Can spinal osteophytes be removed?
Can spinal osteophytes be removed?
Bone spurs can develop in several parts of the body, but when they grow on the spine and cause severe symptoms, removing them is an option. Luckily, the recovery time from this surgical procedure usually proceeds quickly and smoothly, according to Endoscopic Spine Surgeon Dr. Kaixuan Liu.
What causes osteophytes in the spine?
Bone spurs (osteophytes) often form where bones meet each other — in your joints. They can also form on the bones of your spine. The main cause of bone spurs is the joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Most bone spurs cause no symptoms and can go undetected for years.
Can osteophytes be treated?
Most cervical osteophytes, or bone spurs in the neck, have no symptoms and thus require no treatment. However, if bone spurs become symptomatic, numerous treatment options are available. Typically, non-surgical treatment options will be tried first.
Do you need surgery for bone spurs?
In some cases, surgery is necessary. In some cases, bone spurs that are directly pressing on nerves cause significant pain, weakness and loss of movement. If pain and symptoms can’t be treated with conservative treatment options, then surgery may be necessary.
What type of doctor removes bone spurs on spine?
If these nonsurgical treatments fail to treat pain due to bone spurs, a patient may be referred to a spinal surgeon.
Does icing help bone spurs?
Treatment of a bone spur is necessary only if the spur is causing symptoms. Rest and application of an ice pack sometimes help relieve pain and inflammation. In many cases, these symptoms also may be relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Can you remove osteophytes?
There’s usually no need to remove an osteophyte, unless it’s irritating a nerve in the spine or restricting a joint’s range of movement. If you do need surgery to remove an osteophyte, your surgeon will explain the procedure’s risks and benefits.
What are some treatments for osteophytes?
The presence of an osteophyte alone is not clinically significant unless associated symptoms are experienced. Treatment methods may include: Surgery: In the spine, removal of an osteophyte may be necessary for direct decompression of nerve impingement or to increase spinal canal width to reduce pinching by the osteophyte.
Do osteophytes require surgery?
Surgery: In the spine, removal of an osteophyte may be necessary for direct decompression of nerve impingement or to increase spinal canal width to reduce pinching by the osteophyte. Typically, conservative treatment is tried first. Surgery is reserved for people who have severe symptoms.
What is the treatment for bone spurs in the spine?
Local cold application can help when the location of the bone spur is accessible. Anti-inflammatory medications, administered both orally ( over-the-counter NSAIDs) and by local steroid injection (Kenalog, Depomedrol, Celestone), are commonly used, depending on the location of the spur.
What is the best treatment for bone spurs?
Weight management: Talk to a doctor about what type of diet is best.
