What is degenerative arthritis of the neck?

Answer 1

What is Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most wide spread types of Arthritis and is found most often to stast developing after the age of 45. I may also form as the result of a jury to a joint. Men and women are affected equally by this condition.

AO causes the breakdown of the cartilage between the joints. Cartilage is the material that covers the end of the bone at the joints to ensure smooth and effortless movement. In OA, this cartilage breaks down.

OA usually occurs in the fingers and weight-bearing joints; these include, knees, feet, hips and back.

Osteoarthritis is the result of changes in the cells of the cartilage resulting in a loss of elasticity. Over time this causes the cartilage to thin out and in some situation breakdown all together. This leaves the ends of the bone without its smooth covering, and the joint loses its easy mobility..

OA progresses slowly. For many people the symptoms will be mild and have little impact. OA rarely causes severe disability, but when it does surgery to replace joints is often highly effective.

Symptoms of OA vary. Most individuals remain essentially free of symptoms until the cartilage ceases to function properly. After that they may include, Pain, Swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint or joints.

To diagnose RA Your doctor will first assess your situation by checking the affected joints for outward signs of inflammation heat etc. then if he deems it necessary may order tests such as X-ray and blood tests joint fluid tests to exclude the possibility of other types of arthritis.

The management of this condition depends on the joints affected and the physique of the patient. And includes, Exercise, Education, Medication, Joint protection, and Healthy weight maintenance

Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) can be the reason for breakdown of cartilage between the facet joints. The lack of the cartilage in the joints cause pain, loss of motion and stiffness. The facet joints rear part, (posterior) of the backbone. These joints combine with the disc space to create a three-joint complex at each vertebral level. The facet joint is made up of two opposing bony surfaces that have to have cartilage between them and a capsule surrounding them that produces fluid. The cartilage and the fluid work together to allow allows the joints to move with little friction. However, facet joint arthritis causes the cartilage to breakdown and the joint movement causes more friction. This leads to a los of motion, Back pain and an increase if stiffness as a result

Answer 2

We know what it is however we do not understand why the cartilage in the joints of degenerative arthritis sufferers (osteoarthritis) break down, aside from damage caused by trauma.

Answer 3

Degenerative arthritis of the neck is where the disc between the vertabrae begin to thin and the cartilage begin to weaken. This can cause pain and numbness in the shoulders arms and hands.