What Are Spinal Bone Spurs?
Spinal bone spurs do not necessarily cause neck or back pain, but they often do. These smooth bony deposits can form on the spinal joints as a result of age-related degeneration. Over time, the cartilage in the facet joints slowly breaks down and wears away, leaving the bone surfaces exposed and allowing them to grind together. The production of bone spurs, or osteophytes, is the body’s natural, protective response. While spinal bone spurs do not always require treatment, pain can develop if bony tissue irritates or pinches a nearby spinal nerve.
What are the symptoms of a spinal bone spur that causes nerve compression?
A compressed spinal nerve can produce a number of symptoms, which can vary based on the location of the affected nerve and the amount of pressure it is under. For instance, spinal bone spurs can cause nerve compression that leads to:
- Neck or back pain
- Pain, tingling sensations or muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Headaches
- Reduced range of motion in the spine
- Bladder or bowel incontinence (in very severe cases)
Because these symptoms can be very similar to those produced by arthritis, muscle strains and other conditions, it is important to see a physician for a proper diagnosis prior to beginning treatment.
How are painful spinal bone spurs treated?
When spinal bone spurs require treatment, a nonsurgical approach is usually sufficient. Physical therapy can be helpful for increasing the strength of the muscles that support the spine, which can help shift painful pressure away from a compressed nerve. When the pain flares, an ice pack or heating pad can be applied as needed. Additionally, a physician may prescribe a pain reliever, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), muscle relaxant or epidural steroid injection. While the relief achieved with conservative therapy will be temporary, these treatments can be repeated as part of a long-term pain management plan.
If spinal bone spurs cause persistent neck or back pain that interferes with daily activities, a surgical procedure may be considered, such as a laminectomy, to remove the problematic bone spurs and permanently relieve the resulting nerve compression.
If you’d like to explore your options for treating painful spinal bone spurs, Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Houston, Texas, to set up a personal consultation with a spine specialist.
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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
So I was going to get on here and brag about what a great surgeon Dr. Cubbage is. But Cubbage is only 3/4 of the picture. He’ll fix you, but Karen is the one that will care for you and heal you! Facts are looks like dozens of people have already beat me to all of the brag I want to dish to these 2 people. I will leave it with one thing – Dr. Cubbage and Karen gave me my life back! Do I need to say more?
So I was going to get on here and brag about what a great surgeon Dr. Cubbage is. But Cubbage is only 3/4 of the picture. He’ll fix you, but Karen is the one that will care for you and heal you! Facts are looks like dozens of people have already beat me to all of the brag I want to dish to these 2 people. I will leave it with one thing – Dr. Cubbage and Karen gave me my life back! Do I need to say more?
Dr. Bacon is fantastic. While she may not always be the most personable, she is extremely knowledgeable. My ankle has been bothering me for years and other doctors have dismissed me. She took the time to do a thorough exam and understand my body mechanics to get to a diagnosis
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I never review places or services on Facebook, but I could not let others know how blessed I was to have Dr. Cubbage as my surgeon. He and his lovely staff, including awesome Karen, have truly taken care of during this difficult time. I am thrilled to say that I’m quickly on the mend and I’ll be back in the classroom very soon! Love this practice!!
I was in pain for a couple of months and went to see Dr. Cubbage. He knew right away by the way my posture what the issue was. He had me scheduled in and he along with his staff were awesome. After my surgery, I felt 100 % better. I had a few follow up visits and he along with his staff were genuinely attentive to my concerns and needs. I was also not in his network and his staff helped me out with that as well. I highly recommend him for people that have back or neck issues.
Dr. Cubbage & Staff replaced a disc that had been destroyed between my 4th and 5th vertebra. This is my 4th month since the surgery in January of 2018. I was very impressed with their dedication and professional approach to helping me live a more productive life. I am a 70 year old wife, mother and grandmother. Feel very blessed. Sincerely!
Excellent experience. The doctor, staff, office services and hospital care were outstanding before, during and after the procedure. Thank you – Heathgrades, Dr. Cubbage review