Re: large osteophytes on cervical spine: You should think about the Chirprator

In your case I suggest to consult a Chiropractor, who can help you with your problem, I am writing few notes about the spine here:

Servicing Your Spine
Why do you get your car serviced regularly, even when it is running well? To see that it goes on running well! Once a Chiro has helped you back to health, a regular check-up can keep your body in working order.

Like a telephone network, your spinal cord delivers messages from your brain to your body through the nervous system. The vertebrae - the bones of your spine - provide protection for this vital part of your body. As you go through life, a loss of proper function (movement) in the vertebrae may interfere with the healthy working of your spine and the nerves that run through it. This may affect your body's natural ability to recover from injury and you may find yourself increasingly unwell, unable to shake off apparently minor aches, pains and even some illnesses.

Loss of joint movement could be due to the daily wear and tear of life or as a result of things such as sporting injuries, workplace discomfort, stress, poor posture, accident or pregnancy.

Don’t wait for problems to start, see a chiropractor to keep your body in check.

A  Chiropractor will carry out a full examination (which may include an X-ray) and take a thorough history before advising an appropriate treatment programme for you. Treatment consists of specific adjustments done by hand to free stiff joints and reduce spinal nerve irritation. Your chiropractor may also recommend ice, heat or massage treatment amongst other things. They also support the treatment they offer with individual advice about the patient's lifestyle, work and exercise, in order to help in managing the condition and preventing a recurrence of the problem.