Illustration depicting the connection between neck issues and swallowing problems.

Swallowing Troubles? How Cervical Spine Issues Could Be the Culprit

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising link between neck problems and dysphagia, and what you can do about it."

Swallowing is something most of us take for granted. This complex process involves a symphony of brain activity and muscle coordination, seamlessly moving food and liquids from our mouths to our stomachs. But what happens when this carefully orchestrated activity goes awry? When swallowing becomes difficult or painful, a condition known as dysphagia, it can significantly impact our quality of life.

Dysphagia is more common than you might think, affecting around 3% of the general population. That number jumps to approximately 10% in adults over the age of 65. Beyond the discomfort and inconvenience, dysphagia can lead to increased healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and a greater reliance on health services. So, what's causing this disruption in the swallowing process?

The answer might lie in an unexpected place: your cervical spine. The bones in your neck are closely related to the structures involved in swallowing. Problems in your neck can directly affect your ability to swallow properly. Let's explore how conditions like cervical osteophytosis (bone spurs) and changes in spine posture can contribute to swallowing difficulties, and what can be done to find relief.

What is Cervical Osteophytosis and How Does It Affect Swallowing?

Illustration depicting the connection between neck issues and swallowing problems.

Cervical osteophytosis is characterized by bony overgrowths, or bone spurs, on the vertebrae of the neck. These spurs can develop due to age-related degeneration, arthritis, or other factors. While some people with cervical osteophytes experience no symptoms, others may find that these bony growths interfere with the normal swallowing process.

So, how exactly do these bone spurs cause dysphagia? Several mechanisms are at play:

Direct Compression: Osteophytes can physically press on the pharynx (throat) and esophagus, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass through.
Epiglottic Interference: Bone spurs at the C3-C4 level can disrupt the normal tilting of the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that protects the airway during swallowing.
Inflammation and Spasm: Osteophytes can trigger inflammation in the surrounding tissues, leading to cricopharyngeal spasm, a tightening of the muscle at the top of the esophagus.

Cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine, is a common culprit behind osteophyte formation, particularly in older adults. It's essential to rule out other potential causes of dysphagia, such as tumors, esophagitis, or neurological disorders, before attributing swallowing difficulties to cervical osteophytes.

Don't Overlook Your Neck: The Importance of Considering Cervical Spine Issues in Dysphagia

If you're experiencing swallowing difficulties, it's crucial to consider the possibility of cervical spine involvement. Cervical osteophytosis and abnormal cervical curvature are often overlooked as potential causes of dysphagia. A thorough evaluation, including a radiologic study of the cervical spine, can help identify these issues. Remember, postural modifications and targeted treatments can often provide relief and improve your ability to swallow comfortably.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000488, Alternate LINK

Title: Cervical Osteophytosis And Spine Posture: Contribution To Swallow Disorders And Symptoms

Subject: Otorhinolaryngology

Journal: Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Mosaad Abdel-Aziz, Noha Azab, Amr El-Badrawy

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty or pain when swallowing. This occurs when the complex coordination between the brain and muscles involved in moving food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach is disrupted. Dysphagia can arise from various causes, including issues within the cervical spine.

What is cervical osteophytosis and how can it cause swallowing problems?

Cervical osteophytosis involves the development of bony overgrowths, also known as bone spurs, on the vertebrae in the neck. These spurs can directly compress the pharynx and esophagus, interfering with the passage of food. They may also disrupt the tilting of the epiglottis, which is crucial for protecting the airway during swallowing, or trigger inflammation and cricopharyngeal spasm, tightening the muscle at the top of the esophagus.

What is cervical spondylosis and how is it related to bone spurs in the neck?

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine and is frequently associated with the formation of osteophytes, especially in older individuals. It's important because it is a common cause of cervical osteophytosis. While cervical spondylosis can lead to the development of bone spurs that impact swallowing, other factors such as posture also play a role in dysphagia.

What can be done if cervical spine issues are causing difficulty swallowing?

If cervical spine issues are contributing to dysphagia, interventions such as postural modifications and targeted treatments can be implemented to alleviate symptoms and improve swallowing function. A radiologic study of the cervical spine, like an X-ray or MRI, is important for identifying the underlying cause of dysphagia.

Are there other possible causes of swallowing difficulties besides neck problems?

While the mechanisms described link cervical spine issues to swallowing problems, other conditions like tumors, esophagitis, or neurological disorders can also cause dysphagia. These alternative causes should be investigated to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and may require different treatments.