Spinal bone spurs can develop in the spine when a degenerative condition causes bone to rub against bone. This can lead to inflammation, and in an attempt to strengthen the affected area, the body sometimes creates calcium deposits called osteophytes or, more commonly, bone spurs in the spine. On its own, a bone spur doesn’t produce noticeable symptoms. However, if it comes in contact with the spinal cord or a nerve root, symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness may make bone spur treatment necessary.

Bone spurs can result from a variety of degenerative spinal conditions. Spinal osteoarthritis, which affects the facet joints, and degenerative disc disease, which can lead to contact between vertebrae, are two of the more common examples.

Nonsurgical bone spur treatments

The good news is that many individuals experiencing pain and other issues because of a spinal bone spur are able to reduce their symptoms to a tolerable level through conservative and alternative methods. Though they will not be able to reverse the condition, these treatments can help manage pain and inflammation and reduce the pressure on the affected area of the spine. Some popular bone spur treatment options include:

• Chiropractic manipulation
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
• Hot and cold compresses
• Massage therapy
• Lifestyle modifications

What to do when conservative and alternative methods don’t produce results

If you try nonsurgical bone spur treatment methods for several months and your symptoms persist, you may eventually want to consider surgery to address your spinal bone spur. USA Spine Care offers minimally invasive surgery to treat bone spurs and other degenerative spinal conditions, and we will be happy to provide you with a free MRI review* to help determine if you are a candidate for our outpatient procedures.

If you would like additional information about the procedures our board-certified surgeons+ perform, contact USA Spine Care today.