We use our necks more throughout the day than we realize. Not only does it work when we’re twisting and turning our head in any direction, but it also is constantly working to support the weight of our head when we’re in a seated or standing position. Over time, all this strain can put you at a higher risk for structure degeneration and the onset of neck arthritis.
Neck arthritis can develop in three common forms, and in today’s blog, we’re going to take a closer look at why these types of arthritis develop and how you can work to prevent their onset.
Types Of Neck Arthritis
There are three main types of arthritis that can develop in the neck, and Dr. Jackman and his team can help you treat any and all of them. Here’s a closer look at each:
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis of the neck is the most common form of neck arthritis, and it tends to develop as a result of natural wear and tear on the neck components over the years. It tends to affect the lower portion of your neck, and its onset can be expedited by injury or poor posture habits.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – RA is a type of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disorder. In patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the healthy lining of the joints. It tends to begin in the hands, feet and knees before progressing to other areas, like your neck. We’re not entirely sure on what causes RA onset, but many feel that genetics, environmental factors and hormone production all play a role.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – Similar to rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis involves inflammation in a person’s joints. With this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets ligaments and tendons around the spine and neck, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort. There is no known cause for ankylosing spondylitis, but you’re at a higher risk if you have a family history of the condition.
Preventing Neck Arthritis
As you can see, arthritis of the neck oftentimes doesn’t have a specific cause, and when it does, normal wear and tear and the natural aging process are often to blame. Because of this, many people feel that there isn’t much they can do to prevent neck arthritis onset, but that’s simply not true. While you may not be able to completely prevent all arthritic degeneration, there are some things you can do to help slow any natural degeneration. That includes:
- Exercise – Regular exercise will help to keep your spine and neck strong.
- Posture – Poor posture can absolutely speed up arthritic degeneration, so strive to make posture fixes if you find yourself slouching or leaning your neck forward.
- Weight – While being overweight or obese tends to cause more issues for your lower spine, obesity can also make it harder to have ideal posture, which can take a toll on your neck.
- Physical Therapy – If you’re dealing with any neck stiffness or discomfort, targeted physical therapy can improve stability and flexibility in the region, helping to calm symptoms and slow down tissue degeneration.
- Ideal Sleep Posture – Finally, we spend a third of our lives sleeping, so if your neck isn’t in a healthy position and is forced to handle undue stress while you sleep, arthritis can develop sooner than expected. Sleep with a pillow that helps to keep your neck in the proper position all night.
If you’re dealing with discomfort in the neck region and believe it may be arthritis or a related condition, don’t just ignore it and hope it goes away on its own. Neck problems typically respond well to active treatment, so do right by your body and sync up with a specialist like Dr. Jackman. For more information, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
