1. Bone Spurs in the Neck are Common in People Over 60
Bone spurs in the neck are smooth formations made of normal bone that take a long time to grow. They are more common as people age. Discs sustain wear, and ligaments get looser with age. As a result, ligaments become thicker in an attempt to hold joints in place. With time, specks of bone can form on the ligaments. The bone spurs, also called osteophytes, only present a problem in about 40 percent of the population.
2. A Pain in the Neck
When bone spurs in the neck infringe upon nearby nerves or the spinal cord, they cause pain. While it's not the only symptom, pain is the most common. Swelling and inflammation in a nearby joint, as well as muscle tenderness, can occur. Muscle spasms and weakness are other common symptoms. Pain can radiate down to the shoulder or up to the head. Some people experience a pins and needles sensation in the hands, as well.
3. Other Causes of Bone Spurs
Injuries, heredity and structural problems can cause bone spurs, as well as degenerating joints and discs. A lifetime of poor posture and poor nutrition can take its toll, too. Some conditions make the development of bone spurs more possible such as arthritis or spinal stenosis.
4. Diagnosing Complications from Bone Spurs
If you are experiencing pain or other unusual symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He'll consider your medical history and possibly rule out other causes of your symptoms. If he thinks that nerves may be involved, you may undergo an electroconductive test to see if there is any damage and its degree. In addition, your doctor may want you to have X-rays, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. These tests help him see the bones and any changes that are occurring.
5. Neck Pain Relief
Treatment for neck pain is trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another. You may benefit more from a combination of therapies. If the pain is mild or moderate, a conservative approach may work. Cortisone injections are temporarily effective, but you may need to repeat them. However, too many cortisone injections may damage bone and tissue. You and your doctor might discuss medications for pain and inflammation, as well as muscle relaxants. Joint manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopath can be effective in taking pressure off the nerves. Physical therapy can increase range of motion by increasing flexibility and changing posture. Exercises strengthen the area. Surgery is possible, but reserved as a last resort.
