Symptoms of Spondylitis

The most common symptom is pain in the neck, worsening with exertion and relieved, by rest.

The most common symptom is pain in the neck, worsening with exertion and relieved, in the early stages, by rest. This pain often radiates down to the hand, with the fingers becoming numb due to compression of the nerves that innervate the upper extremity.

The brachial plexus is affected. The trapezius area becomes tender and painful. A nodule can form in the muscle due to chronic pressure. The symptoms of cervical cord compression can sometimes be severe.

The pain radiates down the right or left arm to the fingers, to the chest and shoulder blades depending on which side the nerve root is involved. It can become continuous, making movements painful and limited.

If the cervical vertebrae become unstable, the danger of cord compression is imminent and, in some cases, fusion of the bones may be warranted. But this is rare.

(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)