We move our neck constantly throughout the day, and over time all this pressure that we put on the area can lead to structure breakdown. This breakdown tends to occur very minimally over an extended period of time, and one of the most common conditions associated with this gradual degeneration is the formation of bone spurs in the area.
Bone spurs are tiny projections that develop at joints where two bones meet one another. In the spine, they can develop along the edges of the cervical vertebrae. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at their development and how cervical bone spurs are best treated.
Causes and Symptoms Of Cervical Bone Spurs
As we alluded to in the intro, bone spurs can develop as a natural part of the aging process, but it’s not the only reason they can set in. Having poor posture will expedite the process, as can having a poor diet and smoking. Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients from your diet to aid in healthy bone growth, and strive to practice good posture throughout the day so that you’re not overly straining your neck.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cervical bone spur development, but pain is a common symptom with almost every neck ailment, so how can you pinpoint that cervical bone spurs are at the heart of your discomfort? Other symptoms commonly present include:
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Neck muscle spasms or cramps
- Limited range of motion in the area
- Stiffness
- Headaches if the bone spur affects certain nerve roots
- Balance or coordination problems if the spur is affecting the spinal cord
Diagnosing and Treating Cervical Spinal Bone Spurs
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, consider setting up an appointment with a spine specialist like Dr. Sinicropi. They’ll look at your medical history, talk with you about your symptoms and then conduct a few physical manipulation tests. They’ll likely finish their assessment with an imaging test to look for the development of these spurs. An X-ray can provide the specialist with a clear image of your cervical spine and the presence of bone spurs. If nerve impact is suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered.
Once the spurs have been uncovered, a treatment plan will be developed. In most instances, conservative care will be the first treatment route. This will involve options like physical therapy and targeted exercise to improve physical function and increase mobility. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications can also help provide relief.
If pain persists after six weeks, your doctor may walk you through your surgical options. Oftentimes this involves a minimally invasive debridement procedure. Although the specifics of your procedure will vary, the goal of surgery is to remove the offending bone spurs and stabilize the neck so that movement doesn’t cause problems. Sometimes this is achieved with bone spur removal alone, while other times a fusion procedure is needed to limit excessive flexibility in the neck region. Both techniques offer great results.
So if you have been plagued by neck pain and you want to help put it in the rearview mirror, pick up the phone and reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today. For more information about bone spurs or back pain, call his office today at (651) 430-3800.
