Common Symptoms of Arthritis in the Neck

Arthritis in the neck can become apparent at any age but the usual range is 30 to 50 years. The most common forms of arthritis that affect the neck are cervical spondylosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both these diseases will damage the joints and this is what will cause the symptoms of arthritis in the neck.

So what sort of symptoms can you expect with cervical spondylosis?

• Stiffness of the neck: this can occur when you wake up in the morning and may disappear with gentle exercise of the neck. You may experience stiffness if you have not moved for a while.
• Pain: pain is an inevitable part of arthritis.
• Weakness and numbness of the arms and hands: this may occur if the nerves are getting pinched due to the discs and joints degeneration.
• Misbalance and weakness of the legs: this is again due to nerve involvement.
• Clicking and grinding sounds in the neck region: as the joints and cartilage break down the bones will start to rub together and cause these sounds.
• Muscle spasms:

You can also have underlying problems like fatigue, irritability and headaches.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the neck:
• Swollen, tender and warm joints
• Pain and stiffness when you get up which lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Fatigue and fever

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms you may very likely have arthritis in the neck. There are a number of medications on the market, which can often help with pain and decrease swelling. They can also slow down the degeneration of the joints and cartilage.

There are also some things that will help to ease the pain and decrease inflammation.

• Gentle exercise of the neck can ease stiffness and keep you mobile.
• Hot and cold compresses can also help to reduce inflammation swelling and pain.
• Massaging the neck can also help to loosen stiff muscles and aching joints.
• Glucosamine is a supplement that has helped many people suffering from arthritis to improve their joints.
• Eating a healthy diet will help you to be in the best possible health and will sometimes help with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Omega 3 found in fish oil supplements can also help
• Physical therapy is good to keep your joints more flexible and helps decrease stiffness.
• If you are overweight this will aggravate your arthritis. It is best to maintain a good weight, as it will give less pressure on your joints and you will have better health.