Arthritis of the Neck

Arthritis of the Neck Treatment in Newport Beach

Neck arthritis is fairly common amongst the elderly, about 85% of suffers are over the age of 60. Although painful and a hassle, arthritis of the neck is not crippling and treatable.

Arthritis of the neck is caused when the bones in the neck begin to degenerate. As we age, the discs lose water and become stiff. As a result, the bones can rub against one another, cause pain or stenosis.

Risk factors of developing neck arthritis:

  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Work involving strenuous neck movements
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Injuries to the neck

Although symtoms can vary case by case, generally they typically include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Numbing weakness in shoulders, arms and fingers
  • Grinding sound when moving the neck
  • Inability to fully move neck

To diagnose arthritis of the neck, your Newport Beach orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Todd Peters will perform a complete and thorough physical examination as well as a medical history check. He may also request X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans to better assess your case.

X-Rays – A type of quick imaging process using electromagnectic waves to better show Dr. Peters bones of the body to pinpoint possible sources of pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This type of imaging uses radiology to show Dr. Peters the soft tissues of the body like muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Computerized tomography (CT) – CT scans are X-ray scans taken from various angles to create a cross-section of bones and soft tissues of the body.

Arthritis of the neck is easily treated by Newport Beach orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Todd Peters. First Dr. Peters will use non-surgical treatments such as:

  • Steriod/Epidural injections
  • Acupuncture
  • Pain medication

In extreme cases, Dr. Peters may recommend surgery as treatment.

Dr. Todd Peters specializes in minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery to treat arthritis of the neck. For appointments, please call (949) 383-4182 or Contact Us.