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Topic Contents
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Neck Symptoms
Overview
When rheumatoid arthritis affects the neck joints, particularly those located at the top of the spine, complications can occur.
- Bones and joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis may dislocate and press on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots.
- Pressure can cause numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, and unusual head and neck sensations.
- Pressure may also obstruct blood flow through the blood vessels in the spinal cord.
Neck pain along with weakness, numbness, or tingling of hands, feet, legs, or arms is the most common symptom of possible pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots. Although compression of the spinal cord is fairly rare, it can lead to paralysis if it is not treated.
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Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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