Introduction
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that occur over time. While the spurs themselves aren't painful, they can contribute to painful conditions when they rub on other bones or impinge nerves and other tissues in the body. In some cases, they can even provide some benefit by way of helping the aging body fortify joints and stabilize itself. They can form on any bone in your body, including your joints and spine. Some people with bone spurs never experience any signs or symptoms. However, for others, they can cause pain and loss of motion in the joints.
How Bone Spurs Form
The stress of life takes its toll on our bodies. The normal aging process can lead to the formation of bone spurs, and most people over the age of 60 have them to some degree. However, they can also be caused by illnesses or diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, bone spurs are characteristic of certain conditions. They are as follows:
• Osteoarthritis. This debilitating condition breaks down the cartilage in your joints. As a result, your body attempts to repair the damage by constructing more bone along the edges of your existing bones.
• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). A bony hardening of the ligaments that attach to your spine. Can cause pain and stiffness.
• Spondylosis. A degeneration of the bones in your neck or back caused by osteoarthritis.
• Plantar fasciitis. Also called a heel spur, which results from the chronic irritation and inflammation of the connective tissue that connects to the heel.
• Spinal stenosis. Bone spurs can play a role in the narrowing of the spinal column. This can exert pressure on your spinal cord or nerves and cause numbness, pain, weakness and more.
Other conditions that can cause bone spurs are spinal disc and joint degeneration, heredity, traumatic injury, poor nutrition and poor posture.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms such as joint pain and suspect that you may have bone spurs, seek medical attention. Your doctor will perform a medical examination in order to rule out other causes or underlying disease. Bone spurs are confirmed through X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. They can also sometimes be palpitated during a physical exam.
Available treatments for bone spurs include cortisone shots to reduce pain and inflammation, pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, rest and surgery. The individual course of treatment for bone spurs will depend on the severity of your symptoms.
