Bone spurs, also referred to as osteophytes, are not actually spurs or points but are smooth outgrowths of normal bone material that may occur in any bone in the body. They're the result of degeneration of the joint surfaces and can cause a variety of symptoms. According to SpineUniverse.com, the cervical and lumbar spine are particularly susceptible to degenerative changes because of the wide range of motion and some very complex anatomy. The bone spurs themselves are not painful but can put pressure on nerves and other soft tissues, causing local or radiating pain, loss of range of motion, and numbness or tingling or even weakness in the extremities. A variety of causes lead to bone spurs.
Aging
As we age, we typically lose bone density. Nutrients such as calcium are leached from our bones for use elsewhere in the body. This process can contribute to spur formation. In addition, as we age our ligaments, joints and muscles become weaker and have less stability. Bone spur formation is our body's way of trying to stabilize the joint.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative Joint Disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is a wear-and-tear arthritis that occurs when our joints don't function properly over time. Abnormal motion creates stress on the joints, causing them to break down. The way a bone manifests degeneration is to build bone spurs.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease is also a breakdown of the joint of the spine but affects the soft cushion between each of the vertebra, called the disc. When this disc dries out, cracks or wears down, the normal movements of the spine create stress on the surrounding joint surfaces, again causing bone spur growth.
Muscle Spasm
Chronic muscle spasm that can result from poor posture or old injuries can lead to extra stress in a number of ways. First, when a muscle is in spasm, it puts extra stress on its attachment sites. This causes the bone to conform to the pressure. Secondly, these chronic muscle spasms alter the way we move our spines, which again puts stress on the joint.
Injuries
Injuries such as auto accidents, sports injuries and other trauma can put in place a cycle of decline, leading to stress on joints and eventually the formation of arthritis--including bone spurs. After such an injury, proper spinal care is important even if symptoms aren't noticed right away.
