Depending on its precise location, a bone spur in the neck, or cervical region of the spine, may come in contact with the spinal cord or one of its nerve roots. This could cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Symptoms might include:
Neck pain
Chronic headaches
Stiffness
Inflammation of surrounding tissues
Radiating pain throughout the shoulders, arms, and hands
Tingling, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling throughout the shoulders, arms, and hands
Numbness in the shoulders or down the length of the arms
The muscles in the shoulders, upper back, and arms may also become weaker, making it difficult to move the arms or pick up items.
Why a Bone Spur in the Neck Might Form
A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a bony growth that can form on any bone in the body, typically in response to instability in the area. However, the growths usually appear in the body's jointed areas, such as the fingers, toes, heels, knees, hips, and spine. These jointed areas are highly mobile and some are responsible for bearing the body's weight, and the neck is no exception.
The vertebrae and other spinal components in the neck - intervertebral discs, ligaments, and muscles - must keep the head stable and upright, while maintaining a wide range of motion. Over the years of enduring the stress caused by these functions, the neck structures may become susceptible to degenerative changes. For example, the degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis can cause the cartilaginous lining of the cervical facet joints (the joints connecting the vertebrae) to dehydrate and wear away, leaving the joints raw and unstable. As bone grinds against bone, the resulting friction can lead to the buildup of bone spurs as the body attempts to halt the abnormal joint movement.
Treating Symptoms
As mentioned previously, a bone spur in the neck that compresses the spinal cord or a nerve root could cause a variety of symptoms. In most cases, a doctor will recommend a course of conservative (nonsurgical) treatments, such as:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Physical therapy - A physical therapist can help a patient strengthen neck muscles and other supportive spinal muscles, as well as teach methods to improve posture.
Low-impact exercises - Exercise can increase nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood flow to painful areas, which may help to alleviate symptoms.
Gentle stretching - Stretching techniques can be used to improve range of motion in the neck, and can help alleviate tension in areas where nerves are compressed.
Corticosteroid injections - Steroidal injections in the spine may be used to decrease inflammation, thereby helping to reduce moderate to severe pain.
Several weeks or months of these treatments are typically able to relieve symptoms caused by a cervical bone spur. If a patient does not respond to conservative methods within this time frame, a doctor may suggest a surgical procedure as a treatment option. Patients should first confirm that all nonsurgical methods have been exhausted. It may also be helpful to obtain additional medical opinions to ensure that surgery is definitely the last resort treatment. Finally, before consenting to any procedure, individuals with a bone spur in the neck should take the time to research and understand each surgical option recommended by a doctor - including the risks associated with each procedure - as well as research possible alternatives, such as minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures.
