1. Bone Spur Causes, Prevention Techniques & Treatment Methods
While bone spur causes can vary from patient to patient, the symptoms of this spinal
condition will typically remain the same. The body creates bone spurs along the bony
segments of the spine, called the vertebrae, in an effort to provide the neck and back
with added stability. This typically follows the onset of a degenerative spine condition –
such as degenerative disc disease, facet disease, or osteoarthritis – which involves the
gradual deterioration of one or more of the spine’s anatomical components.
Bone Spur Causes
The various degenerative spinal conditions that can lead to the development of a bone spur, also called
an osteophyte, most commonly occur in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the
spine. These areas are responsible for supporting the head and a large percentage of the body’s weight,
respectively, and facilitate a great deal of movement. These responsibilities can eventually take their toll
on the spine, leading to the deterioration of facet joints, intervertebral discs, and other anatomical
components. The body may create bone spurs, which are smooth extensions of a natural bone
structure, in an attempt to make up for loss of stability in the damaged area of the spine.
Symptoms of Bone Spurs
The mere presence of spinal bone spurs does not typically cause patients to experience any discomfort;
it is only when a bone spur invades the spinal column and comes into contact with the spinal cord or a
nerve root that symptoms are experienced. Pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness can
present as focal symptoms and can also travel along the affected nerve to be experienced in seemingly
unrelated areas of the body. The exact location of these symptoms will vary depending on which region
of the spine is affected:
• Cervical spine – Nerve compression in the cervical spine can lead to discomfort in the neck,
upper back, shoulders, and/or arms.
• Thoracic spine – Though rarely affected by degenerative spine conditions, compression of neural
structures in the thoracic spine can cause patients to experience symptoms in the middle back,
ribs, torso, and/or inner organs.
• Lumbar spine – When a nerve in the lumbar spine becomes affected, symptoms may be felt in
the lower back, hips, buttocks, and/or legs. If the sciatic nerve is affected, patients may only
experience discomfort on one side of the body and symptoms may travel all the way to the toes.
Preventing Bone Spurs
While the natural aging process is one of the leading bone spur causes, there are certain things
individuals can do to proactively ward off degenerative spine conditions. One of the best things an
individual can do to keep his or her spine in optimal health is to maintain a healthy weight. Being obese
places excess pressure on the spine and can lead to premature deterioration of certain components of
the spine. For this same reason, patients who were unable to fend off degenerative spinal conditions
may be able to relieve themselves of their bone spur-related symptoms by shedding excess pounds.
In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, individuals can also defend themselves against spinal bone
spurs by avoiding the following:

2. • Tobacco products – Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals, such as nicotine and carbon
monoxide, which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. These chemicals can also
affect blood circulation, making it more difficult for the body to heal and repair itself.
• Alcohol abuse – Excessive alcohol consumption can have similar effects on the body as tobacco
products. Abusing alcohol can also lead to dehydration of the intervertebral discs, which can
lead to a number of degenerative spine conditions.
• High-impact sports – Gymnasts, football players, hockey players, and participants in other high-
impact sports are at greater risk for developing degenerative spine conditions. Individuals
should make an effort to partake in low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and
stretching, as these forms of exercise promote a healthy lifestyle without placing too much
strain on the neck and back.
Treating Spinal Bone Spurs
Regardless of patients’ bone spur causes, treatment can typically be
achieved through conservative, nonsurgical means. Most doctors will
begin treatment for bone spurs by prescribing a regimen of over-the-
counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs,
such as ibuprofen and naproxen, block the body’s production of certain
enzymes, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. For those
patients who are unable to take NSAIDs, either because of a different
medical condition or because of interactions with other medications,
pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
Physical therapy is another effective treatment for spinal bone spurs.
Strengthening the muscles in the neck and back can help to relieve
some of the pressure that is being placed on the affected spinal nerve.
A physical therapist can tailor exercises to meet a patient’s specific
needs while ensuring that the spine does not endure any additional
damage. Physical therapy may also entail posture modification
techniques, hot/cold therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and more.
Some patients may choose to take a more holistic approach to their bone spur treatment. Several
alternative therapies are available for individuals who suffer from chronic neck and back pain, including:
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Massage
• Restorative yoga, Pilates, and other exercise regimens
• Herbs and dietary supplements
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• And others
In order to find the alternative therapy that will best complement the treatment(s) recommended by a
doctor or spine specialist, patients should consult a holistic health practitioner. Patients should also keep
their doctor abreast of any alternative therapies that are being attempted.

3. Surgery for Bone Spurs
If a patient’s bone spur causes chronic pain that is not
relieved through conservative, nonsurgical means, a doctor
or spine specialist may recommend surgery. As a general
rule, patients are able to choose between two surgical
procedures: open spine surgery and endoscopic
procedures. Open spine surgery typically requires a long
surgical incision and involves the complete removal of the
spinal element that has undergone deterioration. For
example, if the facet joints have become arthritic and led to
the development of bone spurs, the surrounding vertebrae
are fused together using a bone graft, vertebral cage, and other hardware. Endoscopic procedures,
however, often allow most or all of the anatomical components of the spine to remain in place. During
these procedures, a small incision – typically less than one inch long – is made in the neck or back. An
endoscope is then inserted and a laser is used to carefully remove only the precise source of the
patient’s pain. Spinal fusion is not required and many patients are able to return to daily activities within
a matter of weeks.
Each type of surgery comes with its own unique risks and benefits. Patients should discuss the pros and
cons of these procedures with their doctors and spine specialists. Patients may also want to pursue a
second or third opinion to ensure all conservative treatments were attempted and that the correct
diagnosis was formed in the first place.