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.
Purchase 2 Phases

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

Purchase Phase

  • 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

Purchase Phase

  • Thoracic Stretch 1
  • Wall Slides
  • Chin Tucks
  • Neck Circuit
  • Curl Press
  • Push Up Hold Top
  • Hummers