Bone spur diagnosis can be difficult, because bone spurs within the spine often remain asymptomatic indefinitely. Only if the bony growths come into contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root will pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness be produced. Should symptoms arise, the goal of a primary care physician or spine specialist will be to determine whether a bone spur or some other anatomical abnormality is to blame.
Diagnostic Methods and Tools
Should a doctor determine that a bone spur might be responsible for neurological symptoms, he or she will likely want to investigate what led to the development of osteophytes. Potential causes include degenerative spine conditions, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, as well as conditions associated with behavior (prolonged poor posture) and outside influences (traumatic injury).
In addition to an X-ray and a routine set of questions - location of the pain, injury history, family medical history, etc. - a general practitioner or specialist might decide to order one or more of the following tests in order to gain a more precise diagnosis of back or neck pain:
MRI - magnetic resonance imaging produces clear pictures of the interior of the body without the use of X-ray.
CT scan - computed tomography uses computers and X-rays to produce images of cross-sections of the body.
Discography - a contrast dye is injected into an intervertebral disc that is believed to be causing back or neck pain. The dye distinguishes damaged areas from healthy areas of the disc, which can be seen on an X-ray.
Myelogram - similar to a discography, contrast dye is used to detect damaged tissue within other portions of the spine in addition to the discs.
Bone scan - radioactive material is injected into the body and collects in the bones, especially in areas affected by an abnormality.
EMG - in electromyography, muscle activity is monitored by very fine needles that measure response to brain signals.
Treatment Methods
In most cases, symptoms associated with the development of bone spurs within the spine can be managed non-surgically. Conservative treatment methods include pain medication, exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. Should chronic symptoms persist for three months or longer, a doctor might suggest exploring surgical options.
In Conclusion
If you believe that you have a bone spur in the spine or any other location in your body, it's important for you to go to a doctor who can properly diagnose your condition. While you may think it's easier to diagnose yourself and try at-home treatments, this can be risky. First, the symptoms of a bone spur can mimic those of other potentially more serious conditions; and failing to go to a doctor would only delay the treatment that you need. Second, some treatments you try at home without a doctor's approval may have the opposite effect of what you intended, actually worsening your condition instead of improving it.
While extremely rare, serious consequences can arise when bone spurs are present in the lower spine. One of these consequences is cauda equina syndrome, which is the compression of the cauda equina. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerve roots that extends off the lower end of the spinal cord. If a spinal bone spur, herniated disc, or other anomaly presses on the cauda equina, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, paralysis, incontinence, and other problems. If you suffer from severe low back pain, muscle weakness in both legs, bowel or urinary incontinence, and numbness in the groin, go to the emergency room immediately.
