How Poor Posture Contributes to Bone Spurs on the Neck

Modern technologies like computers and smartphones are a boon to productivity and communication. But if you aren’t careful, they can also increase the risk of poor posture, and in turn, musculoskeletal problems like bone spurs on the cervical spine in your neck. 

At HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics, experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stepan Kasimian and our team treat bone spurs from our offices in Glendale, Santa Ana, and Upland, California. Noninvasive treatments and postural changes can relieve discomfort and prevent neck bone spurs from worsening.

What are bone spurs on the neck?

Bone spurs on the neck, or cervical osteophytes, are hard, bony growths that form on the cervical vertebrae (the seven spinal bones above your shoulders that support your head). Bone spurs come in many shapes and sizes. Some are small and smooth; others are large and bumpy.

Regardless of what they look like, bone spurs typically form where two vertebrae meet. This positioning makes them more likely to rub against the surrounding nerves and soft tissues, increasing the risk of neck pain, stiffness, and other musculoskeletal problems.

How poor posture causes cervical bone spurs

Poor posture occurs when you slouch, roll your shoulders, or tilt your head up or down for extended periods. If your head, neck, and spine aren’t properly aligned, your vertebrae rub against each other, irritating the surrounding ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues. 

Over time, this irritation can cause the tissues to calcify or harden, forming a bone spur. Bone spurs themselves aren’t painful, but when they rub against or place pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues, the abnormal pressure can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain. 

People have experienced bone spurs for thousands of years, but technological advances like tablets and smartphones have increased their incidence. That’s because these tools cause us to bend our heads and necks in abnormal positions for minutes, and sometimes hours, at a time — often many times a day.

Do cervical bone spurs cause symptoms?

Bone spurs on the neck present various symptoms, including:

• Dull, aching neck pain
• Pain that radiates into the shoulders and upper back
• Neck stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches

As the bone spur grows, you might experience tingling, numbness, or pins and needles sensations in your arms and hands. Some people also experience a loss of coordination and balance.

How cervical bone spurs are diagnosed

Dr. Kasimian reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and where they occur. He also asks about your job and lifestyle, including how often you use a computer and whether you regularly spend time looking down at smartphones or tablets. 

Next, Dr. Kasimian conducts an exam. He checks your neck and shoulders for redness and swelling, gently presses on your neck to identify sensitive areas, and orders X-rays to look for bone spurs. Dr. Kasimian also assesses your posture when sitting, standing, and looking at electronic devices.

After pinpointing the cause of your discomfort, he makes a formal diagnosis and develops a personalized treatment plan.

How are cervical bone spurs treated?

At HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics, Dr. Kasimian treats bone spurs on the neck with a conservative, patient-centered approach. He might recommend:

• Rest and/or activity modification
• Cold therapy (icing) for pain management
• Corticosteroid shots to reduce inflammation
• OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Massage therapy to improve circulation and manage pain
• Physical therapy to improve posture and restore neck mobility

If your neck pain continues even after these treatments, you might benefit from minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). During MISS, Dr. Kasimian removes the bone spur (or bone spurs) causing your symptoms to provide lasting relief.

Cervical bone spurs can make even simple tasks, like working at a computer or sending texts, painful. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that can provide lasting relief. 

To learn more about the solutions available at HAAS Spine & Orthopaedics, call your nearest office in Glendale, Santa Ana, or Upland, California, today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.