3 Causes Of Bone Spurs In The Neck: Treatment For Spondylosis
Bone spurs in the neck are a common occurrence connected to cervical spondylosis. Persons can get relief through understanding the cause.
Pain Spurred On By Spondylosis
Bone spurs in the neck, known as cervical osteophytes, happen to almost everyone over time. These are growths on the 7 vertebrae in the neck. Bones naturally chip away, hit each other, or impact the surrounding tissue. As bones regenerate, new bone growth or bone spurs occur. These bone spurs are also the result of spondylosis, the natural wear and tear of vertebrae.
Symptoms of spurs and spondylosis
Bone spurs are usually painless and can happen almost anywhere. However, neck spurs and spondylosis can impact surrounding nerves and tissue, and this can cause pain and numbness in the neck and arms. Spondylosis can also cause headaches and, in some cases, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Besides spondylosis, other factors can cause bone spurs, and these 3 are the most common sources.
A lifetime of damage
Wear and tear happen to be the most common cause of bone spurs. Over a lifetime, cervical vertebrae fight through many challenges, including physical activity, lifting, twisting, and even injuries. What’s more, with age comes osteoarthritis, which can affect any bone, including the neck. The inflammation and damage caused by these scenarios can create irregular bone growth and pain.
A product of poor posture
As society moved from industrial to knowledge-based, so has the need to spend several hours behind a computer. Poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle are the new dangers of today. People practice poor posture for several hours each week, straining the vertebrae. While research continues on the risks of sitting, neck spurs may be the source.
Your lifestyle
Several spinal issues, including bone spurs, have been linked to poor lifestyle habits. Smoking and alcohol can cause bones to degenerate over time, and overweight persons can also place extra pressure on the neck. Even smoking and alcohol use in moderation can compound and cause bone spurs.
Getting spondylosis under control
There are several methods to help with cervical spondylosis and bone spurs. If the side effects are debilitating, then surgery becomes necessary. But the first, and often most helpful treatment is light physical therapy. Using stretching and exercise, physical therapists help reduce pain and symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication can bring pain relief in most cases. Cold treatment, like ice packs, can soothe inflammation. Unless surgery is required, a combination of these treatments can bring long-term relief.
The bottom line
Many persons live for years without any symptoms of bone spurs. If a doctor has confirmed spurs and spondylosis, the cause can be lifestyle or natural wear and tear. Continue to manage spinal health and bone spurs through the proper diet, exercise, and medication.