The Relationship Between Arthritis and Psoriasis

• Psoriasis and arthritis may not seem to have much in common; one is a skin condition and the other affects the joints and bones. However, both conditions are inflammatory conditions. It is estimated that about 30 percent of people with psoriasis also some form of arthritis. Having one condition automatically makes you a more likely candidate to develop the other. Some people with psoriatic arthritis develop the psoriasis first, while others develop the arthritis first, sometimes as teenagers or preteens.
  
  

Definition of Cervical Spondylitis

• Spondylitis is arthritis that occurs in the spine. Spondylitis that occurs specifically in the neck is called cervical spondylitis. In cervical spondylitis, the joints in the vertebrae of the neck become inflamed. It can also effect the ligaments of the neck, making them stiff and sore. In severe cases, two or bones in the neck may become fused. This happens when bone grows between two vertebrae, connecting the vertebrae together. This is known as ankylosing spondylitis.
  
  

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylitis

• Arthritis in the neck can be very painful and may, in severe cases, be debilitating. The pain is often described as burning, grinding or tightness. Stiffness in the neck is also very common, especially in the morning or after long periods of sitting. The stiffness may limit range of motion, but often gets better with mild exercise. Many people with cervical spondylitis associated with arthritis are not constantly affected. Rather, the symptoms may come and go in flare-ups, much like psoriasis itself. These flare-ups may or not coincide with a flare-up of psoriasis. During a flare-up, the affected person may also experience fatigue and low-grade fever as the body attempts to fight the inflammaion.
  
  

Causes

• It is not known what the roots causes of psoriatic arthritis are. However, there are some things that are known to aggravate the condition. Drinking alcohol, smoking and stress can cause both psoriasis and arthritis to flare up. Too much sun exposure or skin irritation can lead to an outbreak of psoriasis. Arthritis can be aggravated by excessive exercise, not enough exercise and by changes in weather. Noticing what seems to cause an outbreak of either condition can help you alleviate, or at least anticipate, future flare-ups.
  
  

Treatment

• There are prescription medications that can treat both the psoriasis and arthritis symptoms of psoriatic arthrits. Many of these medications work by suppressing the immune system, so it is important to understand the possible side-effects before seeking a prescription. Other medications are specific to either the psoriasis or the arthritis. Some effective at-home treatments for arthritis in the neck include over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, heat or ice packs, gentle exercise and massage.