Arthritis

ArthritisThis is actually a group of different conditions – more than 100 – that cause restricted movements, swelling, and inflammation in joints and connective tissue anywhere in the body. This condition usually lasts throughout the lifetime of a patient. Specific causes for most of these conditions are not fully known although the rate of progress of the disease depends on the type of arthritis it is. There are two forms of arthritis that are most prevalent:

Osteoarthritis: Our bones are covered by cartilage at their ends in order to protect them. When this cartilage deterioriates, it causes the affected bone to rub against the other bone in the joint leading to loss of movement and aching. This degenerative condition is called as osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unlike other joint conditions, this one causes aching across all the joints in the body. This condition is marked by an inflammation of the membrane that lines our joints causing redness, swelling, warmth, and severe discomfort. This inflammation is chronic and causes deterioration of joints, discomfort, and limits movement in the joints.

Neck and Shoulder Dysfunction and Discomfort

The usual cause of shoulder and neck aching is injury to ligaments and muscles around that area. Here are some of the causes of the injury:

  • Bursitis
  • Broken Shoulder Blade
  • Broken Collarbone
  • Shoulder or A-C Separation
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Whiplash Injury
  • Tendonitis
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Heart Attack

Someone who has just experienced an injury to the neck or back may feel discomfort, aching, stiffness, and tenderness around that area. They may also experience muscle spasms on both sides of the spine immediately after the injury or after around 24 hours.

However, if the patient experiences tingling, numbness, or paralysis in an extremity, it’s possible that the injury is more serious.