Bone Spurs in the Back and Neck

Bone Spurs Description

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that form along joints and are often seen in conditions such as arthritis. The bone spurs themselves aren't painful, but they can rub against nearby nerves and cause pain. They are largely responsible for limitations in joint motion.

Bone spurs are a signal of an underlying problem that often needs to be addressed. It isn't clear what causes bone spurs, but doctors believe they occur in reaction to changes in your joints due to diseases and aging — most commonly osteoarthritis.

Bone Spurs Symptoms

Where your bone spurs are located determines where you'll feel pain and whether you'll experience any other signs or symptoms. For instance, bones spurs on the bones of your spine can push against your nerves causing intermittent or constant pain.

Bone Spurs Treatment

Arthroscopic Laser Foramenoplasty

A foramen is the window through which a nerve root exits the spine. Bone spurs that form as a result of Degenerative Disc Disease or spinal arthritis may narrow the foramen causing spinal stenosis or foraminal stenosis, conditions that typically cause severe pain. Also, a foramen may be narrowed by a herniated disc or scar tissue from previous surgery. These problems are treated by foramenoplasty.

Foramenoplasty is performed through a small incision in the back, while the patient is conscious under a low-level IV sedation. The narrowed foramen is located with fluoroscopic x-rays, and a guide wire is placed down to the area of disease. Then, a hollow tube is inserted over the wire to the foramen. The endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through the tube. The miniaturized television camera on the endoscope provides direct visualization of scar tissue, bone spurs, and diseased disc material.