Bone spurs are extra bony growths found on the edges of bones. Spurs are extra calcium deposits found in the bones. Bone spurs are also called as osteophytes that can be asymptomatic or painful which leads to limited movement of the joints. Bone spurs develops as the person ages and can be seen in the joints where the bones meet.
Bone spur occurs when there is repeated wear and tear between the two bones in a joint. People above the age 60 have osteophytes in various parts of the body. Bone spurs usually develops in the neck or the cervical spine, lower back or lumbar spine, joints of the knee, heel and shoulders. A bone spur that develops in the neck is a sign of aging or issues involving the nerve. To learn to recognize and manage the symptoms of bone spurs, sign up for a course in first aid today.
Causes of bone spurs
- Bone spurs in the neck can be caused by poor posture, injury, being overweight, stress or fracture and can also develop as part of the aging process.
- People suffering from osteoarthritis can develop bone spurs where there is constant rubbing and stress between bones.
- Bone spur can develop between connective tissue and the heel bone which are caused by chronic irritation or inflammation of the connective tissues.
- Bone spurs in the neck can happen in the cervical vertebra of the spine and when ligaments and tendons attached to cervical vertebras are damaged and inflamed which causes the development of bone spurs.
Treatment and home remedies
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress followed by a warm compress on the neck in order to minimize pain and inflammation.
- Take a pinch of turmeric powder and mix with a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture in the affected area at least twice a day when there is severe pain in the neck and hands. Massaging the neck with a warm linseed oil is also helpful in treating symptoms of bone spurs in the neck.
- Using arnica, calcarea flour and ruta are effective in treating bone spurs in the neck and other parts of the body.
- Anti-inflammatory supplements such as bromelain, shark liver oil as well as glucosamine sulfate and primrose oil are also useful in managing bone spurs.
- Create a flaxseed hot pack by heating linseed oil in a pan. Once it is already hot, dip cheesecloth in the oil until it is soaked and place on the neck. Place a larger piece of plastic over it and place a heating pad on top of the plastic in order to keep the pack warm at least for 1-2 hours at a time.
- Take calcium and magnesium supplements in order to minimize the chances of developing a bone spur. A digestive enzyme such as betaine HCI helps in the absorption of more supplements in the body.