Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a bone spur in your neck

by Mr. Lonny Goldner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When you visit your doctor, he or she will likely recommend one of the following neck bone spur treatments:

  • Reduction of activities that cause you pain
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (most often over-the-counter NSAIDS, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Specific stretches and exercises for your neck
  • Cold compress to further help reduce inflammation

Their effect on nearby structures, such as nerves and the spinal cord, can cause pain. Factors that contribute to bone spurs include aging, heredity, injuries, poor nutrition and poor posture. Treatments can include medication, physical therapy and rest. If those don't work, surgery may be needed.

Full Answer

How do you remove bone spurs from the neck?

How do they remove bone spurs from your neck? Anterior cervical discectomy. The surgeon exposes your spine through an incision in the front of your neck right next to your windpipe. Through that incision, the doctor removes the herniated disk and any bone spurs that may be causing pain.

How do you treat bone spur in neck?

  • Activity modification.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Ice and/or heat therapy.
  • Medications or injections.
  • Manual manipulation.

How to treat bone spurs the natural way?

Top 24 Natural Home Remedies For Bone Spurs In Neck & Other Parts

  1. Heat Treatment. Before doing any activities, you should warm up the affected area because this is very helpful in relieving the pain.
  2. Borax. Another effective treatment listed in the home remedies for bone spurs in neck and other parts is borax.
  3. Coconut Oil. ...
  4. Baking Soda. ...
  5. Alfalfa. ...
  6. Black Cumin Seeds. ...
  7. Cabbage Leaves. ...
  8. Salt Water. ...
  9. Marigold Flowers. ...
  10. Milk. ...

More items...

What is the treatment for getting rid of bone spurs?

7 Heel Spur Treatments and Home Remedies

  1. Cold compress. Cold therapy can help to relieve inflamed heel tissue. ...
  2. Shoes and orthotics. Comfortable and well-fitting shoes can reduce the amount of pressure on the heel spur. ...
  3. Over-the-counter medications. ...
  4. Stretches. ...
  5. Cryoultrasound. ...
  6. Corticosteroid injections. ...
  7. Surgery. ...

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What can you do for bone spurs in the neck?

How are bone spurs in the neck treated?rest.cold compresses to reduce pain.steroid shots to decrease inflammation and subsequent pain.over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be used on a temporary basis only.acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain.More items...•

Do bone spurs in neck go away?

Bone spurs do not go away on their own. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication may improve symptoms. If needed, surgery may be performed to address the effects of bone spurs on spinal function.

Do bone spurs in the neck require surgery?

Bone Spurs Rarely Require Neck Surgery If symptoms of cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression in the neck) or cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression in the neck) continue to progress despite non-surgical treatments, then surgery may be considered to preserve nerve and/or spinal cord health.

How do you get rid of bone spurs in your neck without surgery?

Nonsurgical Treatment for Bone SpursMedications. Medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be recommended. ... Short periods of rest. ... Physical therapy and exercise. ... Spinal manipulation. ... Weight loss. ... Injections. ... Bone spur removal. ... Laminectomy.More items...

How did I get bone spurs in my neck?

What Causes Bone Spurs? Bone spurs can be caused by wear and tear, and aging-related conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis (spondylosis) and spinal stenosis. It is thought that osteophyte formation is the body's attempt to repair itself and may be triggered in response to degenerative changes.

How painful are bone spurs in neck?

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are not painful in and of themselves. Many people with cervical bone spurs experience no pain or neurological symptoms.

How long is recovery from bone spur surgery in neck?

This may involve removing bone spurs or displaced disc material, depending on your condition. After both procedures patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days. It will take between 4 and 6 weeks before light work can be accomplished, while full recovery usually takes between 2 and 3 months.

What is the recovery time for bone spur surgery?

Recovery from bone spur surgery can take 2 to 4 weeks. Recovering from a bone spur is relatively short and depends where the surgery is performed. Sutures can be removed after 2 and it will take approximately 2 more weeks to get back into shoes comfortably.

What does bone spur in neck feel like?

Bone Spurs in the Neck (Cervical Spine) Numbness, tingling, and weakness in both shoulders, arms, and/or hands may be signs of spinal stenosis, commonly caused by bone spurs.

Do bone spurs keep growing?

Although the name “spur” suggests something sharp, bone spurs are usually smooth and may or may not cause any symptoms. Over time, a bone spur may continue to grow, leading to painful irritation of surrounding soft tissue like tendons, ligaments or nerves.

What vitamin is good for bone spurs?

Vitamin C and Arthritis A study at Duke University found that high levels of vitamin C activated a protein that causes bone spurs, which in turn actually accelerates joint damage and pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

How to treat cervical bone spurs?

Barring serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms, treatment for cervical bone spurs usually starts with conservative (non-surgical) options. Such efforts typically include resting the neck for a few days, modifying activities by avoiding strenuous or exaggerated neck movements, using over-the-counter or prescription pain or anti-inflammatory medications, and engaging in various forms of physical therapy specific to the neck (e.g., therapeutic neck exercises or stretches).

How to tell if you have a bone spur in your neck?

It’s possible to have a bone spur in your neck that causes little or no discomfort. If this isn’t the case, you may notice an aching or dull pain in your neck that becomes more prominent with certain neck, head, or shoulder movements. Some bone spurs are located in a spot along cervical vertebrae that’s close to the neck muscles responsible for rotation, lateral flexion, or hyperextension. The resulting muscle irritation may produce muscle spasms or cramping. Some other signs and symptoms that may suggest you have cervical bone spurs include:

Why does my neck hurt?

Neck pain may be due to one or more various causes, including cervical bone spurs. If you recognize any of the symptoms listed above or your neck pain is severe or prolonged, make sure to schedule a consultation with a Beverly Hills spine surgeon right away. The experienced spine specialists at The Spine Institute can diagnose your pain ...

Where are bone spurs located?

Some bone spurs are located in a spot along cervical vertebrae that’s close to the neck muscles responsible for rotation, lateral flexion, or hyperextension. The resulting muscle irritation may produce muscle spasms or cramping.

What is the best way to see the bones of the cervical spine?

An X-ray is typically taken to get a clear view of the bones of the cervical spine. A CT scan or MRI may also be performed so supporting soft tissues can also be evaluated. Additionally, the condition of muscle and nerve cells in the neck might be tested with an electromyography or nerve conduction study.

What is the best treatment for neck pain in Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills patients may experience relief from one or more of the following: • Improved head, neck, and upper back posture and alignment. • Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and other holistic therapies.

What is the number to call for spine surgery?

Call our friendly staff today at 310-828-7757 to schedule an appointment.

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor might feel around your joint to pinpoint your pain. Your doctor might also order X-rays or other imaging tests to view your joints and bones.

Treatment

If your bone spurs cause pain, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).

Preparing for your appointment

You'll likely first see your family doctor, who might refer you to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of joint disorders (rheumatologist).

Why do people have bone spurs?

This is because most people don’t realize they have them and the fact that they don’t cause any pain. In the majority of cases, a patient would see their doctor with unexplainable neck pain or tingling and weakness in their arms or hands, which will then prompt a neurological examination.

What causes bone spurs?

The breakdown and rebuilding of bone leading to the development of bone spurs can be caused by other diseases and health conditions. These may include cervical spondylosis, untreated herniated disc or slipped disc, osteoarthritis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Where do bone spurs form?

Bone spurs (osteophytes) commonly form in the neck, shoulder, feet, knees, and fingers. However, when they develop between the C1 through C7 vertebrae of the spine, they can constrict nerve pathways, leading to complications.

How to do neck resistance?

Neck resistance exercise. Begin by placing your hand on the side of your head, keeping it firm and stationary. Create resistance by pushing your head toward your shoulder, but your hand will be stopping you. How this position of resistance for five seconds before relaxing and repeating the exercise on the opposite side.

How to do a neck rotation?

Neck rotation: Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart and then slowly bend your neck to the right, bring your ear to your shoulder. Now, slowly make clockwise circles five times then bring your head back to neutral position. Bring your head to your left side, but this time making counterclockwise rotations.

How to help with back pain?

Learning to keep better posture, such as sitting with your back straight while at your desk or taking frequent breaks from sitting, can help relieve symptoms

Can bone spurs be seen?

However, most people with bone spurs do not present with any symptoms.

What is the best treatment for bone spurs?

Physical therapy, exercise, and manipulation (performed by chiropractors [DC], osteopaths [DO], and physical therapists [PT]), may alleviate back pain associated with bone spurs. These rehabilitation therapies attempt to restore flexibility and strength to the spine, improve posture and decrease nerve root compression.

Why do you need surgery for bone spurs?

Surgery for bone spurs involves removing tissue to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves roots . For example:

How to reduce back pain?

Weight loss. Losing excess weight can take pressure off the spine, reducing friction between the vertebrae’s facet joints and decreasing the likelihood of pain. Achieving an appropriate weight is especially effective in taking pressure off the lower back. See Weight Loss for Back Pain Relief.

Can bone spurs be treated without surgery?

Most patients with mild or moderate nerve compression and irritation from bone spurs can manage their symptoms effectively without surgery. The goal of nonsurgical treatment is to stop the cycle of inflammation and pain.

Can spinal bone spurs cause back pain?

If spinal bone spurs are determined to be the likely cause of back pain and other symptoms, there are a wide range of possible treatment options. Learn how bone spurs can compress nerves in the lower back and cause neurological symptoms and/or pain. Watch Lumbar Osteophytes (Bone Spurs) Video.

Can bone spurs grow back?

Since it is possible for the bone spurs to grow back, and because there may be more than just bone spurs contributing to symptoms, a surgeon may suggest another surgical procedure, such as a laminectomy or foraminotomy.

Does spinal surgery reduce back pain?

Whether or not a surgery will reduce or eliminate back or neck pain and other symptoms depends on the extent of the spinal degeneration; the patient’s overall health; and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation; and other factors. The surgeon’s expertise and experience also play a role.

Natural remedies for bone spurs

As part of your bone spur treatment plan, your physician may encourage you to try one or more natural remedies. Some options include:

Advanced treatments

If you’ve reached the point where you’ve exhausted all of your natural treatment options and still haven’t found relief, you may want to talk with your physician about prescription medications, injections or even surgery. For additional information about your surgical options, you can contact USA Spine Care.

What is the treatment for bone spurs?

Bone spurs are treated only if they are causing symptoms. Initial treatment is directed toward decreasing inflammation and avoiding reinjury when possible. Local cold application can help when the location of the bone spur is accessible. Anti-inflammatory medications, administered both orally (over-the-counter NSAIDs) and by local steroid injection (Kenalog, Depomedrol, Celestone), are commonly used, depending on the location of the spur. Local mechanical measures, such as orthotics, or shoe inserts, and local bone spur pads might be considered, depending on the location of the bone spur.

What kind of doctor treats bone spurs?

An orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who corrects congenital or functional abnormalities of the bones with surgery, casting, and bracing in cases of bone spurs. Podiatrists also treat bone spurs and other injuries to the foot and ankle.

What are bone spurs?

A bone spur is a small, sharp outgrowth of bone. They can come from local trauma to the bone, cartilage or tendon near where a bone spur has formed. Inflammation, like that caused by arthritis, can also cause the formation of bone spurs. Often, bone spurs are not painful or uncomfortable. They only require treatment when they start causing pain or discomfort.

How to reduce bone spurs in neck?

Neck exercises to reduce the effects of bone spurs should be performed in conjunction with low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling. Neck ROM exercises are also helpful, and can be performed in warm water at an indoor pool to improve neck muscle function and reduce stiffness and muscle spasm in people with neck OA ...

How to reduce cervical spine spurs?

A person's cervical spine bone spurs can be surgically reduced by a foraminotomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting or shaving away bone around the intervertebral foramen, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH 3 4 5.

What causes bone spurs in the cervical spine?

According to the Merck Manuals website, OA—the principle cause of bone spurs in the cervical spine—is a chronic condition associated with joint cartilage and tissue damage , and is characterized by pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion 1 4. Bone spurs typically manifest in 40- to 50-year-olds, although neck trauma in those younger ...

What is neck traction?

Cervical or neck traction is an effective treatment for bone spurs.

How long does cervical traction last?

Cervical or neck traction is an effective treatment for bone spurs. According to the Mayo Clinic website, intermittent neck traction for a period of one to two weeks can help reduce pressure on spinal nerves or nerve roots—offshoots of the spinal cord that may be affected by the degenerative changes associated with neck OA, ...

What is the best treatment for neck OA?

Physical therapy exercises may be helpful in the treatment of neck OA and bone spurs.

How old do you have bone spurs?

Bone spurs typically manifest in 40- to 50-year-olds, although neck trauma in those younger than 40 may cause early-onset joint degeneration and spurring.

How to treat bone spurs in neck?

Specific treatments can include alternating hot and cold compresses, using over-the-counter medication, improving posture and undergoing physical therapy. However if symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment after a period of weeks and months, surgery may be recommended. At USA Spine Care, we provide minimally invasive spine surgery that can address the symptoms of a bone spur in the neck while being a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine procedures. Contact us today to learn more.

How do bone spurs develop?

Generally speaking, bone spurs can develop in the neck as a result of:

Do bone spurs hurt?

Bone spurs do not necessarily hurt by themselves but they can cause localized pain, radiating pain, joint stiffness and many other symptoms if they put pressure on a nearby nerve.

What are cervical bone spurs?

Cervical Osteophytes: Bone Spurs in the Neck. Cervical osteophytes are bone spurs that grow on any of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine (neck), ranging from the base of the skull, C1 vertebra, to the base of the neck, C7 vertebra. While most cervical bone spurs are harmless, sometimes they can cause neck pain and stiffness.

What does it mean when you have bone spurs on your back?

The outer edge of a vertebra with bone spurs can resemble the hem of a ruffled dress or dripped wax built-up at the bottom of a candle. See Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) and Back Pain. Osteophytes in the spine are a normal sign of aging and can be associated with conditions such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and others.

What is the process of forming a cervical osteophyte?

Cervical osteophyte formation typically occurs when ligaments and tendons around the cervical spine’s bones and joints are damaged or inflamed. This process usually happens with wear and tear over time.

Why do bones renew?

Bones are constantly renewing, like fingernails and hair. However, inflamed or damaged tissues can abnormally influence nearby bone growth. As a result of these abnormal influences, osteophyte formation occurs when new bone cells are deposited where they would not normally grow.

Can cervical bone spurs cause neck pain?

While most cervical bone spurs are harmless, sometimes they can cause neck pain and stiffness. Watch Cervical Bone Spurs Symptoms and Causes Animation. The term "bone spurs" might elicit images of radiating spikes, but bone spurs (osteophytes) are actually rounded and scalloped. The outer edge of a vertebra with bone spurs can resemble the hem ...

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