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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can RA cause degenerative disc disease?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
College Station, TX

I began having severe neck pain in my late 20’s and eventually had a total of three surgeries for herniated discs and DJD. Could this have been the first sign of RA?

February 10
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A myRAteam Member

I have DDD in my neck and back. Bulging discs in my neck and back. I have osteoarthritis and RA effecting my neck and back.

February 12
myRAteam

Could your neck pain have been an early sign of RA?

RA can affect the cervical spine (neck area), particularly the C1 and C2 joints at the very top of the spine. Around 80 percent of people with RA show signs of cervical spine inflammation. Early RA symptoms in the neck can include:

- Pain at the base of the skull
- Show Full Answer

Could your neck pain have been an early sign of RA?

RA can affect the cervical spine (neck area), particularly the C1 and C2 joints at the very top of the spine. Around 80 percent of people with RA show signs of cervical spine inflammation. Early RA symptoms in the neck can include:

- Pain at the base of the skull
- Pins-and-needles sensation in the hands or feet
- Loss of flexibility or limited mobility
- Headaches

However, RA typically first affects the small joints of the hands and feet before progressing to other areas. The condition usually develops gradually over several weeks, with general symptoms like fatigue appearing before joint pain becomes apparent.

Regarding degenerative disc disease (DJD) and herniated discs: While RA can cause inflammation in the cervical spine joints, the middle and lower back pain that many people with RA experience isn't usually from inflammatory disease activity. Instead, arthritis in other joints (like feet, hips, or knees) can cause strain on the back and accelerate structural arthritis development.

It's worth discussing your history with your rheumatologist. They can help determine whether your neck issues were related to RA or a separate condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important for preventing long-term joint damage.

February 10
A myRAteam Member

I just saw my neurosurgeon because I was concerned about C1 and C2, which were causing me constant headaches. He recommended that I have my pain specialist do an occipital nerve block. He said that it will take care of the headaches.. The only thing that helps right now is half a muscle relaxer and ice packs on my neck. I have an appointment next week with my pain doc, so this is promising information. However, I am not so pleased with my rheumatologist right now. I think she’s not being aggressive enough to treat my inflammation. I had to go around her to get on a steroid and I’m sure she wasn’t happy about it. but you gotta do what you gotta do. I hope you’re doing OK today..

February 18
A myRAteam Member

You know your body, fight for yourself

February 18
A myRAteam Member

I have DDD in my neck as well with RA in the rest of my joints

February 15

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