Definition:

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

Symptoms:

• Pain in the spine
• Stiffness in the spine
• Loss of ROM in the spine
• Crepitus in the spine with movement

Causes:

• Wear and tear
• Trauma
• Previous fracture

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching
• Neck and spine muscle stabilization
• Upper and lower extremity strengthening exercise