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Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
Conditions
Spine Conditions
- All Spinal Conditions
- Arthritis of the Spine
- Spine Articles
- Bulging Disc
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Sciatica
- Spinal Stenosis
Spine Conditions A to Z
Procedures
Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
Testimonials

Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
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Free Seminars

What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
- Seminar Overview
- Upcoming Seminars
- What to Expect
LSI Doctors
Laser Spine Institute Doctors
The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
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Arthritis of the Spine
- About Spinal Arthritis
  - Back Pain from Spine Arthritis
- Spinal Arthritis Diagnosis
Types of Spinal Arthritis
Causes
- Causes of Spine Arthritis
Symptoms
- Spine Arthritis Symptoms
  - Neck Arthritis Symptoms
Treatments
- Spine Arthritis Treatments
- Neck Arthritis Treatment
  - Neck Arthritis Exercises
Prevention
Risk Factors
Spinal Arthritis Resources
- Spinal Arthritis Resources
  - Spinal Arthritis Overview
  - Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Cervical Spine

Cervical Rheumatoid Arthritis

In patients diagnosed with spinal rheumatoid arthritis, the cervical spine (or neck) is the most common site for the disease. It is not clear why it affects the upper spine more often than the lumbar (lower) spine, nor are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis well understood. What is known is that rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine attacks the lining of joints, is diagnosed in women more frequently than men, and has no cure.

The condition is sometimes mistaken for osteoarthritis of the spine or degenerative disc disease, because the symptoms can be similar. However, in addition to stiffness, pain, and joint swelling, sufferers of rheumatic arthritis in the cervical spine can experience crippling spinal curvature or partial paralysis. Even though there is no cure, the symptoms typically can be managed through many of the same non-surgical treatments used to manage the pain of osteoarthritis. These include:

Exercise to strengthen the neck muscles
Physical therapy
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine
Anti-inflammatory injections
Chiropractic therapy
Massage

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

If chronic pain and other spine arthritis symptoms persist after months of conservative treatment, your doctor may suggest surgery as an option. Should it come to that, consider a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) as an alternative to traditional open-back surgery. Contact the medical professionals at LSI for a free review of your MRI or CT scan, and to find out how our award-winning surgeons can help you rediscover a life without the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.

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