We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Neck Treated?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,145
Share

Rheumatoid arthritis is a medical condition in which the joints and surrounding tissues become inflamed and often painful. Rheumatoid arthritis of the neck can be particularly troublesome due to the fact that the affected joints are in the spinal column. Damage to the spine is a common occurrence with this type of arthritis. Treatment typically consists of medication, supportive devices, and surgical intervention.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the neck frequently causes pressure to the spinal cord due to the inflammation, or swelling, of the joints in the upper spinal column, or neck region. This pressure can cause discomfort or even extreme pain. Dislocated bones or joints may also occur as a result of this type of arthritis. Numbness and tingling or problems with bladder or bowel control are possible symptoms as well. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to partial or complete paralysis.

Rheumatoid arthritis of the neck is typically treated by a specialist known as a rheumatologist. There are new medications being developed on a regular basis to treat various arthritic conditions, and these specialists will be well-versed in these as well as existing medications. Prescription medications are often enough to relieve the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis of the neck.

Supportive devices can often help relieve some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the neck. For instance, a medical professional may determine that it is necessary to temporarily limit neck movement in order to relieve pain and prevent damage to the spine. In this case, the use of a neck brace may be recommended. This brace should be worn as prescribed by the physician.

Frequent x-rays are commonly recommended once a patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis of the neck. This type of testing will generally reveal any spinal instability before it has a chance to cause something as severe as paralysis. Once spinal instability has been identified, surgical intervention often becomes necessary. The most common type of surgery is a procedure in which the cervical vertebrae found in the neck region of the body are stabilized and held in their proper position. The down side to this procedure is that neck movements often become limited due to the stabilization surgery.

Bone fusion is another type of surgical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the neck. In this procedure, the vertebrae are fused together so that new bone tissue can grow. A bone graft is often taken from the hip and transplanted to the affected area. Wires are generally used in order to hold the bones together. This procedure relieves the pressure on the spine and often prevents further spinal damage.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-is-rheumatoid-arthritis-of-the-neck-treated.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.