What causes bone spurs?
Bone spurs are small, pointed or rounded outgrowths of bone that can develop wherever inflammation occurs which is usually near joints. Bone spurs along the spine are common among patients who have degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. Some bone spurs may never cause any pain, but if a bone spur compresses a nerve, pain is inevitable.
Bone spurs are formed by a miscommunication in the body that fires up the body’s histamines to fight a perceived injury to a joint. The ligaments of a facet joint are typical vectors for osteoarthritis and bone spurs. The small ligaments of the joints become inflamed with synovitis. The body’s immune response mistakenly commands the cells that form bone deposits to create bone spurs.
How are bone spurs diagnosed?
Location is everything for bone spurs. For example, bone spurs that form near your spinal cord (spinal stenosis) or in your foramina (foraminal stenosis) will generate a specific type of pain if a nerve root that serves your arms or legs is compressed. Bone spurs in your facet joints will often compress local nerve cells producing pain near the vertebra where they are located making it easier to identify their source.
What is the treatment for bone spurs?
Over-the-counter medications are available, but they are not all the same. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will reduce pain but not reduce inflammation. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen will treat pain and inflammation.
For intense pain, some doctors may prescribe opioid-based pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Dr. Nourian’s practice is opioid-free. He may suggest holistic alternatives such as acupuncture, Tai-Chi, yoga, Pilates, and structured, low-impact, exercise programs. Epidural corticosteroid injections may also be components of Dr. Nourian’s treatment plan to reduce pain caused by bone spurs.
Since bone spurs are a sign of inflammation, Dr. Nourian may recommend lifestyle changes such as a diet that includes spices and vegetables that naturally counteract inflammation. If you are a smoker, Dr. Nourian can help you curb a habit that has been shown to impede spine recovery after surgeries.
For those patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatment after a few months, Dr. Nourian may request additional imaging tests. All appropriate surgical options will be reviewed carefully to find the most appropriate microdecompression treatment for your bone spurs. All of Dr. Nourian’s surgeries are opioid-free which reduces the risk of drug dependency in the future.
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Neck & Spine Specialities
Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.
Arthritis
Bulging/Herniated Discs
Disease & Disorders
Degeneration
Fractures
Infections
Injuries
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Stiff Neck
Tumors
General Orthopedics
Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Arthritis
Bursitis
Chronic Pain
Deformities
Disorders
Fractures
Injuries
Sprains
Strains
Tendonitis
