Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are little, bony growths that develop along the edges of bones. Bone spurs can cause localized discomfort. When they develop along the spine, bone spurs can lead to back pain and other symptoms.
Bone spurs are relatively common, especially around the ankles and feet. One study analyzing 1,026 lateral ankle X-rays found that 11.2% of individuals had plantar calcaneal spurs. These are bone spurs on the underside of the heel bone. In addition, 9.3% of people in the study had dorsal calcaneal spurs, which grow on the upper part of the heel bone. While bone spurs often develop around the feet due to persistent stress and conditions like plantar fasciitis, they are not limited to this region. Bone spurs can develop on bones throughout the body, including the bones in your back.
While they may sound alarming, bone spurs themselves are not always painful. In many cases, bone spurs don’t need treatment. However, when they form along the spine, they can cause symptoms that affect your daily life. Understanding the signs of bone spurs and the treatments available can help you take control of your condition and find relief.
Symptoms of bone spurs in the back
The symptoms of bone spurs in the back can vary. The symptoms you experience may depend on the location, position and size of your bone spurs. You may also experience additional symptoms when your bone spurs impact nearby nerves or tissue. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Back pain — Pain tends to be one of the most noticeable symptoms of bone spurs. This pain is often localized around the bone spurs. People who have bone spurs on their spinal bones may experience localized back and neck pain. Pain typically occurs wherever bone spurs are pressing against muscles, nerves and other soft tissue. This pain can range from mild discomfort to persistent, nagging pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Stiffness — Bone spurs can limit movement in the spine. You may find it harder to bend, twist or stretch with bone spurs. Stiffness is especially common in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Over time, reduced mobility can make tasks like tying your shoes or sitting up in bed more challenging.
- Nerve-related symptoms — When bone spurs press on nearby nerves, you may experience symptoms like numbness and tingling. People often describe a pins-and-needles sensation whenever a nerve is compressed. These nerve-related symptoms are most common in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the bone spurs. Many nerves run along your spine and into your limbs. Because of this, a nerve that is pinched along the spine may lead to symptoms in other parts of your body. A licensed physical therapist can help pinpoint the source of your symptoms.
- Muscle weakness — Nerve compression caused by bone spurs can also lead to weakness in the muscles connected to the affected nerves. For example, bone spurs in your lower spine may cause leg weakness. Bone spurs in your upper spine could affect your arms.
Treatments for bone spurs in the back
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques used by physical therapists. Manual techniques like soft tissue mobilization can reduce pain, improve mobility and release tension. Your physical therapist can use their hands to directly manipulate tissue along your spine, which can provide rapid relief. Manual therapy can also improve blood flow to the affected area. This can promote healing and reduce any inflammation caused by your bone spurs. Regular manual therapy sessions can be highly effective in managing symptoms and maintaining spine health.
- Targeted exercises — Exercise is often a fundamental part of physical therapy. When treating bone spurs, your physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise plan to strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Strengthening your core, back and hips can reduce pressure on your spine and improve overall stability. Stretching exercises can help relieve tension and increase flexibility, making it easier for you to move without pain.
- TelePT — If you can’t attend PT sessions in person, don’t worry. TelePT can be a great alternative. TelePT allows you to work with a licensed physical therapist from the comfort of your home. Through video sessions, your physical therapist can assess your symptoms, demonstrate exercises and guide you through your treatment plan. TelePT can be a convenient option for people with busy schedules or those who have difficulty traveling to a clinic.
- Lifestyle modifications — There are changes you can make to your daily routine to help reduce strain on your spine and minimize bone spur symptoms. Your physical therapist can offer professional advice on healthy lifestyle changes. These might include improving your posture, especially while sitting or standing for long periods. Your physical therapist might recommend using an ergonomic chair or standing desk to reduce strain on your spine. Other helpful changes might include getting into a regular weekly exercise routine that promotes good spinal health.
Forever Fit can help you manage your bone spur symptoms
When you have painful bone spurs, getting effective treatment is vital. Forever Fit is here to help you take control of your symptoms and get back to doing the things you love. You can access expert back pain services at our Gaithersburg location and get great treatment at our nine other locations across Maryland. You can also access treatment online through our telePT platform. Regardless of your needs, we’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
Contact our team today for more information about bone spur treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.