Bone spurs on spine, also called osteophytes, are bony growths that can develop as you age.
While the word ‘spur’ might suggest something sharp or jagged, osteophytes are typically smooth projections extending from normal bone.
By themselves, bone spurs are usually not painful. However, in the confined spaces of the spine, especially near nerves, they can lead to inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms.
The extra bits of bone that form along the edges of the bones of the vertebral column can happen at any level of the spine. They often appear around the facet joints, which connect each vertebra in the following regions:
- Cervical (neck)
- Thoracic (middle back)
- Lumbar (lower back)
Although many spinal bone spurs go unnoticed and cause no pain, they can become problematic if they put pressure on:
- Spinal nerves
- The spinal cord
- Surrounding ligaments and muscles
What Causes Bone Spur Pain?
A bone spur can cramp the space of nearby nerves and other soft tissues, resulting in joint inflammation and stenosis.
Facet joint inflammation
The facet joints allow the spine to twist and bend. Over time, cartilage can wear down, causing joint inflammation and leading to bone spur formation and pain.
Foramen stenosis
Vertebrae have openings through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord. When bone spurs intrude on these openings, they can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
What Causes Bone Spurs on Spine to Form?
Bone spurs often form due to natural changes over time or repeated stress on the spine. For example, chronic inflammation from arthritis in the spine wears away protective cartilage. At the same time, the body tries to repair damage by forming extra bone. In spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal can increase friction and inflammation. Bone spurs on spine develop in response.
Other common contributors include:
- Wear and tear on facet joints
- Thinning intervertebral discs
- Heredity
- Poor posture
- Injuries from sports or accidents
- Structural spinal problems present at birth
What Are the Symptoms of Bone Spurs on Spine?
When a bone spur presses on nerves or other soft tissues, the resulting symptoms can include:
- Dull, aching pain that is often more noticeable when standing or walking for extended periods
- Pain that radiates to the buttocks, shoulders, arms, or legs, depending on where the spur is located
- A pins and needles sensation in the hands, feet, or other extremities
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Spinal muscle weakness or joint instability
- Limited flexibility
- Loss of coordination
- Bowel or bladder control difficulties
Treatment Options for Spinal Bone Spurs
Initial treatments generally aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerves. These approaches include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage inflammation and discomfort
- Targeted injections with corticosteroids to help reduce swelling and pain around nerve roots
- Exercise and physical therapy to ease pressure on nerves and improve mobility
If conservative methods fail to relieve your symptoms, bone spur removal surgery may be necessary. These procedures usually use small incisions and specialized instruments. This allows surgeons to remove problematic spurs with less recovery time and pain than traditional surgery.
Early evaluation and proper management of bone spurs on spine can help you maintain or regain an active, comfortable life.
You don’t have to live with constant back pain. Schedule an appointment to learn more about your options for relief.
