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A bone spur, which is also called an osteophyte, is an excess growth of bone caused by bones rubbing against one another. While they can be found throughout the body, they can be especially problematic when they form in the spinal column.
It can be extremely difficult to accurately diagnose the underlying source of a bone spur because many times there are multiple bone spur causes. For example, a person who suffers from degenerative disc disease may not be afflicted to the point that it causes a bone spur, but if they then experience an injury, it can exacerbate their condition enough to result in the formation of one.
Some of the more common bone spur causes include:
- Spinal disc degeneration
- Aging
- Spinal arthritis
- Traumatic injury
- Poor posture
- More
Symptoms of and Treatments for a Bone Spur
Bone spur causes are varied, but the symptoms they cause tend to be similar across the board and vary only in the location of the body where they manifest and in their severity. These symptoms that can include:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Restricted mobility
Treatments for the condition can also be similar and usually include some combination of the following:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Hot/cold compression therapy
- Spinal decompression
- Painkillers
- Anti-inflammatories
- Surgery (as a last resort)
For more information on bone spur causes, as well as their treatments, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll provide you with a review of your MRI or CT scan free of charge and let you know if you qualify for our endoscopic spinal procedure to treat bone spurs, as well as discuss your other treatment options with you.