Cervical arthritis et sinusitis are two common health conditions that have significant impacts on quality of life. Whether cervical spondylosis affects the joints neck and cervical spine, sinusitis meanwhile, refers to sinus inflammation located around the nose and eyes. But how can these pathologies be linked? Find out everything there is to understand in this article.
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A few reminders about cervical osteoarthritis and sinusitis
THEcervical spondylosis (cervical arthritis or cervicarthrosis) is a disease that is explained by the wear and tear of the joints of the cervical spine, more precisely, at the level of the C1 to C7 vertebrae. It is recognized by symptoms such as:
Causes of cervical osteoarthritis often include old age and risk factors such as family history of osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration problems, past cervical injuries, obesity and certain repetitive activities or stressful for the neck.
La sinusitis, meanwhile, is inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located around the nose. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
nasal congestion;
headaches ;
an accentuation of pain as soon as the head is lowered;
Although these two conditions appear to be unrelated, studies have suggested a correlation between them. That being said, the exact and precise links are not yet justified.
Link between cervical osteoarthritis and sinusitis: link mechanism
Indeed, anatomical and physiological mechanisms seem to link these two diseases.
Cervical spondylosis generates anatomical changes that affect the sinus. For example, this deterioration of the cervical joints could lead to:
postural changes;
decreased neck mobility;
poor blood circulation;
nerve compression.
These problems could increase the risk of sinusitis.
Postural changes, such as a slouched posture or excessive forward tilting of the head, can compress the nasal passages and sinus. This can disrupt the normal sinus drainage and favor mucus buildup, which creates an environment conducive to bacterial or viral growth thus leading to the sinusitis.
Decreased neck mobility due to cervical spondylosis may also restrict the movement of surrounding muscles and structures. This can affect the blood circulation in the neck area, including the blood vessels that supply the sinus. Poor blood circulation can weaken the local immune system, making sinuses more prone to infection.
Also, nerve compression caused by cervical spondylosis can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the neck, shoulders, and arms. These symptoms can lead to decrease in physical activity and increased time spent sitting or lying down, which may also contribute to nasal congestion and mucus stagnation.
In addition, because the nerves are connected, this osteoarthritis-related nerve compression affects the nerves that control the sinus tissues (7e cranial nerve or facial nerve). Branches of this nerve provide the mucous membrane secretions and sensory innervation. That is why cervical spondylosis can lead to inflammation and sinus congestion. On the other hand, it does not necessarily guarantee the development of a sinusitis.
Moreover, sinusitis as such has no direct influence on cervical spondylosis. However, it is possible that the sinusitis causes symptoms that can worsen pain associated with cervical spondylosis.
Other Links Between Cervical Osteoarthritis and Sinusitis
Common symptoms
Cervical arthritis and sinusitis may share symptoms such as headache, facial pressure and nasal congestion.
Cervical spondylosis can cause neck pain, but pain can also be felt in other parts of the body, including the head and face. Therefore, it is possible that neck pain associated with cervical spondylosis can spread to the sinus regions, creating a diagnostic confusion with sinusitis.
In any case, these two conditions can also promote insomnia and fatigue.
Common risk factors
Certain risk factors, such as aging, smoking, inflammation, and immune disorders, may be shared by cervical spondylosis and sinusitis. These factors could contribute to the onset and progression of both conditions.
How do you know if your sinusitis is probably related to cervical osteoarthritis?
It is difficult to determine with certainty whether the sinusitis is specifically caused by a cervical spondylosis. However, certain elements may indicate a possible association between the two conditions.
Medical history: if the patient has previously been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis, this may be a clue that the symptoms experienced in the facial region are related to this condition;
The temporal relationship: If you notice sinusitis symptoms appearing or getting worse after experiencing symptoms of cervical spondylosis, obviously this may suggest that the two conditions are related.
Moreover, the safest way remains the consultation with a health professional. If in doubt between the two diseases, please seek the advice of a doctor or an ENT specialist. This one will do the clinical examinations necessary, even Additional tests in order to establish a more accurate diagnosis.
It is on the basis of this that he will propose treatments, which may be medications, conservative treatments, specific exercises, or other appropriate interventions. Studies have shown that treatments for cervical osteoarthritis like physiotherapy also improve the symptoms of sinusitis. This fact could further corroborate the existence of links between cervical osteoarthritis and sinusitis.
