A bone spur, or osteophyte, occurs when an extra piece of bone grows on an existing bone. Bone spurs can be present without causing any symptoms. However, if they rub against or compress nearby nerves, muscles or tissues, they can cause problems. Cervical bone spurs can form after an injury or as a response to diseases such as arthritis. It is important to be aware of the symptoms a bone spur can cause and to seek treatment early on.
Neck and Arm Pain
Normal wear, arthritis and injuries can all cause the vertebra in the neck to go through a degenerative process. As the bones weaken, the body may grow bone spurs to help restrengthen the bone, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. These bone spurs can cause pain in the neck, and in some cases the pain can radiate into the arms. It is important to seek medical attention if neck pain does not respond to over-the-counter medication or does not improve within one week.
Numbness and Tingling
Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal column, can also cause the body to form bone spurs anywhere along the spine, including the neck area. The symptoms experienced depend on the size and location of the bone spur, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If nerves are compressed, there may be numbness and tingling in one or both arms. Cervical bone spurs can cause these same symptoms in the legs as well.
Weakness
Severe nerve compression from a bone spur can disrupt the signals the brain sends to the muscles. Over time, this can lead to muscle weakness in one or both arms and, in some cases, the legs. It may become difficult to grasp or hold onto objects. The arms may lose strength, and if the cervical bone spur affects the nerves that control the lower body, walking may become difficult.
Trouble Swallowing and Breathing
According to the Mayo Clinic, if a cervical bone spur grows on the inside of the vertebrae, serious complications can result. The spur can make it difficult and painful to swallow or breathe. In some cases, the spur can compress blood vessels and reduce the amount of blood and oxygen that can get to the brain. If blood flow is restricted too much, a stroke can occur.
