Does Spinal Spurring Cause Headaches?
- Spinal spurring can cause headaches. Headaches result when bone spurs press against the spinal nerve and cord, triggering pain and numbness elsewhere in the body. Pain may be centered on the shoulders and leak upwards into the head from there. Since pain in the shoulders and head is a symptom of several other complications, such as migraines or strains, bone spurs may not be apparent until an X-ray is taken. See a doctor or medical professional if headaches do not abate over time.
- Other complications may arise on account of bone spurs. Bone spurs can break off from the spine and lodge themselves in a nearby joint, such as one of the vertebrae. By doing so, they become what is known as a loose body. When loose bodies become imbedded in the lining of a joint, they can cause intermittent locking. When this occurs, a joint can become difficult to move, resulting in sensations of tightness, immobility and stiffness.
- A doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and headaches caused by spinal spurring. If complications do not abate with NSAIDs, surgery may be required to remove bone spurs. During surgery, a surgeon will make a small incision above the spinal column. Bone spurs are then cut from the spine and removed with small surgical tools.
There are also several alternative remedies that may help ease your pain and headaches. Try dipping a cheese cloth in warm flaxseed oil and applying it to the skin directly surrounding the bone spur. Cover the cloth with plastic and place a heating pad on the plastic to keep the area warm. If bone spurs are accompanied by swelling, use an ice pack or bag of vegetables wrapped in a paper towel or thin cloth. Apply ice to the affected area for 15 minutes four or five times a day to reduce swelling. Taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams of circumin on an empty stomach four or five times per day may also help. Circumin should be taken for about six weeks before discontinuing use.