Sleeping on your side or back with a rounded pillow and a flatter pillow behind the back of your skull can help alleviate symptoms.
- What kind of doctor treats neck arthritis?
- An orthopedist is typically the best doctor to treat neck arthritis.
