Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is a disease that occurs when the body's immune system starts to destroy the joints of the spine. This inflames the spinal joints. Your body's immune system attacks the synovium which produces synovial fluid. Without sufficient production of synovial fluid the joints in your spine cannot move easily as they are not sufficiently lubricated.
With time the disease attacks the membrane of the spinal joints causing them to swell, damages the cartilages and reduces production of synovial fluid which is the lubricant. The joints in your spine become swollen and painful. The muscles around the spine also weaken as the disease progresses.
Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine makes the spinal joints to become larger. As it progresses it reduces the size of the openings that allow nerves to move throughout your body. This condition is known as Spinal Stenosis. The smaller openings exert immense pressure on your nerves causing excruciating pain.
CAUSES
Genetic makeup of an individual. Some individuals have genes that increase the susceptibility of the body's immune system to attack the tissues in the spinal joints.
Some viruses may cause the body's defense to attack the spinal joint tissues.
Certain bacteria may alter the body's defense system causing it to attack the spinal joints.
Environmental pollutants. This may also alter the normal functioning of your body causing it to attack its tissues.
It is important to note that researchers and doctors are not sure of the causes of this disease. However, the factors listed above have proved to be likely causes.
SYMPTOMS
Painful spinal joints. You will feel this as a burning sensation around your spine. The pain is caused by nerves that are passing through small openings in the spine.
Pain at the bottom of your skull. This is caused by compression of the nerves that are entering the skull and upper part of your spine.
Losing coordination in your arms and legs. The nerves that are passing in your spinal cord are compressed. Due to this you lose coordination of your legs and arms because the nerves are unable to transmit information from your brain.
Stiffness in your joints especially in the morning.
You may also be become dizzy or even black out. Certain movements of the head may cut blood flow through the blood vessels that are passing through your vertebrae. This reduces the amount of blood that is reaching your brain.
Change in walking posture. Your spinal joints become inflamed and swollen causing change in posture as you move and walk around. You may also experience pain and difficulty when bending and walking.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
The treatment options that are available for Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine slow its progression. You should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will choose the best treatment depending on your individual case.
This may include wearing a neck brace. The neck brace prevents unnecessary movement of the spinal joints around the neck.
In some cases your doctor may choose to operate on the spine so that they can place the joints in their normal position.
The most important thing when suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is to seek medical assistance and care for the patient. You should not worry about this disease because your doctor will choose the best treatment method.