What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Neck?
Rheumatoid Arthritis a chronic (long term), progressive auto-immune disease (a disease whereby the body’s cells are attacked by its own immune system causing damage). It causes swelling and damage to cartilage and bone around joints. In the neck this can also lead to a condition known as spondylolysthesis (the movement forwards of one vertebral body (spinal bone) on the one below). The exact cause(s) of RA are not yet fully understood. Osteoarthritis may also be present in conjunction with RA.
Symptoms
Neck RA can lead to pain at the base of the skull, also blackouts associated with certain movements. There may be changes in the sensation to arm(s), usually a tingling feeling.
Treatments
The effects of RA cannot be reversed but the aim of orthotic intervention is to maintain a more neutral head position and reduce ill advised movements of the head. This is achieved using:
