Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a disabling systemic disease, affecting mainly the small joints of the hands and feet. The end result is gross destruction and deformity of the joints. Majority of the RA patients have afflictions of the spine, especially the cervical (neck) spine.

 

RA of the spine can cause neck and back pain with or without radiation to the legs or arms. As the disease advances, destruction of the joints of the spine can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. It can also result in the instability of the spine.

 

Symptoms related to RA are:

•Pain at the base of head, neck, and back 

•Burning sensation and pain in the affected joint

•Loss of movement in the affected joint

•Deformity

•Pain radiating to the arms or legs

•Difficulty in walking and loosing balance

•Difficulty in writing

•Difficulty in passing urine and stool

 

Bowel or bladder dysfunction or change in the ability to walk or move the arms are serious medical symptoms and require immediate medical attention.

 

The goals of RA management are:

1.Pain relief

2.Preserving function and mobility

3.Controlling the disease process

 

It is imperative for any patient with RA to consult a rheumatologist for medical management. If medical treatment is initiated early then majority of symptoms and joint destruction and deformity can be halted.

 

Once diagnosed with RA, patients also need to consult a spine surgeon to rule out any cervical spine involvement and spinal cord or nerve root compression. Involvement of cervical spine with RA can result in sudden death in some patients. Change in lifestyle, exercise, medication and surgery are the management strategies for RA. Patients should never discontinue medication themselves and should be on a regular follow-up.