stunted growth

Question
The swelling on my BD was only on one side when it first apeared, then gradually the rest swelled up and the swelling went down a bit too. Is this all a part of matureing?
Also, is there a known reason for the stunted growth? food, habitat, boardom, etc.? Would he be more active if I got him a desert backdrop?
Thanks for all the help on this
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Followup To

Question -
My bearded Dragon is about six or seven months old but he is just over six inches in length still. He only will eat nasturtiam flowers and insects. A month or so ago also he started to grow a lump just above his neck at one side, the lump filled out full side to side. Does my Bearded Dragon have a disease or is this normal?

Answer -
At your dragons age, its normal that he eats more insects than greens. Do try to get him eating more greens such as collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens. With him liking the nasturtium flowers, it sounds like he likes the spicy flavors, which turnip greens and mustard greens tend to be spicy.  You can also offer the leaves of the nasturtiums.
It sounds like its time to take your BD to the vet to see what the swelling may be on his neck.  Its not normal for for only one side to have a swelling as you have described.
To find a vet in your area that is able to treat reptiles, please go to www.anapsid.org/vets
Your Bearded may have an abscess so its very important to get it checked out.  Abscesses on reptiles are much different than on mammals.  In reptiles, they are not liquid filled, but are filled with a very dry, grain like substance.
I've included a basic care sheet for you.  Good luck with your dragon and be sure to get him to the vet asap!!!


Answer
It can be a part of normal maturing....but if it is one sided, that's not normal.
Stunted growth can be caused by all that you mentioned...with boredom being the one thing that would be the least cause of it.  Not having correct foods, temperatures and uvb will cause stunted growth. UVB is one of the most important things to keep a bearded dragon healthy.  Without it, they will develop metabolic bone disease, which can be what you are seeing with the swelling on your dragon. Without the proper uvb, they cannot use the calcium that is present in their foods.  Please refer to the care sheet of my previous answer.
If you have more questions, please be sure to ask!!!