Question
Hi,

I have bone spurs in my neck (spicules) and am wondering if chiropractic
treatment would be advisable to alleviate the pain I experience? Also, would
such treatment present any dangers to my spine?

Thank you.

Jan

Answer
Hi Jan,

It depends on how much spurring you have and where it is located and whether it is causing nerve compression.  Your chiropractor should be able to review this with you while looking at your x-rays.  If you have neurologic signs, like reflexes lost or muscle weakness, and you also have radiating arm pain, then MRI may be needed.  Your hands-on physical examination is also one way to determine how you may respond to neck joint manipulation, regardless of what your xrays or MRI shows.  There's no more danger to your spine verses a spine without bone spurs.  Please see my last answered question which discussed the safety issue.

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr G'