Bone Spurs
About bone spurs
In spite of their name, bone spurs are smooth, bony growths that form over a long period of time. They are a growth of normal bone that tends to occur as we age.
The spurs themselves are not painful. Their effect on nearby structures, such as nerves and the spinal cord, can cause pain.
The spine is made up of 33 bones (vertebrae) designed to protect the spinal cord. Gel-filled discs between the bones serve as shock absorbers. The discs also allow us to bend forward and backward and twist our backs in a variety of directions.
Behind each disc and under each joint are openings that allow a part of nerve roots to leave the spinal cord to go to other parts of the body. These tiny openings, called foramen, enclose the nerve and are just large enough for the nerve to go through.
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, can be a problem if they develop in the openings for the nerve roots. They make the space narrower and press on the nerve. This is called foramen stenosis.
What are causes and risk factors for bone spurs?
A variety of factors contribute to bone spurs. These include:
- Aging. As our discs wear down, ligaments get looser and don't hold the joints as stable as they should. The body tries to thicken the ligaments to hold the bones together. Over time, the thickened ligaments start forming flecks of bone. The thickened ligaments and new bone around the spinal cord and the nerve roots cause pressure.
- Disc and joint degeneration.
- Heredity.
- Injuries, including sports-related and motor vehicle accidents.
- Nutrition.
- Poor posture.
- Structural problems that a person is born with.
In addition, certain conditions can make it more likely that bone spurs will develop, including:
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
In persons 60 and older, bone spurs are common. A little more than 40 percent of the population will develop symptoms that require medical treatment as a result of bone spurs.
What are symptoms of bone spurs?
Back or neck pain is the most common sign of bone spurs. The joint becomes inflamed (swollen and tender) and the back muscles become tender.
Common symptoms are:
- Burning or tingling (pins and needles in the hands or feet)
- Dull pain in the neck or lower back when the person stands or walks
- Loss of coordination in a part of the body
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Radiating pain in the buttocks and thighs
- Radiating pain into the shoulders or headaches
Activity tends to make the pain worse. Rest tends to make it better. If the symptoms affect the back, the person may feel better leaning forward and bent at the waist as in leaning over a shopping cart or cane.
If there is severe pressure on the nerves, a person may have problems controlling his or her bladder or bowels.
How are bone spurs diagnosed?
After taking the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination, physicians can rule out conditions that may have similar symptoms but different causes.
Tests that a doctor may order include:
- Electroconductive tests. These show the degree and seriousness of the spinal nerve injury.
- Computed tomography scans.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- X-rays to highlight any bone changes.
How are bone spurs treated?
Several approaches can be taken to treatment depending on the severity of the symptoms.
A conservative approach for persons with mild or moderate pressure on the nerves or spinal cord might include:
- Steroid shots to help reduce joint swelling and pain. The effects of these are temporary and may need to be repeated up to 3 total in a year.
- NSAIDS to reduce swelling, relieve pain and relax muscles for four to six weeks.
- Physical therapy and manipulation of joints to restore flexibility and strength, improve posture and reducing the pressure on the nerves.
- Rest.
If this approach isn't successful, surgery may be needed, such as a laminectomy to remove bone spurs.
Key points
- Bone spurs are smooth, bony growths that form over a long period of time. They are a growth of normal bone that tends to occur as we age.
- The spurs themselves are not painful. Their effect on nearby structures, such as nerves and the spinal cord, can cause pain.
- Factors that contribute to bone spurs include aging, heredity, injuries, poor nutrition and poor posture.
- Treatments can include medication, physical therapy and rest. If those don't work, surgery may be needed.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
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