Yes, RA absolutely can affect the neck joints! The cervical spine (neck area) is actually one of the more common places RA shows up — around 80% of people with RA show signs of cervical spine inflammation. So that right-side flare-up is very much something worth discussing with your rheumatologist.
Common neck symptoms Show Full Answer
Yes, RA absolutely can affect the neck joints! The cervical spine (neck area) is actually one of the more common places RA shows up — around 80% of people with RA show signs of cervical spine inflammation. So that right-side flare-up is very much something worth discussing with your rheumatologist.
Common neck symptoms with RA can include:
- Dull, throbbing, or aching pain
- Stiffness that makes it hard to turn your head side to side
- Pain that radiates into the shoulders
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet As for steroid injections — yes, they can be an effective option for neck pain related to RA. There are a few types your doctor might consider:
- Epidural steroid injections — deliver corticosteroids and a local anesthetic directly around the nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Facet joint injections — target the joints that allow the spine to twist and bend
- Nerve blocks — inject anesthetic near specific nerves to block pain signals
One myRAteam member shared that a cortisone shot "took the severity of the pain away" and helped them get around with much less discomfort.
That said, it's really important to talk to your rheumatologist about what's right for your specific situation. They may also suggest physical therapy or medications alongside injections for the best results.
July 7
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