Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes and are smooth, bony outgrowths that can occur on the edges of any joint in the body. They are common in the spine, shoulder and heel. Bone spurs by themselves are not painful, but they can rub or project into nearby structures that are sensitive. According to the Mayo Clinic, bone spurs can be caused by simple aging, osteoarthritis and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, or DISH, a bone disease. Symptoms of a bone spur in the cervical spine include loss of range of motion, neck pain, numbness in fingers and inability to swallow. Treatments are generally effective at reducing symptoms.
Medication
Only when bone spurs are causing symptoms do they require treatment. If a bone spur in the cervical spine is causing pain, a doctor may prescribe analgesics, or pain relievers, to help reduce the associated pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin can be effective for treating the pain and inflammation. According to Spine Universe, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory agents and pain medication may all be prescribed for a short time. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may inject steroids directly into the spine to reduce inflammation and pain.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can be helpful in restoring mobility to painful joints affected by bone spurs. Chiropractors are concerned with proper and full motion of the joints of the spine as well as the surrounding soft tissues. They primarily use spinal manipulation or adjustments to help restore this motion but will also recommend exercise and stretching to reduce stress on involved structures.
Physical Therapy
According to Spine Universe, a course of physical therapy that involves electrical muscle stimulation and heat application can be helpful in reducing pain and easing muscle spasms associated with osteophytes. Bone spurs often develop because of increased wear and tear on a joint. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles and help support the involved structures, making it both preventative and therapeutic.
Surgery
Patients with bone spurs that cause intolerable symptoms may require surgery to remove the osteophyte. In some instances a bone spur can cause severe loss of range of motion or it can cause neurological symptoms when it pushes into the spinal cord or a nearby spinal nerve. Left untreated, the pressure on a nerve can cause permanent damage to the nerve or the spinal cord. According to Spine Universe, conservative care is effective in 75 percent of cases, and patients rarely require surgery.
