Introduction
Bone spurs are generally considered Osteophytes. Osteophytes are irregular bone growths that occur in the vertebrae. It can develop for several reasons and one of the most common causes is friction that occurs within joints. When it experiences this kind of stress, the body tries to repair itself by creating more calcium deposits or bone. It attempts to strengthen the bones to counter the friction it is experiencing. These calcium deposits are bone spurs.
The new bone can have a different form and structure compared to the original one. Eventually, these irregular bone growths become large enough to affect nearby tissues which can result in excruciating symptoms.
Bone Spurs can develop anywhere in the body, the vertebrae and the spine included. When these bone spurs develop in the spine, some of them become large enough to cause compression of nearby spinal nerve roots and columns. This compression results in varying symptoms.
Unlike what is implied in the name, however, bone spurs are not actually sharp. Rather, they are smooth rounded bone growths. They can develop anteriorly or posteriorly. Posterior osteophytes are bone growths that developed near the back of the spine and can lead to Stenosis – gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. Anterior osteophytes are bone growths that develop in the front of the spine. They usually occur in the cervical region and is commonly caused by aging.
Symptoms Of Bone Spurs
Usually, symptoms do not show until the bone spurs have affected a nearby spinal nerve root or the spinal column because the spine is part of the central nervous system that controls the feeling and movement of the body, hence it is a highly innervated area. Once compression on the spinal nerve occurs, it can result in painful symptoms in various parts of the body.
Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the bone spur in the spine and the severity of the condition. The following are examples of different parts of the body that may experience symptoms depending on the region affected:
Cervical Spine
When the bone spur occurs in the cervical region of the spine, the following areas may be affected:
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Upper back
- Arms
Thoracic Spine
When the bone spurs occur in the thoracic region of the spine, the following areas may be affected:
- Middle back
- Torso
- Ribs
- Internal organs
Lumbar Spine
When the bone spurs occur in the lumbar region of the spine, the following areas may be affected:
- Lower back
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Legs
The following symptoms may be experienced in those areas that are affected:
- Crepitus: A painful feeling of bone rubbing against bone caused by irregular bone formation.
- Local Pain: This refers to the throbbing or painful point in the affected joint area.
- Numbness: Occurs when there is a loss of feeling or sensation.
- Stiffness: Joints begin to feel locked in place and difficult to move.
- Traveling Pain: Pain that starts in the joints then moves to other extremities in the body.
How To Prevent Bone Spurs
The unfortunate reality is that there is no guaranteed way to prevent bone spurs from happening. However, living a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce your risk of developing bone spurs. Lifestyle changes that can help prevent bone spurs from growing include:
- Be physically fit.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra stress on bones and joints.
- Maintain good posture and ergonomics (proper positioning at your desk).
- Prevent joint injuries by stretching and using safe exercise techniques.
- Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes.
How Long Do Bone Spurs Last?
Bone spurs will not go away on their own. Patients with bone spurs will need to have them surgically removed to be rid of them.
Can Bone Spurs Grow Back?
It is extremely rare for bone spurs to grow back after they have been surgically removed, however, bone spurs could develop in other areas.