Cervical osteoarthritis or cervicoarthrosis is the wear or degeneration of the cervical cartilage. The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae and intervertebral discs and wear occurs in the joints between each two vertebrae. The degeneration progresses by creating bones outside the limits of the vertebrae, narrowing the space and exerting pressure that affects the nerves that become inflamed, causing pain in the neck, shoulders and arms. It is very common in men and women over 50 years of age.
Causes of cervical osteoarthritis
Hereditary and environmental
Cervical osteoarthritis is considered to be a consequence of hereditary and environmental factors such as previous trauma, poor posture, malformations, an infection, pinched nerve… It can appear at any age, although it usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 or more, getting worse as the patient ages. that time passes.
Symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis
Neck pain and stiffness
Symptoms that may suggest that neck pain (celvialgia) may be a case of cervical osteoarthritis are:
– Neck pain when moving.
– Temporary rigidity that improves with movement.
– Rapid onset of neck pain that disappears in a few days.
– Chronic neck pain of mild or moderate intensity in the back and lower part of the neck.
Diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis
Cervical spine x-rays
Cervical osteoarthritis or cervicoarthrosis can be asymptomatic and can be detected when x-rays of the cervical spine are performed for another reason.
If there are symptoms, the doctor will ask for a description of these, a blood test and perform a physical examination to check for limitation of movement, stiffness and pain, in addition to requesting x-rays of the cervical spine.
He or she may also order a CT scan and an MRI in addition to an electromyography to measure nerve conduction velocity.
Treatment and medication for cervical osteoarthritis
Analgesics, anti-inflammatories and physiotherapy
The rheumatologist will prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatories for pain crises. If it is not possible to use anti-inflammatories, an opioid analgesic such as tramadol can be administered. It is also possible to prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve the contracture.
Physiotherapy allows you to correct posture, align the spine and strengthen the neck. As support you can use heat, ice and electrical stimulation.
You can also consider traction therapy using weights and pulleys, always under medical and physical therapist supervision, or temporary immobilization of the neck thanks to the use of a collar.
Prevention of cervical osteoarthritis
Postural hygiene
Cervical osteoarthritis prevention measures mainly involve:
– Maintain good posture since bad posture promotes cervical wear. Try to keep your head centered over your spine, your shoulders in a straight line with your hips, and your ears directly over your shoulders.
– You have to get up, walk and stretch your neck and shoulders frequently if you work for many hours in front of the computer.
– The computer monitor should be at eye level and your knees lower than your hips.
– It is important to avoid holding the phone between your ear and shoulder while working on the computer or doing anything else. Headphones or a speakerphone can be used.
– Do not carry heavy bags on your shoulders.
– Sleep in a good position keeping head and neck aligned with the body. You can use a small pillow under the neck and pillows to elevate the thighs.
– No smoking.
This article was published in La Vanguardia on November 7, 2020
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