Cervical arthritis means arthritis of the neck bones. Arthritis is a very common problem that can happen in joints all over the body. Cushiony tissue between joints can be damaged because of aging or an injury.
Cervical ArthritisCervical arthritis means arthritis of the neck bones. Arthritis is a very common problem that can happen in joints all over the body. Cushiony tissue between joints can be damaged because of aging or an injury.It can happen in the finger joints, and the knees, hips, lower back, and neck.Arthritis is a long-term, or chronic, disease. And it commonly runs in families. But it can be treated and managed in many ways.CausesThe bones of your spine are called vertebrae. Your neck has 7 vertebrae. Cushiony disks sit between the vertebrae. A rubbery tissue called cartilage covers parts of the bones. Over time or with injury, the disks can have problems and may bulge outward or get thinner. Cartilage can also wear away.These problems lead to less cushioning between the bones. The bones may rub together, and they may grow small extra bits called bone spurs. These things can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the neck.Nerves leading from the spinal cord can become irritated and inflamed, and cause pain and other problems.You can develop cervical arthritis if you have:A family history of neck pain or arthritisA past injury to the neck, orA job that causes you to move your neck repeatedlyPeople who smoke also have a higher risk for arthritis.SymptomsMany people have arthritis in the neck and don’t know it, because it may cause no symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include:Neck pain that may get worse when you look up or down, or hold your neck in one positionA feeling of stiffness when you move your neckHeadachesPainful muscle spasms in your neck or shouldersClicking or grinding sounds when you move your neckNumb and weak feeling in your arms, hands, or fingersDiagnosisYour health care provider will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and when they feel better or worse. Tell the health care provider if you’ve had any injuries or accidents, and if your job involves anything that may cause neck pain.He or she will give you a physical exam to check for swelling and pain. You may have an X-ray or an M-R-I. These imaging tests can show if the bones in your neck show signs of arthritis, such as small bone growths called spurs. These occur in some cases of neck arthritis.The imaging tests can also show if you’ve lost tissue in between the bones, which can lead to arthritis.TreatmentTreatment for neck arthritis may start with medicines and physical therapy. Medicines can calm pain and inflammation. Your health care provider may recommend ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or another medicine. You may take these for a few weeks. Your health care provider may also give you a muscle relaxant to calm painful muscle spasms.You may have physical therapy. These are exercises to help improve muscle tone and relieve pressure on inflamed nerves. Physical therapy usually takes repeat sessions over a series of weeks or a month or two.The therapist may also show you how to use cold packs or heat pads to help soothe areas in your neck and upper back. Another type of treatment is injection of a steroid or other medicine in the neck.This can calm inflamed nerves. Talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of steroid injections for your specific condition.In rare cases, you may need surgery. This is usually only an option if you have severe symptoms that aren’t helped by other types of treatment.What we have learnedCervical arthritis is caused by the bones of the neck rubbing together or growing small bits of bone. True or false?The answer is true. If there are problems with the cushiony tissue between your neck bones, the bones may rub together. And they may grow small extra bits called bone spurs.Cervical arthritis always causes symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, and clicking sounds. True or false?The answer is false. Many people with cervical arthritis have no symptoms.The main form of treatment for cervical arthritis is surgery. True or false?The answer is false. Surgery is only an option if you have severe symptoms and other treatments haven’t worked.
Online Medical Reviewer: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Ray, BSN, MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2021
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
