Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Head Neck and Spine
Definition:
A systemic disease, which affects connective tissue of the head and neck; arthritis is the dominant clinical manifestation, accompanied by thickening of articular soft tissue, with extension of synovial tissue over articular cartilages, which become eroded; the course is variable but often is chronic and progressive, leading to deformities and disability.
Symptoms- Pain is the most common symptom, especially pain at the base of the skull as rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints connected to the upper cervical vertebrae
- Swelling and warmth in one or more joints, may even be described as burning
- A feeling of local tenderness
- Loss of flexibility of the joint(s) in the affected area of the spine
- A crunching feeling when the joint is moved (called crepitus), particularly notable in the neck
- Headaches, related to cervical rheumatoid arthritis
- Pain that radiates down one or both arms
- Sensations of tingling and/or weakness in the arms or legs, or a loss of coordination or ability to walk
Causes- Unknown
- Autoimmune disease
- Possible family heredity
- Usually it takes a chemical or environmental "trigger" to activate the disease in people who genetically inherit RA
Treatment- ROM and stretching to head and neck
- Posture program
- Upper extremity strengthening
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Head Neck and Spine Phase I
- Prone Cervical Rotation R L
- Cervical Levator Scap Stretch
- Foam Wedge In Flexion
- Sitting Posture
- Standing Posture
- Prone Thoracic Extension
- Neck Support For Pillow
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Head Neck and Spine Phase II
- Thoracic Stretch 1
- Wall Slides
- Chin Tucks
- Neck Circuit
- Curl Press
- Push Up Hold Top
- Hummers
