Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of your bones, according to MayoClinic.com. Bone spurs are not painful, but rubbing against nearby bones and nerves can result in pain. These spurs can occur anywhere in the body -- including your neck. Anti-inflammatory medications and possible surgery are used to treat neck bone spurs. However, vitamins and minerals may also be effective in reducing bone spurs along with pain associated with neck bone spurs.
Vitamin B-12
Part of the vitamin B complex, vitamin B-12 plays an important role in the metabolizing of food into fuel sources that can be effectively used by your body, according to "The Vitamin Book." Vitamin B-12 also has anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by neck bone spurs rubbing on surrounding nerves, bones and other structures of the cervical spine. Vitamin B-12 can be supplemented or consumed through your daily diet. Sources of vitamin B-12 include beef, liver, fish, milk, cereal, eggs and clams.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin stored throughout your body. According to "The Vitamin Book," vitamin K plays an important role in biochemical reactions that take place in the liver. These chemical reactions modify proteins in the liver so that they are better able to bind with calcium. Calcium is essential in the health of your bones and in the prevention of bone spurs. Vitamin K can be supplemented or consumed through a variety of food sources. You can find vitamin K in dairy products, soybeans, broccoli and green, leafy vegetables.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. According to "The Vitamin Book," calcium deficiencies have been linked to bone spurs. Calcium is essential in the growth, development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium can help prevent the formation of calcium deposits in your neck as well as along other bones of your body. Calcium can be supplemented or consumed through diet. Dairy products -- including yogurt, milk and cheese -- are strong sources of calcium. You can also find calcium in cereals, broccoli, kale, grains and fortified products.
Magnesium
"The Vitamin Book" indicates that nearly 50 percent of all magnesium in your body is found in your bones. Magnesium is essential in the formation of strong, healthy bones. Magnesium helps your body to properly absorb calcium, which can help reduce your chances of developing bone abnormalities including bones spurs. Magnesium can be supplemented or consumed through a variety of food sources. Food sources include almonds, cashews, soybeans, potatoes, cereal and green, leafy vegetables.
References
- The Vitamin Book: Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Bone Spurs; January 2010
