Bone Spur in Neck Causes

Osteophytes (bone spurs) may grow as a result of a specific disease or spine condition, or due to wear and tear in the normal aging process. Osteoarthritis, where the body breaks down the joint cartilage, can lead to new bone growth at the edge of the bone already present. Conditions such as spondylosis may be caused by osteoarthritis and bone spur growth leading to degeneration of the cervical bones. Osteophyte growth can be a result of faulty cell division in the spinal skeletal structures, such as in Diffuse Idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) where bony growth occur in the ligaments of the spine.

Stress assists as a cause of neck bone spurs

When the bones and joints in the body are placed under stress and rub together they can become damaged and the body attempts to repair that damage by creating new bone. This can also occur where tendons and ligaments are rubbing against a bone, in conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This friction can cause a bone, or bones, to develop flattened and enlarged ends in an effort to spread the force over a larger surface area. Excess body weight is also connected to the growth of bone spurs. The resulting osteophytes can be helpful in reducing cartilage degeneration in some people, however, they may also have unintended consequences.

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