Choosing to undergo spinal bone spur surgery is a decision that should be well thought out. As with any surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider and you should be sure to thoroughly discuss them with your doctor.

Before you consent to any procedure, you should confirm with your doctor - and perhaps several other medical professionals - that all conservative (nonsurgical) treatment methods have first been exhausted. In most cases, patients with one or more bone spurs can find significant pain relief after several weeks or months of conservative treatments. Such methods often include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, cold and/or hot therapies, low-impact exercise, gentle stretching, and facet joint injections. These types of treatments can help to relieve the pressure that a bone spur may be exerting on the spinal cord or a nerve root, which can cause localized pain and radiating symptoms of weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities. If conservative methods have failed to alleviate your symptoms, bone spur surgery may be your last option for pain relief.

Bone Spur Surgery Options

There are several types of procedures used to treat spinal bone spurs and their associated symptoms. Based on the specific circumstances of your condition, your general health, age, and other factors, your doctor may recommend one surgery over another. To be sure that you consent to a procedure that will be the most beneficial, take time to research and understand each option. Some bone spur procedures include:

• Osteophytectomy - This is an operation that removes bone spurs from the surface of a bone.

• Foraminotomy - A vertebral foramen is a canal through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column. If a bone spur forms near a foramen, the outbound nerve could be pinched. A foraminotomy is a procedure that removes a small piece of bone from a foramen, to relieve pressure from the pinched nerve.

• Laminotomy - A laminotomy involves the partial removal of a lamina, or the thin, bony plate that forms a protective arch around the posterior (back) side of the spinal cord. Removing this bone can allow neural tissue room to expand away from a compressive bone spur.

Risks to Consider

The most important things you can discuss with your doctor are the risks involved with spinal bone spur surgery. A highly invasive open back or neck procedure will involve a hospital stay of several days, general anesthesia, and large incisions, either in the front of your neck, in your abdomen, or along your back. Open surgeries typically require muscle dissection so the surgeon can reach the offending bone spur. Along with an increased chance for infection and bleeding, if you choose to undergo a highly invasive procedure, you'll likely face a painful and lengthy recovery period. On the other hand, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, which typically involves the insertion of a thin tube outfitted with an endoscope, camera, and laser. These procedures require local anesthesia and a small incision in the neck or back. Since an endoscope can be inserted through a small incision, surrounding musculature won't be detached or dissected. Additionally, this type of procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you won't need to stay overnight in a hospital.

In Conclusion

Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions regarding the bone spur surgery options he or she has recommended for you. Obtaining a second or third opinion and researching various surgical procedures on your own also can be helpful.