Can osteophytes cause dysphagia?

Cervical spinal osteophytes are estimated to affect 10 to 30% of the general population; however, the bony outgrowths tend to be largely asymptomatic. When hyperostosis involves the anterior margin of the cervical vertebrae, the osteophytes can cause dysphonia, dyspnea, and/or dysphagia.

How do osteophytes affect swallowing?

The oesophagus rests in front of the cervical vertebrae from C4-7. A large osteophyte may impinge on the oesophagus causing compression, or compress at the level of the cricoid or upper oesophageal sphincter, or cause an inflammatory response causing discomfort.

Can spinal problems cause dysphagia?

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is most often related to another health problems, including brain or spinal cord injury, neurological damage, neuromuscular disorders, and anatomical conditions.

What part of the spine affects swallowing?

Mostly, the C2/3 and C3/4 are the main segments responsible for dysphagia, due to the close proximity of the retropharyngeal space (C2-C4) to the adjacent pharyngeal constrictor muscles. The predisposing factors are increasing age, short stature, and spinal abnormalities.

Can you get a bone spur in your throat?

While bone spurs alone aren’t typically painful, these growths in your neck can become symptomatic as they press down on nerve endings in your spine and cause pain or discomfort when you move your neck. It’s estimated that about 40 percent of people with bone spurs will need treatment for their symptoms.

How do you treat osteophytes in the neck?

Most cervical osteophytes, or bone spurs in the neck, have no symptoms and thus require no treatment….Treatment options for symptomatic bone spurs in the neck could include:

1. Activity modification.
2. Physical therapy.
3. Ice and/or heat therapy.
4. Medications or injections.
5. Manual manipulation.

Can a bulging disc in your neck cause swallowing problems?

The anterior mechanical compression caused by an anteriorly herniated disc causes serious complications pertained to esophagus or other neighboring structures; obviously mechanical compression may lead to progressive dysphagia starting from discomfort in the throat to serious blockage of the passage allowing only …

What is the likely cause of the dysphagia?

Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition, such as: a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia. cancer – such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer. gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – where stomach acid leaks back up into the …

When should I be worried about trouble swallowing?

You should see your doctor to determine the cause of your swallowing difficulties. Call a doctor right away if you’re also having trouble breathing or think something might be stuck in your throat. If you have sudden muscle weakness or paralysis and can’t swallow at all, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Can bone spurs in neck cause swallowing problems?

The bone spurs cause esophageal obstruction. Aging patients, men more so than women are susceptible to swallowing difficulties related to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.