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Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Symptoms of bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, vary depending on the part of the spine in which the bone spurs are located. An osteophyte in the lower or lumbar spine, for example, could cause issues in the lower back, legs, and feet, while one in the cervical spine or upper back/neck can result in symptoms felt in the head, neck, upper back, and shoulders. Regardless of where the symptoms are felt, however, they often include:
- Pain
- Tingling (pins and needles)
- Numbness
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness
- Burning
Treating Symptoms of Bone Spurs
Each person experiences symptoms of their condition differently, and treatment depends on both the severity of the problem and the location bone spur. For someone with minimal pain, over-the-counter pain medication may be enough to alleviate the discomfort. For a person whose condition has progressed enough to make normal daily activities unbearable, prescription medication may be necessary.
Most people, even those with chronic conditions, can manage their symptoms with a combination of conservative techniques as recommended by their doctor. These include:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Spinal decompression
- Hot/cold compresses
- Rest
- Stretching
- Epidural cortisone shots
In addition to these treatments, surgery can also be used to physical remove the osteophyte. However, this is only offered for severe cases in which the sufferer's quality of life is significantly reduced.
To learn more about treatments for bone spurs symptoms, including minimally invasive spine surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll have one of our doctors review your CT scan or MRI free of charge and let you know if you qualify for endoscopic spine surgery at one of our facilities.