X-rays of the spine, neck, or back may be performed to diagnose the cause of back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, spondylolisthesis (the dislocation or slipping of 1 vertebrae over the 1 below it), degeneration of the disks, tumors, abnormalities in the curvature of the spine like kyphosis or ...
These tests may include: X-rays. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. An X-ray will show the alignment of the bones along your neck.
X-rays are often a good tool for determining if arthritis exists and, specifically, what type. Common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Several less common types of arthritis also occur with regular frequency.
Regardless of the joint that is affected, osteoarthritis is revealed on conventional radiographs (X-rays) by characteristics that are distinct from other joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It may be worsened by looking up or down for a long time, or by activities where the neck is held in the same position for a long time like driving or reading a book. Neck pain usually subsides with rest or lying down.
No blood test can definitively prove or rule out a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but several tests can show indications of the condition. Some of the main blood tests used include: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – which can help assess levels of inflammation in the body.
Pain from arthritis can be constant or it may come and go. It may occur when at rest or while moving. Pain may be in one part of the body or in many different parts. Some types of arthritis cause the skin over the affected joint to become red and swollen, feeling warm to the touch.
MRI is the most effective way to diagnose problems within any joint and the image sensitivity makes it the most accurate imaging tool available in detecting arthritis and other inflammatory changes.
An X-ray won't show subtle bone injuries, soft tissue injuries or inflammation.
Can an X-ray show the difference between OA and RA? Yes. Joints in RA look different than joints in OA. That's why X-rays are a helpful tool for figuring out the cause of joint pain.
Signs of this condition 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.
Cervical spondylosis is known to trigger muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders. If you experience this, you can attest that it typically comes on suddenly and presents with sharp pain and stiffness. It may even cause your head or neck to jerk to one side or feel stuck in a bent position until it resolves.
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
The classic inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, starts in the lining tissue of the joint, the synovium. This lining thickens and cells within it, and within the joint fluid, release chemicals that cause the signs of inflammation – swelling, redness and heat.
Infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Arthritis of the cervical joints can limit movement and rotation of the neck and cause significant neck pain, among other symptoms. If left untreated, cervical arthritis can lead to several conditions affecting the spine, including spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and myelopathy.
While there is no cure for arthritis in the neck, it does respond well to non-surgical and surgical treatments. The best way to determine the most effective treatment pathway is to consult with one of our board-certified Back, Neck, and Spine doctors at EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region.
Neck arthritis is very common in people over 60, with around 85% affected. Symptoms are usually treatable without surgery. People with the condition can continue to live a good quality of life with the right treatment plan.