The most common type of arthritis found anywhere in the body is osteoarthritis. What exactly is osteoarthritis? With aging, the joint surfaces in the neck and throughout the body roughen and thin. The gradual breakdown of joint surfaces is usually a result of the normal wear and tear that comes with age. Breakdown can be accelerated by upper spinal injuries or jobs involving repetitive motion. Some genetic markers have also been linked with premature cartilage breakdown. Generally speaking, cartilage breakdown in joints indicates that osteoarthritis is present.

Studies have revealed that women are almost twice as likely as men to develop degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in the neck. However, regardless of gender, risk factors are the same. Neck arthritis symptoms are also the same in men and women. They include tenderness in the neck, radiating pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Several spinal conditions are known to be associated with neck arthritis, including:

  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Bone spurs
  • Herniated disc
  • Bulging disc
  • Pinched nerve
Symptoms

If you have arthritis of the neck, symptoms may last for several months or become chronic. Signs that you could be suffering from arthritis of the neck include:

  • Chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that may be worse with upright activity
  • The sound or feeling of popping in the neck when moving
  • Involuntary contractions of the muscles (spasms) that cause pain or a loss of movement or headaches that start from the neck
  • Numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers
  • Weakness in the legs and difficulty walking
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue and disturbed sleep
  • Difficulties working
Diagnosis

In addition to the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be taken to show the bony spurs or nerve compression that may cause the pain.

Treatment

Most of the time if symptoms are mild, Burak Ozgur, MD may recommend rest, medications, and/or physical therapy. These, however, do not treat the underlying cause. Surgery may be needed if you have severe pain that does not get better with other treatments or if symptoms worsen. Surgery to remove bone spurs or disc material helps free the compressed nerve, providing pain relief.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Neck Arthritis

With minimally invasive spine surgery for neck arthritis, Dr. Ozgur can make a smaller incision, while at the same time accomplish identical results as open spine surgery. Compared to conventional or open surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques require minimal surgical incisions, which is less damaging to the other vital soft tissue structures and decreasing the recovery time for patients. Affected area of the vertebrae or spine can be access with acute accuracy using surgical cameras and tools.

With minimally invasive spine surgery for neck arthritis, Dr. Ozgur can make a smaller incision, accomplishing identical results as open spine surgery. Compared to conventional or open surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques require minimal surgical incisions, which is less damaging to the other vital soft tissue structures and decreases the recovery time for patients. Affected areas of the vertebrae or spine can be accessed with accuracy using surgical cameras and tools.

  • Smaller incisions
  • Smaller scar/less scar tissue
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Minimal soft tissue damage
  • Reduced muscle retraction
  • Decreased postoperative narcotics
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Possibility of performing the surgery on an outpatient basis
  • Faster recovery
  • Quicker return to work and resumption of normal activities

We Can Help

To request an appointment with Burak Ozgur, MD, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (949) 383-4190 or toll free 888-64-SPINE.