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Osteophytes and Spine Pain

Osteophytes in the spine are bony projections that your body produces in an attempt to restabilize a progressively weakening back or neck. These growths, also called bone spurs, can appear in the facet joints, on the edges of the vertebrae, or on the lamina, which is the thin “roof” over the spinal cord formed by the vertebral arches.

Osteophytes Can Limit the Mobility of the Spine

Many conditions of the spine, such as a herniated disc, will heal themselves over time. However, osteophytes are bony formations that will not dissolve or detach on their own, so conservative treatment methods will only offer temporary pain relief, not a permanent solution. When bone spurs do present symptoms, it is because the surrounding spinal nerves have become compressed by the extra bone growth. Spinal stenosis is a common result of bone spurs, which entails the overall narrowing of the spinal column. Mobility decreases, both because of pain and because the extra bone can limit joint movement.

What Causes Osteophytes in the Spine?

There are a variety of reasons that the body’s osteoblastic (bone growth) process may start producing osteophytes in the spine, including:

• Degenerative diseases, like facet joint syndrome
• Obesity
• Injury
• An illness that weakens the spine
• Overexertion
• Osteoporosis

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Treating Spinal Osteophytes

If an MRI or CT scan confirms a diagnosis of neural compression due to osteophytes in the spine, you should work with your doctor to create a conservative treatment plan that includes prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, physical therapy, hot and cold compresses, and mild stretching, among others. For many patients, pain can be effectively managed and surgery will not become a consideration. However, if your bone spurs produce chronic, unmanageable symptoms, you may seek more permanent, targeted forms of pain relief, such as surgery for osteophytes.

How Can Laser Spine Institute (LSI) Help?

Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers minimally invasive, outpatient alternatives to traditional spine surgery. Our gentle endoscopic techniques have helped tens of thousands of people rediscover a life without the pain of bone spurs. Contact LSI today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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