Spinal Bone Spurs

Most spinal bone spurs are not painful, but they can put extra pressure on the surrounding nerves, muscles and ligaments. When bone spurs start causing interference in the surrounding tissues and bones, symptoms begin to manifest. The areas that are mostly affected include the upper, middle and lower back as well as the knee, hip, shoulder, feet, arms and hands. The following complications may indicate that you have bone spurs:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the spinal column)
• Myelopathy (compression of the spinal column)
• Tear in the tendons and ligaments
• Muscle cramping and muscle spasms
• Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk
• Problems with balance
• Pain that radiates to your legs and feet or to your arms and hands
• Limited flexibility and difficulty stretching your limbs
• Localized inflammation, tenderness and redness
• Decreased flow of blood
• Tingling and numbness
• Weakness in your arms and legs as a result of severe nerve compression
• Joints that seem wobbly
• Mild to severe pain in the affected areas that often radiates to the extremities

For many people, receiving prompt medical attention is critical to preventing further damage. Seek medical attention to get long-lasting relief and avoid secondary complications if you suspect you may have a bone spur. Talk to an NJSO expert today.

The initial treatment of spinal bone spurs is aimed at reducing inflammation and strengthening the muscles in your back to help provide support and reduce stress and strain on the spine.

Bone spurs are typically detected through X-rays, and their involvement with a nerve root is evaluated through an MRI or CT scan. In some cases, the severity of a bone spur is tested through electroconductive tests to evaluate the extent of nerve injury, especially if your symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness or loss of strength or motion in your arms or legs.

After a bone spur is fully evaluated, conservative methods are first recommended, including physical therapy, rest and rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory injections, or pain medication.

While most patients benefit from conservative treatment methods, some patients may require orthopedic surgery, especially if the bone spur is pressing on a nerve or limiting your range of motion by impinging tendons or ligaments in the spine. In these cases, NJ Spine & Orthopedic may recommend a special minimally invasive treatment called a laminoforaminotomy, a procedure that removes small portions of the protruding bone and relieves pressure on spinal nerves in an outpatient setting.

Do you worry you may have a spinal bone spur, or perhaps more than one? Try our Candidacy Verification tool to find a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you and start the process of finding relief today.