What is Cervical Spine Arthritis?
Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints. Cervical osteoarthritis is arthritis in the cervical spine, which is why it is more commonly referred to as cervical spine arthritis. This arthritic condition can be triggered by a traumatic impact on the neck or head. It can also develop with normal wear and tear of the bones, discs, and joints in the upper cervical spine.
Cervical spine arthritis can be a painful condition that gets progressively worse over time if not treated.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Spine Arthritis
Arthritis is one of those conditions that can creep up on you. Generally, early signs go unnoticed or ignored. The neck and/or upper back may feel stiff or tender. As the condition progresses, so will discomfort and pain.
In time, cervical spine arthritis can limit your range of motion. People with this condition may hear popping or grinding sounds when moving the head or neck. They may experience some muscle twitches or abnormal reflexes.
In more severe cases, cervical spine arthritis may cause numbness in the neck, arms, or hands. Sufferers may feel uncoordinated, suffer from muscle spasms, experience incontinence, or have trouble walking. This is because upper cervical spine conditions have a domino effect on the rest of the body.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Cervical Spine Arthritis
The upper cervical spine consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae in the neck and upper back. Between each vertebra, there are spongy discs that act as cushions between the bones. With age, these discs can lose fluid, decreasing the cushion and lubrication between the joints. As time goes on, this can result in an inflammation of the joints—arthritis. Misalignments of the vertebrae can exacerbate the development of this condition.
In some cases, an injury of the head or neck can cause arthritis. The upper cervical spine is an area prone to injury, and impact can cause a misalignment of the vertebrae. This can compress muscles and nerves, leading to inflammation.
Left untreated, cervical spine arthritis may contribute to nerve damage or spinal decay.
How our Cervical Spine Arthritis Treatment Works
Early detection and treatment of arthritis can help slow the progression, alleviate pain and restore mobility in the neck and upper back. Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment for cervical spine arthritis.
Dr. Noah Kaplan, owner of Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, is among the elite upper cervical chiropractors in Northern California. Dr. Kaplan is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a method focused on the health and treatment of the upper cervical spine.
Upper cervical care is focused on the intricate relationship of the uppermost vertebrae, and their role in the function of the Central Nervous System. Dr. Kaplan’s office is the only office in the entire East Bay area to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to examine the Cranio-Cervical Junction (CCJ) in 3 Dimensions (3-D). This state-of-the-art diagnostic tool allows the doctor to calculate the exact measurements and angles of your unique anatomy. That way, the doctor can apply gentle pressure in precise areas of the spine to make more effective corrections.
If you are suffering from cervical spine arthritis, don’t let it progress until it robs you of the ability to enjoy life and do the things you want to do. Contact Dr. Kaplan for a consultation. Dr. Kaplan practices in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
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