Cervical bone spurs are smoooth bony projections that grow on the vertebrae. These spurs can grow to reduce the foramen opening (the opening that houses the spinal cord). Bone spurs may cause pain if they press on a nerve or spinal cord, or rub on bone or soft tissue. Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, may be caused by osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, joint or disc degeneration, injuries, poor nutrition or structural problems.
Treatment
Treatment for cervical bone spurs usually involves treating the underlying condition, if possible. If the bone spurs are particularly intrusive and cause pain or limit range of motion, surgery is performed to remove them. Your surgeon should prescribe physical therapy following the surgery. If surgery is avoidable, your doctor should prescribe physical therapy to help manage your condition. Your therapist can teach you proper posture and body movements, improve range of motion and neck strength, and show you how to live with bone spurs without sacrificing quality of life.
Range of Motion
Several exercises work on range of motion in the neck. Breathe normally throught these exercises. To perform cervical flexion exercises, bring your chin toward your chest. For cervical extensions, look toward the ceiling. Perform these movements slowly and gently. Bring your chin to your chest, then slowly bring your head back to look at the ceiling. Do this five times. Lateral flexion exercises require you to bring your right ear to your right shoulder as far as it will go, then slowly straighten and continue the movement to bring your left ear as close to your right shoulder as you are able. Do five repetitions.
Strength
Isometric exercises may be performed to increase strength in the neck muscles. Breathe normally throughout. Press your hands against your forehead and press your forehead against your palms at the same time so that your head does not move. Hold for five seconds. Do one set of three repetitions. Place your hand against the left side of your head and do the same procedure. Hold for five seconds, then slowly release. Repeat on the right side. Do one set of five repetitions for each side.
Electrical Stimulation
Your physical therapist may use electrical stimulation to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasm and inflammation in the affected area. He may use TENS -- for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation -- or MENS -- for microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation. This treatment may also be used post-surgery to assist in healing.
