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As we age, some of us form bone spurs or osteophytes along the spine. Often this occurs as our bodies attempt to fuse vertebral bodies together in response to disc degeneration, much the way a surgeon tries to fuse the spine together in surgery. The bony spurs formed by the body try to bridge the gap between the vertebrae.
Possible Causes
Bone spurs usually occur as a result of a degenerative changes occurring in the intervertebral discs of the spine. They can be an indication of osteoarthritis, and may also demonstrate that wear and tear related to work, aging and genetics has occurred in the spine. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in nerve root compression or narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the sensitive spinal cord. This narrowing can progress for years unnoticed, until something causes an inflammation of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Bone spurs often signify other conditions, including:
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is when there are osteoarthritis and bone spurs in your neck (cervical spondylosis) or your lower back (lumbar spondylosis).
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the bones and ligaments that make up the spine increases pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots defines spinal stenosis. Bone spurs contribute to this.
Aging
Bone spurs and bulging discs is a normal part of aging. They are found in older people who don’t have osteoarthritis and other diseases.
Treatment
Pain reduction and prevention of further joint damage remain common goals in treatment plans. Weight loss, stretching, physical therapy, rest and ice are just a few of the treatment methods. Medications such as ibuprofen or injections may be administered for pain. Injections may reduce inflammation long enough to relieve symptoms. In serious cases of damage and deformity, bone spurs can be surgically removed.
Texas Spine & Neurosurgery can help you coordinate conservative therapy and provide you with the option of surgical procedures to treat the symptoms of bony spurs and osteophytes.
Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.