What causes bone spurs (osteophytes) in the cervical spine?
Disease description:
Previously, Dad couldn't work strenuously due to cervical spondylosis, but recently, even after resting at home, he still experiences severe neck pain. After examination, it was found to be cervical osteophyte formation. I'd like to know what causes bone spurs in the cervical spine?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Cervical bone spurs may result from factors such as calcium deficiency and chronic strain. If a patient frequently maintains a forward-bent head posture for prolonged periods, the local stability of the cervical spine decreases, causing excessive pulling at the attachment points of corresponding muscles and ligaments, leading to chronic damage. Common causes of cervical bone spurs include chronic soft tissue strain in the neck and calcium deficiency. Mild bone spurs usually produce no obvious symptoms, but when severe, they may compress nerves and blood vessels, resulting in discomfort such as headaches, neck pain, and numbness in the upper limbs.
