Treatment for a bone spur in the lower back can involve a number of approaches ranging from over-the-counter medications to surgery. As far as medications go, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers and muscle relaxants are all potential options. Physical therapy can be tailored to a patient’s specific needs, with lower back exercises usually receiving the majority of focus when treating bone spurs in the lumbar spine. At-home exercises, hot/cold therapy, spinal injections and lifestyle changes are other conservative treatments that can be quite effective.
Alternative bone spur treatments
Some people choose to add one or more alternative therapies to their bone spur treatment plans. Some options include:
- Yoga
- Therapeutic massage
- Chiropractic sessions
- Acupuncture
- Pilates
- Herbal remedies
- Aromatherapy
While there aren’t yet any studies that conclusively prove how effective these therapies can be for lumbar bone spur treatment, many people report an improvement in their quality of life after using them. With that said, these options are best used in combination with proven treatments rather than on their own.
Surgery for lumbar bone spurs
Sometimes, a bone spur requires surgical treatment. While many people are able to manage their discomfort through conservative measures, symptom control is the extent of what nonsurgical therapies can achieve. Surgery to remove the bone spur (or other bones/tissues) from the spine may be recommended if nonsurgical therapies do not produce the desired results.
USA Spine Care performs minimally invasive spine surgery on an outpatient basis. If you’ve had little or no success with conservative bone spur treatment, we can give you a no-cost MRI review* to help determine if you are a candidate for our procedures, which are performed using muscle-sparing techniques. We are the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, offering a safer and effective alternative to traditional operations.^ For more information, contact us today.
