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Bone Spurs

Smooth, bony growths along the edges of joints, most often from osteoarthritis and aging. Many cause no symptoms at all and need no treatment — but spurs in the spine can press on nerves, and a few warning signs need urgent care.

What is a bone spur?

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bumps of extra bone that can grow in and around a joint (MedlinePlus). They are common and often cause no symptoms: most people who have bone spurs on their heels don’t have heel pain (AAOS OrthoInfo), and many people with age-related spurs in the neck have no noticeable symptoms (AAOS OrthoInfo). Many form as the body responds to wear: when the cartilage in a joint wears away, the body may grow new bone to help support or stabilize the joint (AAOS OrthoInfo, AAOS OrthoInfo). A heel spur can form where long-standing tension pulls on the spot where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone (AAOS OrthoInfo).

What causes them?

What raises the risk: the risk factors for osteoarthritis include aging, being overweight, a past joint injury or surgery, activities that overuse a joint, a joint that doesn’t line up correctly, and a family history of osteoarthritis (MedlinePlus). For the neck, AAOS also names genetics, smoking, and jobs with lots of repetitive neck motion and overhead work (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Where do they form?

Symptoms

It is common to have bone spurs without symptoms: for most people, the wear-and-tear changes of cervical spondylosis cause none (AAOS OrthoInfo), and most people with heel spurs have no heel pain (AAOS OrthoInfo). When spurs come with symptoms, you may notice:

Spurs in the spine can press on nerves or the spinal cord. Call 911 or go to the emergency department now for:

Contact your provider right away — the same day, or urgent care — for new or worsening:

These can be signs of spinal cord compression in the neck (cervical spondylotic myelopathy), which can develop slowly and go unnoticed for a long time, and which progresses over time (AAOS OrthoInfo). People with progressive symptoms like these are more likely to be helped by surgery (AAOS OrthoInfo). Don’t drive yourself to the emergency department (NHS), and don’t wait for a chiropractic, acupuncture or massage appointment for any of these signs.

How are bone spurs diagnosed?

Bone spurs show up on X-rays, though many people who have them have no symptoms (AAOS OrthoInfo). If you have symptoms, your provider will examine you and may order X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI. If you have nerve symptoms, tests such as electromyography (EMG) or a nerve conduction study can show whether a spinal nerve is working properly (AAOS OrthoInfo, AAOS OrthoInfo).

The good news: many need no treatment

Many bone spurs cause no symptoms. When they do, treatment usually aims to ease pain and stiffness rather than remove the spur: nonsurgical care doesn’t widen a spinal canal narrowed by spurs, but many people find it relieves their symptoms (AAOS OrthoInfo), and heel pain can be treated without removing a heel spur (AAOS OrthoInfo). In most cases, cervical spondylosis responds well to nonsurgical treatment (AAOS OrthoInfo), and surgery for osteoarthritis is needed only in a small number of cases (NHS).

When to see a doctor: if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis (NHS); or if neck pain or stiffness doesn’t go away after a few weeks or is worse when you move (NHS). Spurs on the front of the neck bones are a rare cause of trouble swallowing (surgical study, 2019) — mention any swallowing problems to your provider.

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Rest from painful activity, ice or heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy and weight loss first; cortisone injections if needed; surgery to remove a spur or free a pinched nerve only for serious symptoms. National cash listings put a physical therapy treatment visit at about $42–$179 per session, and an initial evaluation at about $95–$308 (The Pricer, August 2026); Medicare Part B covers medically necessary PT. A plain X-ray is often $50–$500+ without insurance. Many spurs cause no symptoms, and most neck symptoms improve without surgery. Treatment eases symptoms but doesn’t make a spur go away; only surgery removes one.
Chiropractic Spinal manipulation or gentler mobilization, often with soft-tissue work, for neck or back pain — after spinal cord compression has been ruled out. About $55–$100 a follow-up visit without insurance; first visits $90–$200. Medicare Part B covers spinal adjustment for subluxation (20% coinsurance). Modest help for neck and low back pain in general, and may ease some lumbar stenosis pain. It can’t remove a spur. Never for spinal cord compression or badly pinched nerves.
Acupuncture A course of needle treatments for osteoarthritis, neck or back pain linked to spurs, alongside exercise and medical care. About $125–$230 for a first private visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. May ease knee osteoarthritis and back or neck pain, with relief similar to NSAIDs in reviews; long-term success for spinal stenosis isn’t proven. It doesn’t remove spurs.
Herbal medicine No herb or supplement dissolves a bone spur. Turmeric, glucosamine or capsaicin cream are sometimes tried for osteoarthritis pain. Cost estimate being researched. Evidence is limited or mixed and comes from osteoarthritis, not spurs. Watch for interactions, especially with blood thinners, and avoid products with hidden drugs.
Massage therapy Gentle soft-tissue work for tight, sore muscles around a stiff neck, back or joint. At one national chain, about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members, or a membership of about $70–$90 a month. Short-term relief for neck, shoulder, low back and knee osteoarthritis pain in limited studies. It doesn’t change the spur or the arthritis behind it.
MBHA Wellness Coach Staying active with low-impact exercise, a healthy weight, posture and desk setup, supportive footwear and protecting joints at work and play. Cost estimate being researched. Supports — never replaces — medical care. These habits ease joint stress and may slow wear, but can’t remove existing spurs.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Treatment depends on where the spur is and what it’s doing. In most cases treatment is nonsurgical (AAOS OrthoInfo): doctors usually start with simple, conservative care and consider surgery only if other treatments haven’t helped (NHS).

1. Home care

2. Over-the-counter pain relievers

NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen relieve both pain and swelling and are considered first-line medicines for neck pain, and acetaminophen is often used for mild neck pain (AAOS OrthoInfo). NSAIDs must be used carefully: they can lead to gastritis, stomach ulcers and kidney problems (AAOS OrthoInfo). Talk with your provider about using over-the-counter pain relievers and arthritis creams (MedlinePlus). We don’t list doses; ask your doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you.

3. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is usually the first nonsurgical treatment doctors recommend for arthritis of the neck. It uses exercises to relieve pain and to strengthen and stretch weak or strained muscles, sometimes with posture work or gentle traction; programs often last 6 to 8 weeks, two to three sessions a week (AAOS OrthoInfo). For lumbar stenosis, stretching, massage and core strengthening often help manage symptoms (AAOS OrthoInfo). For osteoarthritis, exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance are usually part of the first treatment (MedlinePlus); follow the plan your physiotherapist gives you, because doing too much too quickly, or the wrong sort of exercise, may damage your joints (NHS).

4. Prescription medicines and injections

  • Muscle relaxants can be used for painful muscle spasms in the neck (AAOS OrthoInfo). For osteoarthritis, steroid injections into the affected area may be offered when other treatments haven’t worked, sometimes after a local anesthetic; they work quickly and can ease pain for several weeks or months (NHS).
  • For the neck, options include a short course of steroid pills and steroid injections into the epidural space or a facet joint, which give many people short-term relief (AAOS OrthoInfo). For lumbar stenosis, epidural steroid injections can ease swelling, pain and numbness, but not weakness (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • A soft neck collar should be worn only for a short time, because long-term use may weaken the neck muscles (AAOS OrthoInfo).

5. Surgery

Surgery is for serious symptoms that affect daily life. For the neck, it isn’t commonly recommended unless a nerve is being pinched by a disc or bone, or the spinal cord is being compressed (AAOS OrthoInfo); spinal cord compression is generally treated with surgery (AAOS OrthoInfo). In the lower back, a laminectomy removes bone, bone spurs and thickened ligaments that are pressing on nerves (AAOS OrthoInfo, NHS); it is generally reserved for people whose pain and weakness seriously affect their quality of life (AAOS OrthoInfo). Large spurs on the front of the neck that cause severe swallowing problems can be removed when conservative treatment fails (surgical study, 2019). When spurs come with severe osteoarthritis, surgery to repair, strengthen or replace a damaged joint — most often a hip or knee — may be considered (NHS).

What it costs

  • Physical therapy: MBHA cost estimate for cash prices being researched. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient PT when your provider certifies you need it; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov).
  • X-ray: a simple X-ray without insurance is often about $50–$500 or more, and urgent-care or hospital visits cost more once exam and reading fees are added (cost guide: The Pricer).
  • CT, MRI, injections and surgery: MBHA cost estimate being researched.

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Many people visit chiropractors for low back pain, neck pain and headaches (MedlinePlus), including stiff, achy necks and backs from spondylosis. An adjustment can’t remove a bone spur — nonsurgical treatments don’t undo the narrowing that spurs cause (AAOS OrthoInfo) — so the goal is pain relief and easier movement.

What the research says

The studies below are about neck pain, back pain and lumbar stenosis in general, not about bone spurs themselves.

  • Neck pain: spinal manipulation can help acute neck pain, and manipulation or mobilization may reduce chronic neck pain and improve function, though the studies were mostly small with inconsistent results (NCCIH).
  • Low back pain: manipulation may bring small improvements in pain and function; for chronic low back pain, short-term relief was similar to other recommended treatments such as exercise (NCCIH).
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis: AAOS says chiropractic manipulation is generally safe and can help with some of the pain, but to take care if you have osteoporosis or a herniated disc, because manipulation can worsen symptoms or cause other injuries (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Safety — especially for the neck

  • Never with spinal cord compression: AAOS says manipulation should never be used for spinal cord compression (cervical spondylotic myelopathy) (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • When it may not be safe: chiropractic may not be safe if you take blood-thinning medicine or are at higher risk of bleeding or stroke, have bones or joints that are very weak or seriously damaged, or have a condition affecting your nerves (NHS).
  • Neck manipulation and stroke: neck manipulation has been linked to rare tears in neck arteries that can cause a stroke; experts disagree about whether manipulation causes them, but patients should be told about the risk (NCCIH).
  • Mild soreness, stiffness or headache is common and usually gone within 24 hours; serious problems are very rare (NCCIH).

MBHA suggests seeing a medical provider first if you have any nerve symptoms in your arms or legs, telling your chiropractor about your health history and medical conditions (NCCIH), and asking about gentler mobilization instead of neck manipulation.

What it costs

  • Without insurance: about $55–$100 for a follow-up visit and $90–$200 for a first appointment; several weeks of care can add up to $500–$1,000 (The Pricer).
  • With insurance: coverage can lower the cost, but deductibles, copays, coinsurance, visit limits and services that aren’t covered can still leave a sizable bill (The Pricer).
  • Medicare Part B covers only spinal adjustments to correct a subluxation, not X-rays or other services a chiropractor orders; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov).

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture won’t remove a bone spur. What research there is looks at the pain that often comes with spurs — osteoarthritis, neck and back pain — so the evidence applies only by extension.

What the research says

  • Osteoarthritis: in a 2018 review, acupuncture relieved osteoarthritis pain (mostly of the knee) better than no treatment and better than sham acupuncture, though the gap over sham was smaller; the relief was comparable to NSAIDs. For hip osteoarthritis, two sham-controlled studies found little or no difference (NCCIH).
  • Back or neck pain: a 2018 review found acupuncture worked better than no treatment and than sham acupuncture, with relief comparable to NSAIDs. Benefits lasted a year after treatment for several pain conditions, but not for neck pain (NCCIH).
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis: AAOS says acupuncture can help some of the pain in less severe cases and can be very safe, but long-term success hasn’t been proven (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Guideline: the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation conditionally recommend acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or hand (NCCIH).

In short: acupuncture may add some relief for arthritis-related pain, used alongside — not instead of — exercise and medical care.

Safety

Relatively few complications have been reported; problems have come from non-sterile needles and poor technique, and the FDA requires needles to be sterile and single-use (NCCIH). MBHA suggests telling your acupuncturist if you take a blood thinner, and not using acupuncture to delay care for any nerve warning signs.

What it costs

Published cash prices run about $125–$230 for a first private visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90 a visit (The Pricer). A course of several sessions adds up, so ask about package prices and check your insurance.

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Can anything dissolve a bone spur?

No. A bone spur is extra bone, and even nonsurgical medical treatments don’t undo the narrowing that spurs cause (AAOS OrthoInfo); only surgery removes a spur. You may see home remedies such as apple cider vinegar promoted for dissolving bone spurs; MBHA found no credible research showing that any herb, supplement or home remedy shrinks or removes a spur.

Supplements tried for osteoarthritis pain

Since most spurs come with osteoarthritis, some people try supplements studied for osteoarthritis. None of this research tests bone spurs directly.

  • Turmeric (curcumin): early evidence for curcumin taken by mouth for knee osteoarthritis is positive, but higher-quality studies are needed; it’s unclear whether curcumin ointment helps. Turmeric can upset the stomach, liver damage has been reported with highly absorbable curcumin products, and supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy (NCCIH).
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin: results for knee pain are conflicting — a major NIH-sponsored study found little or no benefit — and there isn’t enough evidence for other joints (NCCIH). They have been linked to a higher bleeding risk with warfarin, and glucosamine may raise blood sugar in some people (NCCIH).
  • Capsaicin cream, made from chillies and rubbed on the skin, may be used for osteoarthritis of the hands or knees when anti-inflammatory creams haven’t helped; it can cause a burning feeling and must be kept away from the eyes and other sensitive areas (NHS).

Products to be careful with

  • The FDA has warned about arthritis and pain supplements secretly tainted with prescription drugs that could cause side effects or harmful interactions (NCCIH).
  • Cat’s claw, sometimes promoted for joints, may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medicines and immune-suppressing drugs, and may raise bleeding risk around surgery (NCCIH).

Before you take any herb or supplement, show it to your doctor or pharmacist — especially if you take a blood thinner or an NSAID, have diabetes or liver problems, are pregnant, or are planning surgery (NCCIH, NCCIH, NCCIH). We don’t list doses here, and no supplement should delay care for the nerve warning signs above.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Massage can’t change a bone spur, but it may ease the tight, sore muscles around a stiff neck, back or joint. AAOS includes massage among the local therapies that may relieve neck arthritis symptoms (AAOS OrthoInfo), and physical therapy for lumbar stenosis often includes it (AAOS OrthoInfo).

What the research says

  • Neck and shoulder pain: massage may help, but the benefits may last only a short time (NCCIH).
  • Knee osteoarthritis: five of six small studies found short-term pain relief (NCCIH). MedlinePlus lists massage among the complementary therapies that may help some people with osteoarthritis, noting it can increase blood flow and bring warmth to the area (MedlinePlus).
  • Low back pain: reviews found only weak evidence; one found short-term pain improvements but “very little confidence” that massage is effective (NCCIH).

Safety

The risk appears low, but rare serious problems — a blood clot, nerve injury or broken bone — have been reported, some with vigorous deep-tissue massage or in older adults (NCCIH). Arthritis-stressed joints are sensitive, so choose a therapist familiar with osteoarthritis (NCCIH). MBHA suggests asking for gentle pressure, avoiding forceful work on the neck, and telling your therapist about any numbness, weakness or osteoporosis.

What it costs

  • Prices vary by location. At one national chain, franchise price lists show about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members, and memberships run about $70–$90 a month for one session (The Pricer).

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

It’s not possible to prevent osteoarthritis altogether, but you may be able to lower your risk by avoiding injury and living a healthy lifestyle (NHS); age-related wear in the neck is a normal part of getting older (NHS). An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you build these habits, alongside, never instead of, your medical care.

Stay active, the low-impact way

  • Exercise is one of the most important treatments for osteoarthritis; regular exercise that keeps you active, builds muscle and strengthens the joints usually helps improve symptoms (NHS).
  • Joint-friendly options include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water exercise, dancing, light gardening and tai chi. Adults with arthritis are encouraged to aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity plus muscle-strengthening on 2 days, building up slowly — even 5 or 10 minutes at a time counts (CDC).
  • Build up gradually: doing too much exercise too quickly, or the wrong sort, may damage your joints, so follow the plan your doctor or physiotherapist gives you (NHS).
  • With spinal stenosis, many people find a stationary bike, or walking while leaning on a shopping cart, easier than standing upright (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Weight

Extra body weight puts more stress on your joints (MedlinePlus), particularly the knees and hips (NHS). For adults with overweight, even a small loss — about 5% of body weight — can help reduce arthritis pain and disability (CDC).

Posture, ergonomics and joint protection

  • Keep good posture and avoid staying in the same position for too long; if you work at a desk, set your chair at the correct height and take regular breaks to move around (NHS).
  • Neck pain from spondylosis can worsen when you look up or down for a long time or hold your neck in one position, as when driving or reading (AAOS OrthoInfo) — a coach can help you plan breaks and a better setup. A job that puts frequent strain on your joints can raise the risk of osteoarthritis (NHS), and an occupational therapist can advise on devices that make tasks easier at home or work (NHS).
  • Avoiding joint injuries at work, in sports and from falls lowers the chance of getting osteoarthritis or making it worse (CDC).

Footwear and exercise habits

Wearing suitable footwear is one of the simple measures that can help mild osteoarthritis symptoms (NHS), and shoes with shock-absorbing soles can relieve some of the pressure on the joints in your legs as you walk (NHS).

Nutrition and smoking

A healthier diet, together with more physical activity, helps if you need to lose weight (NHS), and smoking is clearly linked to more neck pain (AAOS OrthoInfo). A coach can help you take these on one small step at a time.

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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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