In-depth information on how bone spurs (osteophytes) contribute to back pain and back problems such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and facet joint problems
Spinal
stenosis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Updated April 3, 2007
Spinal stenosis is a condition that compresses nerves and can produce symptoms
of pain, numbness and tingling into the legs with activity. In rare cases,
it can result in severe pain and even weakness, often affecting the low back
and sciatic nerve. A bone spur (osteophyte) can press on the nerve root
and cause lateral spinal stenosis. Read
more...
By: Charles Dean Ray, MD
Understanding osteoarthritis of the spine
June 7, 2005
Osteoarthritis pain typically is worse in the morning and again in the evening, with some improvement during the day as the patient moves around. Spinal arthritis is one of the common causes of back pain in elderly adults, and usually limits back motion and flexibility as well. Read more...
By: Charles D. Ray, MD
Facet
joint disorders
December 10, 2002
Facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine and can simply wear
out or become degenerated over time, leading to a process that produces bone
spurs and an enlargement of the joints. The progression of bone spurs and
joint enlargement may also cause osteoarthritis. Read
more...
By: Charles Dean Ray, MD
Understanding
cervical spondylotic myelopathy
August 31, 2001
The process that leads to spinal
cord compression is a result of cervical "arthritis" (also
called cervical spondylosis), which is incompletely
understood and likely has a number of causes. Bone
spurs (osteophytes) are though to be one cause of cervical
spondylotic myelopathy. This article includes
the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments options for
the condition. Read
more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD,
FACS
Facet
joint osteoarthritis
September 8, 1999 (Updated February 28, 2001)
Breakdown of cartilage between the facet joints in the low back can cause pain
as well as stiffness and loss of motion. Conservative treatments that concentrate
on maintaining motion in the back are most effective for relieving the pain
associated with facet joint osteoarthritis from bone spurs. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Bone
spurs (osteophytes) and back pain
October 10, 2000
Many patients are told that they have "bone spurs" (osteophytes)
in their back or neck, with the implication that the bone spurs are the cause
of their back pain. While bone spurs are an indication that there is degeneration
of the spine, bone spurs are not usually the actual cause of the back pain. Read
more...
By: John H. Schneider, MD
Symptoms
of bone spurs
October 10, 2000
Medical providers often refer
to the changes in bone spurs as related to spinal arthritis
or osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Bone spurs
can cause stiffness and lower back pain that is usually
worse in the morning, gets better after moving around,
then gets worse again at the end of the day. Read
more...
By: John H. Schneider, MD
