Development of a spinal bone spur, or osteophyte, most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar region). This is because the lower back is subjected to a great deal of stress-inducing movement and bears most of the weight of the upper body. Over time, the joints where the lumbar vertebrae meet can begin to wear down, reducing stability in the lower spine. The body responds to a loss of joint stability by producing osteophytes, which are smooth, bony nodules that grow along the edges of existing bone. In most cases, bone spurs in the spine remain asymptomatic and may go undetected for decades.
How Bone Spurs Cause Symptoms
Only when a bone spur in the lower back comes into contact with a nerve root or the spinal cord will symptoms occur. In some cases, twisting or flexion of the spine might bring a neural structure into contact with a bone spur, triggering temporary symptoms that diminish when the activity is halted. In other cases, contact between an osteophyte and spinal nerve might be constant, producing persistent, chronic symptoms, such as:
Localized pain at the site of the nerve compression
Constant pain in the upper leg or buttocks
Radiating pain (radiculopathy) which shoots down the lower back, the buttocks, and the legs
Tingling in the buttocks or legs
Numbness or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, feet, or toes
Treatment Options
Regardless of whether chronic symptoms associated with a bone spur in the lower back are intermittent or persistent, they usually can be managed effectively using conservative, non-surgical methods. These include pain medication, professionally supervised exercise and stretching, corticosteroid injections, and more. However, if chronic symptoms persist for several weeks or months despite a regimen of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option.
Make Sure to Consult Your Doctor
Pain in the back or neck that doesn't go away after a few days indicates the need for a doctor's care. Contact your primary care physician about your low back pain and go in for a checkup if he or she recommends it. To diagnose a spine condition like a bone spur or bulging disc in the lower back, your doctor will first ask you about your medical history - the symptoms you are experiencing, their severity, and whether any activities make your symptoms feel better or worse. Next will come a physical exam during which your doctor will test your range of motion and flexibility. You also may be asked to perform certain movements so that your doctor can note any physical difficulties you're experiencing. If you have a bone spur in your lower back, the information gleaned from your medical history and your physical exam is usually enough for doctor to arrive at a firm diagnosis. Your physician may want to confirm your diagnosis with medical imagery; if so, you will be sent for X-rays, MRI tests, and/or CT scans.
In Conclusion
The spine is responsible for protecting your central nervous system, so don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions about spinal pain. It's better to ask your doctor's advice in advance about medications, exercises, dietary changes, and other do-it-yourself treatments, than to cause further damage because of a treatment you attempted by yourself at home.
