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The inflammatory mediators of RA including cytokines, growth factors, metalloproteinases destroy articular cartilage, subchondral bone, tendons and ligaments.Destructive synovitis leads to bone erosion and causes the ligaments of the spine to become too laxed (loose), eventually resulting in cervical spinal instability (loose neck bones).
This is commonly known as facet joint arthritis or facet arthropathy. [3] As with any arthritis , the joint can become enlarged due to the degenerative process. Even small changes to the facet joint can narrow the intervertebral foramen , possibly impinging on the spinal nerve roots within. [ 3 ]
The word "thoracic" means pertaining to the chest, and the thoracic spine comprises the upper portion of the spine that corresponds to the chest area. The upper spine includes twelve vertebrae, and each of the upper nine vertebrae in this section attach to a rib on either side of the spine. Each of the ribs then curves around the side of the ...
Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. [6] Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. [1] Symptoms are typically gradual in onset and improve with leaning forward. [1]
Facet syndrome is a syndrome in which the facet joints (synovial diarthroses) cause painful symptoms. [1] In conjunction with degenerative disc disease, a distinct but functionally related condition, facet arthropathy is believed to be one of the most common causes of lower back pain. [2] [3]
TOS can involve only part of the hand (as in the pinky and adjacent half of the ring finger), all of the hand, or the inner aspect of the forearm and upper arm. Pain can also be in the side of the neck, the pectoral area below the clavicle, the armpit/axillary area, and the upper back (i.e., the trapezius and rhomboid area).
In some, the x-ray findings may correspond to symptoms of back stiffness with flexion/extension or with mild back pain. [2] Back pain or stiffness may be worse in the morning. [4] Rarely, large anterior cervical spine osteophytes may affect the esophagus or the larynx and cause pain, difficulty swallowing [5] [6] or even dyspnea. [7]
Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. [1] The most commonly involved joints are the two near the ends of the fingers and the joint at the base of the thumbs, the knee and hip joints, and the joints of the neck and lower back. [1]