What are Bone Spurs?
Commonly found in the neck and back, bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are excess bone growths that the body might create for several reasons. These can include age, arthritis, disc degeneration, poor posture, traumatic injury, and other causes to stabilize jointed areas of the body. While the term “spur” often creates images of something pointy or sharp, bone spurs are smooth growths that don’t necessarily cause any pain or other problems. Bone spurs are a very common occurrence as you get older. Read on to learn about the symptoms and cause of this debilitating condition.
Symptoms of Neck and Back Bone Spurs
While bone spurs may not cause any problems on their own, neck or back bone spurs can sometimes grow to the point where they pinch nerves or other bones, causing the possibility of several issues arising. When neural compression or bone-on-bone contact occurs as a result of bone spurs, a patient may experience:
- Severe neck or back pain
- Restricted movement
- Numbness
- Radiating arm or leg pain
- Weakness in the extremities
- In some cases, disability
Treatments for Neck and Back Bone Spurs
If you have been experiencing any symptoms that might lead you to believe neck or back bone spurs might be to blame, be sure to consult your physician. An X-ray can determine the existence of bone spurs and whether they are causing any problems. Treatment options for bone spurs include medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, pain medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, exercise, and even surgery in severe cases.
Certain surgical treatments for bone spur relief are invasive and can result in lengthy recovery times. However, with the innovative, minimally invasive procedures performed at Best Health System, you can experience relief from the pain of neck and back bone spurs quickly, with faster recovery and less chance of infection than with open spine surgery. For more information about our minimally invasive procedures and surgery centers, contact us today.
