One of the most common but least talked about forms of arthritis is degenerative cervical arthritis. This is a type of arthritis therefore that is important to learn more about and here are a few of the most important details on the disease.

What it is

Degenerative cervical arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect men and women, and it affects the upper spine causing pain in the neck. This is the most obvious sign that it is cervical arthritis and not any other type. Over time the degenerative cervical arthritis will continue to progress and worsen and possibly affect other areas of the body as well.

There are certain causes of degenerative cervical arthritis that you should be aware of as well. This includes injury or repeated trauma to the neck or back from recreational or work activities. For instance, if you have played football for most of your life and have caused several injuries to your neck and back, then you are much more likely to develop degenerative cervical arthritis.

Symptoms

In terms of the symptoms that are associated with this condition there are quite a few. Chronic neck pain is the most common symptom and one that you really want to be on the watch for. You may also notice muscle weakness with numbness in the neck and arms, tenderness to touch the neck itself, headaches, and even a loss of balance.

One or more of these symptoms could be a blatant warning sign that you have developed cervical arthritis, so make sure that you report any of these to your doctor right away.

As soon as you notice a degenerative arthritis symptom for sure or even something that you only think may be a sign of cervical arthritis, you are going to want to set up an appointment with your doctor to report it. Better safe than sorry as the saying goes, and so it is important that you keep in contact with your doctor and keep them abreast of how you are feeling.

Also remember that there are lots of other types of arthritis that a person can develop as well. In fact, the term arthritis refers to over one hundred different conditions, so you need to make sure that you are aware of just what type of arthritis you are dealing with. Any medical professional will be able to figure this out with just a few tests so be aware of this.