Extended bone growths on a bone base are known as spurs because people believe them to look like the spurs on the end of cowboy boots. Stress or frictional forces between parts of the skeletal system cause the growth of bone spurs. Most often, a degeneration in the fluid and tissues between two sets of skeletal parts leads to friction between them, causing spurs to be grown naturally by the body.
Pain in the back and neck are very common symptoms of neck spurs. In the neck, there is fluid and tissue that lies between the vertebrae of the spinal chord. When this fluid drains out or degenerates, there is friction between two vertebrae. Pressure exerted on the neck from constant movement will increase the frictional force and lead to the growth of spurs. The shoulders and neck are complex structures that have an ability to move in different ways. The wear and tear in cartilage between the joints leads to the growth of spurs that can be painful if they come into contact with other pieces of bone or clumps of nerves and nerve endings.
Although there are no remedies available to rid the body of bone spurs, there are ways that will help to ease the pain. A linseed oil pack placed on the area of spur growth alleviates the pain and helps you to feel more comfortable. Ice massages have also been recommended, as the ice will numb the affected area. Turmeric is another well recommended agent to reduce the growth of bone spurs. The curcumin, or the yellow pigment in turmeric, is believed to reduce bone growth. Gentle massages over the affected areas increase the circulation of blood and can work wonders. Heating pads placed over the areas that have bone spurs will also allow for free movement between the joints, thereby avoiding the increased growth of spurs in the neck. A light form of exercise and yoga has also been recommended to avoid stiffness in the joints of the body, which helps to avoid bone spurs from forming. Rest is one of the most necessary factors that will help in reducing the growth of spurs in the bone. Any unnecessary pressure on the joints will cause discomfort and rest takes these pressures off the body. It is also necessary to meet with a medical practitioner for further advice on dealing with bone spurs in the neck and shoulders.