1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions

Osteophytes in the Cervical Region of the Spine

Osteophytes in the cervical region of the spine are common in patients who suffer from degenerative diseases like facet disease, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. Basically, osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony projections that your body produces as a way to reinforce a weakened spine. If osteophytes exert pressure on spinal nerve roots in the neck, pain, numbness, and tingling can spread to the shoulders, arms, and hands.

Where Do Osteophytes Develop?

Regardless of whether you develop osteophytes in the cervical region of the spine, the thoracic (middle back) region, or the lumbar (lower back) region, the same sites are prone to bone spurs, including:

• Facet joints – these joints connect adjacent vertebrae and facet disease or osteoarthritis can often cause bone spurs to develop in the joint space. Any spinal nerves that innervate the joint can become painfully compressed.
• Lamina – the lamina forms part of the vertebral arch; since the spinal column houses the spinal cord, the laminae form the “roof” over the spinal cord. Bone spurs commonly form here, causing an overall narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition known as spinal stenosis.
• Edges of vertebrae – on the edges of the vertebrae, just before the intervertebral discs begin, bone spurs sometimes form along this ridge. Osteophytes in this location can press on the intervertebral discs, thereby contributing to the risk of herniated disc or bulging disc, or they can impinge on surrounding spinal nerves.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Treating Osteophytes in the Cervical Region

The neck is an especially sensitive region of the body, both because it is tasked with supporting the head, but also because it is such a flexible area of the spine. Cervical osteophytes can prevent painful symptoms, but the majority of patients can successfully manage their discomfort with mild massage focused on the neck, physical therapy, pain medication, or periodic anti-inflammatory injections. If after weeks or months of these treatments you still find that your neck pain is reducing your quality of life, your doctor may suggest surgery for osteophytes.

Alternative Treatments for Osteophytes

Traditional surgeries involve risk of infection, lengthy recuperation, and hospitalization. If these drawbacks are preventing you from finding lasting pain relief, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI). Our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures are a welcome alternative to open spine surgeries. And to get you on your way to rediscovering your?life without pain, we’ll review your MRI or CT scan, completely free of charge.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.