Most arthritis we see is Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD. The most common area for cervical degenerative disc disease to occur is in the lower part cervical (neck) spine. Not only are there changes to the bones themselves (for example, the appearance of spurs or deformed bone edges), but there can be a decrease in height of the discs as well as bulging. The disc becomes like a much more flattened than it starts out as. One in every five Amercan adults will be diagnosed with Arthitis.
What are the symptoms of the degeneration:
Joint Aches and Pains.
Possible joint swelling.
The feeling of stiffness first thing in the morning, and when one has been inactive for awhile.
Cold weather and other changes in barametric pressures can aggravate a person with arthritis.
Limited range of motion. For example you have a difficult time turning your head to the right or to the left (may feel stiff).
Is arthritis in the neck a normal process of aging and should we all expect it when we turn 65? This is a common fear and frequently asked question. The answer is NO. Why does he have arthritis and someone down the street of that same age has no arthritis to speak of?
It's all about genes, right?
Well, your genes are like a little yellow brick road laid out for you to follow, but you won't necessarily follow it. It's really diet and lifestyle. For example, if you played pro hockey, this means you most likely played your whole life and have endured your fair share of injuries...
Here's four things you can do:
1. Maintain good posture of the spine. In the neck be careful of forward head posture. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the joints in the neck and upper back area, which can lead to faster degeneration in the spine. More and more I see this posture as many of us have tablets, cell phones, and work all day on the computer.
2. Keep moving. Motion is life they say. Motion typically allow inflammation to release and helps keep the spine healthy. Motion doesn't mean you have to play a contact sport but simple walking, moving, and stretching allows for better joint mobility.
3. Maintain Muscle Tone. The muscles and ligaments are attached to almost every bone in the body. Imagine on side of the body having totally conditioned muscles and the other, not so much. This will cause major imbalances in the body and lead, more easily to wear and tear.
4. Eat Right! Not to intentionally throw out another one liner - but here it is. You are what you eat! Put good, healthy fruits into you diet and it will slow body breakdown too. It's common sense, look at someone who smokes and drinks everday - more heath issues happen, and sooner.
Additional Reading Resources:
1. Do You Have Osteoarthitis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
