Marginal osteophytes are small protrusions of bone that develop around the periphery of joints in the body and are a frequent source of pain – particularly when accompanied by osteoarthritis. Commonly experienced as a result of natural spine degeneration, these offshoots of bone form as a natural healing mechanism. Also known as bone spurs, marginal osteophytes often develop in the vertebral joints (facet joints) and cause back and neck pain when they come into contact with a nerve, soft tissue, or another bone.
Facet Joints
The facet joints in the spine are the location where adjacent vertebrae connect. Nearly all of the vertebrae in the spine have two sets of facet joints: one set facing upward and one downward. These hinge-like joints allow for spine articulation while ensuring stability. However, over the years the cartilage that coats the joint surfaces slowly begins to deteriorate because of regular wear and tear. As a result, the exposed bones naturally develop marginal osteophytes to combat the degeneration. In most cases, a person doesn’t even know this is occurring, but in the event that the bone spur grows into contact with other tissues, pain can follow.
Pain
In general, back or neck pain from marginal osteophytes in a vertebral joint is either local or neuropathic. This means posterior osteophytes may cause back or neck pain at the site of the bone spur, or they can cause a number of other symptoms that trace back to nerve compression – known as radiculopathy. These symptoms may include:
- traveling pain along the compressed nerve
- unexpected muscle weakness
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- diminished reflexes or motor skills
- sciatic pain
Treatment
If you are suffering from back or neck pain, visit your physician to determine whether marginal osteophytes or another form of spine degeneration is at fault. In the event that you’re unable to manage your pain with conservative treatments over several weeks, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about your other options, including one of our minimally invasive outpatient endoscopic spine procedures.
