Definition:

Arthritis characterized by erosion of articular cartilage of the cervical/neck, which becomes soft, frayed, and thinned with eburnation of subchondral bone and outgrowths of marginal osteophytes; pain and loss of function result.

Symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of ROM in the neck
• Radicular pain into shoulder
• Point tender on affected joint

Causes:

• Faulty neck mechanics
• Repetitive stress injury
• Sudden fall or trauma
• Arthritis

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching exercises
• Posture program
• Upper extremity strengthening exercises