Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic disorder leading to significant impairment in functioning and health [1]. Several studies have shown that mental health is affected in AS, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety compared to the general population [2, 3].
In the illustration below a patient who suffered from upper cervical instability demonstrated hypermobility of the C1-C2. This hypermobility can result in common symptoms of neck pain, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, concentration difficulties, anxiety, TMJ, and other symptoms.
Disrupting the normal function of the vagus nerve can cause anxiety, depression, hostility, negative emotions and negative thoughts.
Lumbar Spondylosis Degeneration in the lumbar spine may cause pain in the back, buttocks, or legs, with possible numbness, and muscle weakness that may be worsened by activities such as lifting, bending, twisting, or sitting.
Causes of AS Flares
In a study on AS flares, patients reported “the main perceived triggers of flare were stress and 'overdoing it,'” Dr. Appleyard says. “Keep in mind 'stress' may mean both physical stress, such as an illness, or emotional stress. Excess fatigue may also trigger a flare.”
The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate.
However, chronic stress can impact the vagus nerve in a negative way. 2 This can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression. It can also make the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Advanced cervical spondylosis can cause both neurological decline and severe pain, leading to significant disability and impairment of activities of daily living.
DON'T make your neck “pop.” DON'T slouch in a chair or bed. DON'T do strenuous activities until your health care provider says you can. DON'T resume driving until you're pain free without pain drugs.
For some, neck pain may also be a cause of anxiety, fueling health fears or distress. It is possible to treat neck pain independently, though in the long term it will become more important to treat anxiety.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis
It's common to experience some or all of these symptoms including: neck pain. stiffness. headaches which usually start at the back of the head, just above the neck, and travel over the top to the forehead.
Cervical spondylosis usually doesn't lead to disability. But sometimes these changes in the spine can cause the spinal cord or nerve roots attached to it to become compressed. This can cause your legs or hands to feel weak or clumsy.
Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include back pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.
Symptoms of an AS flare-up can include fatigue, back stiffness, fever, depression, and joint pain. To treat an AS flare-up, a person can try medication, gentle exercise, and heat or cold therapy. They can also use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine.
Specifically, researchers believe that high anxiety may cause nerve firing to occur more often. This can make you feel tingling, burning, and other sensations that are also associated with nerve damage and neuropathy. Anxiety may also cause muscles to cramp up, which can also be related to nerve damage.
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Other mental health disorders.
Beware the conscientious exterior in yourself or others, because anger is a primary emotion underlying anxiety. Let's start with the physical manifestations. Anger is a powerful emotion, and if not handled appropriately, serious health consequences can ensue.
The amygdala, located deep inside the brain, is part of the emotional brain. According to this theory, we only feel anxiety when signals from the emotional brain overpower the cognitive brain, and into our consciousness.
Spondylosis can lead to spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. As a result, the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots can become compressed (pinched). For example, the cervical spinal cord can be affected by compression from spondylosis. This is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
It is a common cause of chronic neck pain. Spondylosis is caused by chronic wear on the spine. This includes the disks or cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints between the bones of the cervical spine.
Spondylosis is common, but it is usually not serious. Many who have it experience no pain, though it can be painful for some. Most patients with spinal osteoarthritis will not need surgery.
It usually gets worse during exercise or other physical activity, especially those where someone leans back a lot. Spondylolysis also can cause buttock and leg pain, and tight hamstrings.