What are the Causes of Bone Spurs in the Neck?

Bone spurs in the neck are smooth, bony growths. Also called cervical bone spurs, they press on nerves, bone or the spinal cord, causing pain and discomfort. Symptoms include muscle spasms and weakness, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and a loss of coordination.

General Causes

• Bone spurs in the neck can be caused by injury, poor posture, being overweight and stress or pressure in the neck area. They can develop as a natural part of aging.

Diseases

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperotosis, a form of arthritis that is also known as Forestier's disease, causes bone spurs to form on ligaments of the spine. Bone spurs are also caused by spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spine.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs by causing a breakdown in joint cartilage and forcing the body to create new bone as a replacement.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Bone spurs can form between connective tissue and the heel bone. They are caused by chronic irritation or inflammation of the connective tissue.

Treatment

• Treatment of bone spurs in the neck includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain. Some bone spurs are removed by surgery if they limit the range of motion to the point where it affects your daily activities.