Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are outgrowths of bone that are the body’s natural response to increased friction around the joints. They often occur in the spine in response to conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. This is due to the fact these conditions cause an increase in contact between the vertebrae and the spinal joints. While not necessarily painful, bone spurs can cause symptoms. Symptoms such as pain tingling, and numbness by compressing nerves in the spinal column.
After diagnosis, patients with bone spurs will typically start with a basic course of conservative treatment options. These options can include rest, hot and cold compression, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor will recommend other treatments such as physical therapy or spinal injections.
Steroid Injections for Bone Spurs
Spinal injections typically consist of a corticosteroid and a local numbing agent. A surgeon will then inject it into various parts of the spine. Such as the facet joints and the epidermal layer that protects the spinal cord. The goal of these injections is to ease pain and reduce inflammation in the area of the spine where nerve compression or irritation is occurring. In addition to bone spurs related to arthritis, these injections are also often performed for conditions like bulging or herniated discs.
If Surgery Becomes an Option
In many cases, conservative bone spur treatments such as steroid injections can help people manage their symptoms enough to enjoy normal activities and have a good quality of life. However, if you and your doctor have decided conservative options have been fully exhausted, surgery may become an option.
As a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open neck or back procedures, BEST Health System provides minimally invasive surgery. Our procedures use muscle-sparing techniques that allow them to be performed on an outpatient basis. This has a number of advantages for our patients. A shorter recovery time and lowered risk for complication are both examples of some of the benefits minimally invasive surgery has to offer.
If you’d like to learn more, reach out today.
