Overview | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a projection of bone that develops and grows along the edge of joints. Bone spurs are fairly common in people over the age of 60. It is not the bone spur itself that is the real problem; pain and inflammation begin to occur when the bone spur rubs against nerves and bones.
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As we age, the discs in our spine naturally degenerate and lose some of their natural shock-absorbing ability. Factors that contribute to and accelerate this process include stress, injury, poor posture, poor nutrition, and family history.
It is not uncommon for people with osteoarthritis to get bone spurs. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which joint cartilage begins to wear down, causing bone to rub against bone. As a result, the body may begin to produce new bone to protect against this, which is how a bone spur forms.
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Outlined below are some of the diagnostic tools that your physician may use to gain insight into your condition and determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
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The goal when treating bone spurs is to minimize pain and prevent any additional joint damage. Treatment methods may include weight loss, stretching and physical therapy, rest and ice. Injections can reduce inflammation long enough to relieve symptoms. Medications such as ibuprofen or injections may be administered for pain. Bone spurs can be surgically removed in the case of serious damage and deformity.
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Osteoporosis can have extremely serious consequences on the spine. It is a degenerative condition in which joint cartilage can begin to wear down, causing bone to rub against bone. As a result, the body may begin to produce new bone to protect against this, which is how a bone spur forms.
Bone spurs can generally be detected through X-ray, which can provide a visual of any bony deposits.
Because bone spurs are usually evidence of an underlying problem, this main problem should be addressed first. This can include treatment methods for degenerative disc disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. These conditions can often be successfully treated with nonsurgical methods.
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Have back or neck pain? Learn what causes symptoms and the home remedies that relieve pain. Experts estimate that 50% of back surgeries are unnecessary. Fact: Many people can recover from painful disc-related symptoms with nonsurgical treatment options like a spinal injection that reduces inflammation around a nerve root or customized spine therapy.
The good news is that 80% of back and neck pain gets better on its own over time. Only a small percentage of patients will ever need spine surgery. Isn’t that a relief? Learn about non-surgical treatment options.
As a community service to those who live on Long Island, SpineCare Long Island mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.
Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician within 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
Spinecare Long Island is excited to announce the opening of our new, beautiful, comfortable, state-of-the-art facility in Holbrook, New York. The Holbrook location combines the expertise of board-certified spine surgeons and interventional pain management specialists.
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