What is Cervical Spine Arthritis?
Cervical spine arthritis, or cervical osteoarthritis, is a condition that affects the vertebrae and joints of the upper cervical spine. Similar to many other types of arthritis, cervical spine arthritis occurs due to wear and tear of the bones, discs, and joints. In some cases, cervical spine arthritis can be triggered by trauma to the neck or head that results in vertebral misalignment along the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Spine Arthritis
Cervical spine arthritis presents differently in every person and symptoms ultimately depend on the individual’s age and how long they’ve been suffering with the condition. Some commonly experienced symptoms include neck pain, numbness in the neck, arms, and hands, stiffness in the neck, limited range of motion in the neck, popping when the neck moves, headaches, abnormal reflexes, incontinence, difficultly walking, lack of coordination, and involuntary muscle spasms.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Cervical Spine Arthritis
Cervical spine arthritis is a condition that will occur and progress gradually, with patients often only presenting with symptoms once the condition has set in. When cervical spine arthritis occurs due to older age, it is usually linked to the loss of the spongy discs found between the cervical vertebrae. As these discs lose fluid, they provide less cushion and, therefore, less lubrication, between moving joints. Over time, this can trigger the stiff and uncomfortable symptoms of cervical spine arthritis.
For individuals who have suffered head or neck trauma, a misalignment in the upper cervical spine could be the root cause of cervical spine arthritis. When the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine are pushed out of place, they can compress the muscles or the nerves in the surrounding area. If not corrected, this compression will lead to inflammation and muscle stiffness that restricts neck mobility and movement while also potentially leading to bone and disc degeneration.
Over time, cervical spine arthritis can result in spinal decay and irreversible nerve damage, so it is crucial to treat this condition sooner rather than later.
How our Cervical Spine Arthritis Treatment Works
Cervical spine arthritis can be a restrictive and debilitating condition, but there are natural and effective treatment options available through our upper cervical chiropractic specialist, Dr. Bello. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a form of chiropractic treatment that focuses on using precise correction techniques to restore and improve the health of the upper cervical spine.
When you visit our office for an upper cervical spinal consultation, Dr. Bello will perform an initial assessment of your upper cervical spine to determine whether an upper cervical misalignment could be causing your cervical spine arthritis. In order to locate a misalignment, Dr. Bello will perform several specialized scans, using advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography.
Once the exact location of your spinal misalignment is determined, Dr. Bello will perform a series of upper cervical corrections to coax the upper cervical spine back to its natural alignment, thereby re-engaging proper muscle function and improving neck mobility.
If cervical spine arthritis is affecting your day-to-day life, Dr. Bello is here to help. Dr. Bello services patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.