What Is a Bone Spur And How Is It Diagnosed?

Bone spurs are smooth bony growths that are commonly formed near joints. They are also known as osteophytes. It’s a medical condition that involves growth on the existing bone. However, it’s just an extra bone, which is not hard. So you might feel some pain due to it, but it’s not very hurtful. 

People often get confused with the name bone spur. Despite their name, these are smooth. Usually, over a period of time, some bony growth occurs in your body. These are known as bone spurs. It’s the progression of the normal bones with age.  

Medically speaking, bone spurs are an indication of the body’s healing response. They generally develop around joints, cartilage, tendon, or ligaments in case of inflammation or injury. This kind of injury or inflammation, in turn, causes the body to respond through excess bone growth in that area to counteract the damage.

What is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur is a hard and smooth bump of extra bone that usually develops near joints. Any place where two or more bones meet can develop a bone spur. Usually, they are found in these regions of the body: 

• Spine
• Hands
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Feet
• Knees

Mostly, individuals with bone spurs do not face any problems. However, it can be painful if the growth starts to rub against other bones or leads to increased pressure on nerves.  

Bone spurs themselves aren’t harmful. However, they can affect nearby bone and nerve structures in the body. For instance, it can hurt the spinal cord and nerves. The spine in humans entails 33 bones. These are specifically designed to protect the spinal cord. Between the bones, there are gel-filled discs.  These act as shock absorbers. 

All these discs have openings at the back that provide the nerve roots path to other body parts. These openings are tiny. If there are bone spurs in these openings, it can cause problems. They narrow the space and also exert pressure on the nerves. Such a condition is known as foramen stenosis.  

Causes of Bone Spurs

As a fact, osteoarthritis is one of the primary reasons for bone spurs. In addition, medical studies have highlighted several other causes for bone spurs. 

The reasons might vary from patient to patient. Hence, it’s better to know how it occurs and how to prevent it.  

Healthcare researchers have claimed that bone spurs are common. 

The causes and risk factors for bone spurs are:

• Heredity
• Injuries
• Aging
• Poor posture
• Nutrition
• Structural problems
• Disc and joint degeneration

The patients with the following conditions are more likely to face issues like bone spurs:

• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Arthritis

People over the age of 60 are more susceptible to bone spurs due to various wear & tear and bone degeneration issues. However, statistically speaking, regarding people over 60 who develop bone spurs, only 40% of them will experience painful symptoms that require medical treatment. 

Symptoms of Bone Spurs

People often feel back or neck pain. It’s a common sign of bone spurs. The inflammation in the joints and back muscles makes it painful. 

Some common symptoms of bone spur include:

• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Burning and tingling
• Radiating pain in thighs
• Muscle cramps
• Dull pain in the lower back
• Pain in shoulders
• Headaches. 

Mostly, different activities make it worse for patients. However, they feel better when they are resting. Additionally, the increased pressure on the nerves due to bone spurs leads to patients having trouble controlling their bowel and bladder functions.  

Bone Spur Diagnosis

Diagnosis is a critical aspect of devising treatment vectors for patients. In the case of bone spurs, the doctors require the medical history of their patients. In certain cases, physical examinations will also be done to determine the cause of the pain. 

Moreover, the doctors will utilize various diagnostic imaging tests. These facilitate the detection and helps determine the severity of the bone spurs. Imaging tests normally used for diagnostics are as follows:

• MRI Scan

The MRI scan is a sensitive diagnostic technique. It helps in assessing and identifying the subtle changes in the tissues and bones. It can be utilized for revealing bone spurs. The use of a magnetic field ensures that high-quality and detailed pictures are developed. It visualizes all the soft tissues.

The results of the MRI scan indicate reactive bone edema or any inflammation. The NJ imaging center guarantees that the imaging procedure is carried out efficiently. It involves following the protocols and ensures minimal radiation exposure.  

With time, MRIs have become more expensive as compared to other diagnostic imaging techniques. Moreover, it’s a safe and pain-free technique. 

• CT Scan

A CT scan is one of the most advantageous procedures. In the case of bone spurs, CT scans are ideal for detecting them. It also reflects how the adjacent soft tissues are affected by the bone outgrowths. 

Overall, a CT scan accurately assesses the anatomy of bones. If there are any changes or abnormalities, these are visible. Thus, it provides all the necessary diagnostic information about the internal structures of the spine. In addition, the radiologists at  NJ imaging are trained to conduct multiple cross-sectional x-rays of the body.  

The bone scan also helps in detecting any infections or fractures. It’s also beneficial in diagnosing arthritis in any part of the body. 

• Ultrasound Imaging 

An ultrasound is also helpful. It helps in identifying the cysts and bone spurs. Also, imaging helps evaluate the muscles and ligaments around the joints. 

In the case of bone spurs, the ligaments can be stretched or torn. Hence, it’s important to diagnose and initiate the treatment immediately. 

Ultrasounds have proven to be more beneficial as compared to MRI scans. Experts ensure that the ultrasound scans provide a unique reference. It’s more sensitive. 

• X-rays 

Mostly, doctors recommend standard x-rays for the diagnosis of bone spurs. It is because it provides conventional radiographic images. Additionally, it also helps indicates bone spur formation. Or, it highlights the degeneration of spinal cords.

An x-ray also indicates the distance or space between bones. For years, x-rays have supported the detection of bone issues. Hence, doctors often recommend an x-ray along with other diagnostic tests.  

The New Jersey Imaging Network Edison offers reliable and trustworthy imaging services. The diagnostic radiology network consists of highly professional radiologists. You can contact them to book an appointment. Also, you can visit their website to get more information. 

The bone spurs show up on the imaging tests. However, the doctors might need other tests to find out the reason for the pain. It is because bone spurs are usually not the reason behind the discomfort and pain. 

Treatment for Bone Spur

Health specialists are responsible for providing a treatment plan and medications according to your condition. 

Mostly, the following pain relievers are taken to deal with it:

• Naproxen Sodium
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen 

Doctors believe that bone spurs do not require treatment if they are not painful. However, in case of excess pain, you can visit a doctor. They will prescribe conservative treatments. These aim to reduce the overall inflammation in the injured area. Also, these strengthen your joints and bones. 

In some severe cases, the doctors might recommend surgery. However, it’s very rare. Unfortunately, sometimes the bone spurs directly increase pressure on the nerves. Hence, the pain becomes unbearable, and it also affects the movement of body parts. Overall, the operation involves minimally invasive techniques. 

Bone spurs aren’t preventable. However, some measures can be to keep the bones and joints healthy. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing footwear with proper support
• Regular workouts

At times, all you need to do is stretch your body and exercise. Then, you can deal with the pain and symptoms of a bone spur if you have relevant knowledge. Sometimes, these heal themselves, and you don’t need any treatment.  

Overall, the treatment plan is based on minimizing the pain. It helps take precautions that can limit the chances of joint damage. Some doctors also recommend home remedies like using ice for pain relief. Hence, if you have any indications of a bone spur, contact your health specialist. Some extra precautions and measures can help in avoiding serious issues.

Final Thoughts 

The bottom line is that bone spurs develop along with the edges of the bones and joints. These occur as a result of joint damages. In many cases, the patients do not feel any pain or stress. Hence, there are no visible symptoms. As a result, the condition can go undetected for years. 

The health specialists do not recommend any specific treatment for bone spurs. However, diagnostic imaging techniques are beneficial in assessing the condition. Additionally, some over-the-counter medicines are suggested for pain relief. 

If you sense any discomfort or bump in your joints, consult a doctor straight away. Also, let them know if you are facing any trouble in moving a joint. For example, people with arthritis face a higher risk of bone spurs. But, again, it’s better to have relevant knowledge as it helps deal with the symptoms.