Treatment for a Bone Spur in the Neck
A bone spur in the neck is also called an osteophyte. A bone spur is a growth of additional bone on top of already existing bone. This creates a thickening of the bone. It sometimes creates closure in areas and pressure on other body parts.
Bone spurs are caused by age and stress on the bone. Injuries often lead to bone spurs. Bone spurs develop when the body is attempting to heal itself.
Bone spurs often remain untreated and undetected while they are causing no apparent symptoms. Until an X-ray is performed to diagnose other issues, the bone spurs are usually not found.
When inflammation and pain develops, there are a few different treatment plans available.
Oral Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers are the main types of oral medications prescribed to treat bone spurs in the neck.
Ibuprofen helps to relieve the pain and the inflammation simultaneously. Prescription pain medications are also used to treat the symptoms of bone spurs.
Shots
Cortisone injections provide temporary relief from the pain caused by bone spurs in the neck. These shots also work to reduce any inflammation that may be occurring. There are a few unpleasant side effects that may be experienced from cortisone shots. Therefore, these are only given on a limited basis. If a continuing problem exists, further treatment will be necessary.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is sometimes recommended to better an individual's posture and aid in the prevention of future bone spurs in the neck. This may also help strengthen the body and align the neck so that there is not as much pressure being placed on the affected areas. The physical therapist will be able to monitor whether this is improving or worsening the condition.
Rest
Activity will sometimes have a negative effect on an individual with bone spurs in the neck. To treat the symptoms of neck bone spurs, rest is recommended. This can help reduce any inflammation that is being caused. This, in turn, will reduce the pain experienced. Rest may even reduce the need for as much medication ingestion.
Surgery
Surgery is the only method for actually removing the bone spurs. Once major surgery is performed, physical therapy may be necessary to train the recovering patient in body postures less likely to enable bone spur growth in the future.
Bone spurs can grow back after a surgical removal, but this is the longest-term option available to treat those with symptoms from neck bone spurs.
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