Arthritis of the Neck and Back
In the United States, arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability in adults. You can slow down the impact of the disease by seeking treatment from specialists of South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. We have doctors who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating different types of arthritis.
What you need to know about arthritis of the neck and back
Arthritis is a term used to refer to the inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease, often resulting from years of wear and tear in the joints (although it can also happen following joint trauma).
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects and cushions the end of the bones wears away. As a result, bone rubs against a bone, causing pain and eventually, inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune disease. This simply means that one’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation.
It’s a progressive disease and can affect other joints and even other organs of the body such as the eyes, lungs, and skin. When left untreated, the inflammation can cause damage to the bones and the cartilage, leading to deformation.
Sign of Neck & Back Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis share the following key symptoms – joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Aside from these, each type of arthritis may also cause:
- Osteoarthritis symptoms
- Sensation of grinding on the affected joints
- Temporary morning stiffness
- Joint tenderness when pressure is applied
Rheumatoid symptoms
- Joint swelling (could affect same joints on both sides of the body)
- Morning stiffness that can last for up to one hour
Treating Neck & Back Arthritis
Arthritis treatment is highly individualized. It depends on the type of arthritis and the severity of its symptoms. However, in general, arthritis is managed with these key treatments – physical therapy and medications.
Rheumatoid therapy patients have often been prescribed medications that prevent the progression of the disease and keep it in remission for as long as possible.
For osteoarthritis, treatments can vary and could be a combination of any of these – physical therapy, weight management, topical pain medications, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive devices such as braces.
In both cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, surgery may be recommended if there’s severe damage to the joints.
If your arthritis is keeping you from living your best life, we can help.  To request an appointment, contact us here or call (772) 288-2400.