Cervical bone spurs are tiny projections that develop along the bones that make up the spine. For those in need of treatment, there are a few different options.

Bone spurs are small projections of bony material that can occur along the edge of any bone in the body. They are most commonly found in the joints and in places where tendons and ligaments connect to the bones. As people age, they also become very common along the cervical bones of the spine. Sometimes cervical bone spurs go unnoticed because they do not cause any pain or undesirable side effects or complications. In other situations, they can be a much larger problem that can lead to pain as well as a few other complications. Depending the to severity of the bone spurs, different treatment options may be recommended.

There are several signs that can indicate bone spurs along the cervical bones of the spine. The most common symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing. This is because the cervical bones point inward instead of outward like the rest of the spine. When spurs develop on these bones, they can start to put pressure on the esophagus and airways. Pressure on the airways can cause breathing difficulty while pressure on the esophagus can cause problems with swallowing. These bone spurs can also put pressure on the blood vessels leading to the brain which can result in trouble focusing or dizziness. Some people with bone spurs on the cervical bones may also experience pain in their arms. They may also experience numbness, loss of strength, or decreased movement in the arms as well.

When spurs on the cervical bones are severe enough to cause severe pain or other complications, they need to be treated. Sometimes they can be managed with simple pain medication, while in other situations, surgery is required. When the spurs are inhibiting breathing, blood flow, or swallowing, they will most often need to be removed. This can be done using arthroscopic surgery, where only small incisions need to be made, or traditional open surgery. Both choices have good success rates, but one option may be better than the other for some people. As a result, it is important to fully discuss all options with your doctor. Your doctor will also be able to provide you with all the information regarding potential risks and how much time you will need to heal following the procedure.