Cervical bone spurs or osteophytes are actually a sign of spinal degeneration. Osteophytes are common to people who are advance in age that is 60 years old and above. Spine degeneration usually occurs early adulthood yet cervical bone spurs only happens in about forty percent of the total people who have spinal degeneration.
What causes cervical bone spurs?
Aging is the main cause of cervical bone spurs. The vertebral column is made up of thirty-two segments which are separated by each other with the spinal discs. As we age this disc material deteriorates thus the body slowly make up for the deterioration through making the ligaments that holds the bone thicker, this is where the formation of bone spurs starts. Therefore cervical bone spurs or osteophytes occur when the body tries to repair the injury that result from degeneration of bone mass. This newly form bulge puts additional pressure in the spinal disc and nervous system.
Other health conditions that can lead to cervical bone spur are spondylosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or any condition that can lead to breakage of cartilage. Also if degeneration of disc and joints are present due to an injury, excessive weight, poor posture or malnutrition then cervical bone spur can occur.
What are the symptoms of Cervical Bone Spurs?
Early stage of this condition does not give away any signs or symptoms but on later stage it badly affects the coordination between different parts of the body. Presence of Cervical bone spur can lead to impingement of the nerve which results to muscle pain, neck pain, numbness, shoulder pain and weakness in the muscle. The pain felt in the shoulder and neck usually gets worst with too much physical activity and the individual gets only relief with proper rest.
How is Cervical Bone Spur Diagnose?
This condition can be properly diagnosed using CT scan, MRI, electroconductive test and X-ray. Electroconductive test and MRI aid in determining the severity of the nerve injury. Doctors also look at the medical history of the patient to confirm if it is indeed cervical bone spur.
Treatment for Cervical Bone Spur
The conventional way of treating cervical bone spur is rest. Patients are advised to limit their physical activities and take complete bed rest. A brace can be given too to some. For pain relief, patients are given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In cases where this is ineffective to control the pain then muscle relaxants are prescribed for the relief of pain as well as for stiffness and swelling if there is any.
Some individuals opt for yoga exercises. It is said to help strengthen the muscles around the cervical bone and is effective too in pain management. Massage can also help a lot in giving relief to the tensions of the muscles in the affected area.
If all else fail then surgery is your last option. It will be best if you discuss it with your doctor thoroughly before deciding to have one.