Fact Checked
Bone spurs or osteophytes are extra growth of bones that the body creates due to arthritis, age, degeneration, traumatic injury, poor posture and disc degeneration. Bone spurs are actually smooth growths that do not cause pain and it is common occurrence as a person grows older.
Sometimes, the bone spurs grows to a point where they invade the nerves or other bones and cause neural compression or bone-on-bone contact.
Symptoms of bone spurs
- Limited movement
- Severe back or neck pain
- Numbness
- Weakness of the extremities
Perform exercises regularly to improve mobility and lessen the symptoms of bone spurs. - Radiating pain in the arms or leg
- Disability in some cases
Treatment
- Perform exercises regularly to improve mobility and lessen the symptoms of bone spurs. Perform stretching exercises at least for 30 minutes every day for 5 times every week every morning. Walk, bicycling or swimming at least for 30 minutes every day also helps with the condition.
- Apply a cold compress on the affected area to helps lessen the inflammation, swelling and pain due to the presence of the bone spurs. It also helps relax the muscles. All you have to do is place ice cubes in a small towel and apply on the affected area for at least 5-10 minutes several times every day.
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that helps lessen the swelling, inflammation and pain. Ginger helps promote the proper circulation of blood in the area. The oil can be used to massage the affected area at least several times every day. Another option is use a tablespoon of ginger and place in a container filled with water and boil for at least 10 minutes, strain and add a few drops of honey and drink the solution at least 3 times every day.
- Apple cider vinegar also helps heal bone spurs. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that helps lessen the inflammation and pain as well as helps prevent bone spurs and balances the pH level of the body. Add a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink the solution at least 2 times every day. Another way is to immerse a paper towel in apple cider vinegar and apply it over the affected areas for a couple of hours at least 2 times every day for the best results.
Additional treatment
- In a glass of warm milk, add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and drink at least 2 times every day. Take the prescribed turmeric supplement can also help the condition.
- Using Epsom salt helps with bone spurs to help lessen the inflammation, pain and swelling. Take a bath using Epsom salt. In a bathtub filled with warm water, add 2 cups of Epsom salt and mix well until salt is completely dissolved. Soak in the solution for at least 20-30 minutes for 2-3 times every week.
- Increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamin K, E, D, calcium magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids helps lessen the inflammation and strengthen the bone as well as relieve pain due to bone spurs.
FACT CHECK
https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/cervical-osteophytes-bone-spurs-neck
https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/treatment-options-bone-spurs
https://www.depuysynthes.com/patients/aabp/understandingconditions/bonespurs