5. Bone spurs.
If you develop bone spurs, there’s an increased likelihood that you will also develop cervical spondylosis. Bone spurs, medically referred to as osteophytes, commonly develop in areas where the bones make contact with one another – the joints.
Any of the bones can develop bone spurs, including the vertebrae of the cervical spine. A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone. The overgrowth of bone is the body’s attempt to strengthen the spine. Despite their name, bone spurs are not sharp or pointy, but rather they are smooth.
Often, bone spurs are not problematic; however, if they are situated within the nerve openings, they can increase the risk of complications, including cervical spondylosis, as they press on the nerves, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Aging, heredity, and degeneration of the discs and joints can all increase the risk of bone spurs and cervical spondylosis.