There are many individuals that suffer from Arthritis, one of the most harmful and debilitating types is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Individuals will typically start to experience the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis between the ages of 20 to 50. Although some individuals may experience symptoms well before or after this period of time in their life.

It is very common for Rheumatoid Arthritis to affect the neck joints, refered to as the cervical spine. Many times these joints will become inflammed or swell, leading to a variety of symptoms that will have negative effects on the human body.

The joints in your spine can be affect by Rheumatoid Arthritis in a negative way. Many times it is common for RA to start in the neck and/or cervical spine. It's important to review how these areas function and how RA affects them.

Joints in the Cervical Spine: The atlas vertebra is where your spine and skull meet. The atlas is the first vertebra in the cervical spine. The axis vertebra sits right below the atlas and helps the atlas rotate, giving the spine mobility. the axis has a bony projection called odontoid process, which is the pivot point for the atlas joint. This joint can be affected by RA.

The whole joint is covered by a thin lining membrane called, synovium. The synovium produces a fluid that ultimately helps your joints move more easily. An individual that suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis may have an inflamation and thickening of the synovium, which ultimately causes the joints to swell.

Joints in the Thoracic & Lumbar Spine: Even though it is very rare, sometimes RA will affecti the thoracic and lumbar spine, which consist of the upper/mid-back and lower back. These parts of the spine have similar joints as the cervical spine, so it is possible for them to become inflammed and affect by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

*Refer to the diagram below, depicting the Atlas and Axis vertebrae.

5 Fast Facts & Information about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

#1) Woman are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis than men.

#2) Rheumatoid Arthritis typically starts in the neck (cervical spine).

#3) Rheumatoid Arthritis turns your immune system against itself.

#4) Symptoms of RA can be relieved by Pregnancy.

#5) Roughly 1.3 million people suffer from RA in the U.S.A.