Spinal bone spurs-called osteophytes-are bony overgrowths that can compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord, causing neck pain, back pain, numbness, weakness, and reduced mobility. They commonly form in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine as part of natural aging, arthritis, or disc degeneration. This condition is part of many spine disorders we treat in our Conditions & Treatments section.
What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs are abnormal bony projections that form where bones meet, especially in arthritic or degenerating joints.
In the spine, they can narrow the spinal canal or foramina, leading to nerve impingement.
Common causes include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal arthritis (spondylosis)
- Previous spine injury
- Chronic inflammation
- Normal age-related changes
Bone spurs can exist without symptoms, but painful cases often require evaluation by a spine specialist.
Symptoms of Spinal Bone Spurs
Symptoms usually develop when a bone spur compresses nerve roots or the spinal cord.
Common symptoms:
- Localized neck or back pain
- Radiating arm or leg pain (radiculopathy)
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Severe compression may cause loss of coordination, gait changes, or bladder/bowel dysfunction-seek immediate care if these occur. In rare cases, bone spurs near the tailbone may contribute to chronic coccyx pain, which can require procedures such as coccygectomy when conservative care fails.
What Causes Bone Spurs in the Spine?
Bone spurs form as the body attempts to stabilize worn or inflamed joints.
Primary causes:
- Arthritis of the spine
- Disc collapse or degeneration
- Facet joint hypertrophy
- Genetic predisposition
- Athletic or occupational strain
In MN and WI patients, bone spurs often appear in midlife to older adults and are frequently detected during imaging for chronic spine pain.
How Bone Spurs Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with imaging to evaluate narrowing around nerves or the spinal canal.
Tests may include:
- X-rays – reveal spur formation
- MRI –shows nerve compression and soft tissue involvement and helps distinguish bone spurs from other neurological conditions such as cavernous malformations.
- CT scan – detailed view of bony overgrowth
- Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) – assess nerve irritation
A complete exam helps determine whether symptoms are caused by bone spurs or other conditions such as herniated discs or stenosis.
Treatment Options for Spinal Bone Spurs
Treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing neurological decline.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Often recommended first:
- Physical therapy for mobility and posture
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Epidural steroid injections
- Activity modification and ergonomic changes
Many patients improve with conservative care, especially if nerve compression is mild.
Surgical Treatment for Bone Spurs
Surgery is considered when bone spurs cause severe pain, progressive weakness, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression that doesn’t improve with non-surgical care.
Common procedures:
- Foraminotomy – removes bone spurs narrowing nerve pathways
- Laminectomy – decompresses the spinal canal
- Discectomy with spur removal
- Cervical or lumbar fusion if instability is present
- Minimally invasive decompression when appropriate
And advanced procedures like corpectomy when extensive bone overgrowth compresses the spinal cord.
Outcomes
Most patients experience:
- Reduced nerve compression
- Improved mobility and activity tolerance
- Decreased neck, back, arm, or leg pain
- Enhanced overall function
Your surgeon will discuss expected recovery based on imaging, symptoms, and overall spinal health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are bone spurs always painful?
No. Many bone spurs cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on imaging.
Can bone spurs go away on their own?
Bone spurs do not shrink naturally, but symptoms may improve with conservative treatment.
When is surgery necessary for a bone spur?
Surgery is considered when spurs cause nerve compression, weakness, or persistent pain despite non-surgical care.
Do bone spurs cause spinal stenosis?
Yes. Bone overgrowth from arthritis is one of the most common causes of spinal stenosis.
Can minimally invasive surgery remove bone spurs?
Yes-many cervical and lumbar bone spurs can be treated through minimally invasive decompression depending on location.
Are bone spurs common in older adults?
Yes. They commonly occur with age-related degeneration, especially in patients over 40.
Schedule a Spine Evaluation
If you’re experiencing neck pain, back pain, or nerve symptoms related to bone spurs, early evaluation can prevent worsening compression. Our board-certified spine surgeons and neurosurgeons-including Dr. Glenn Buttermann, Dr. Eric S. Nussbaum, and Dr. Stefano Sinicropi-provide advanced care across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. We offer spine and neurosurgical care at convenient locations including Stillwater, Blaine, and Burnsville.
Call us or request an appointment today. You don’t have to manage spine pain alone.