Commonly found in the neck and back, bone spurs, or osteophytes, are excess bone growths that your body might create for a number of reasons. These can include age, arthritis, disc degeneration, traumatic injury, poor posture, and other causes. And while the term “spur” often creates images of something pointy or sharp, bone spurs are actually smooth growths that by themselves don’t necessarily cause any pain or other problems. In fact, bone spurs are a very common occurrence as you get older.
While bone spurs may not cause any problems on their own, neck or back bone spurs can sometimes grow to where they impinge on nerves or other bones, and this is when a number of issues can arise. These can include:
- Severe neck or back pain
- Restricted movement
- Radiating arm and leg pain
- Weakness in the extremities
- Numbness
- In some cases, disability
If you have been experiencing any symptoms that might lead you to believe neck or back bone spurs might be to blame, contact 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, and pain relievers – cortisone injections, physical therapy, exercise, and even surgery.
Certain surgical treatments for bone spur relief are invasive and can result in lengthy recovery times; however, with the innovative noninvasive procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute, you can experience relief from the pain of neck and back bone spurs quickly, with faster recuperation and less chance of infection than many other treatments. For more information about our state-of-the-art procedures and facilities, and for a complimentary MRI review, contact us today.
