In general, bone spur causes are virtually unpreventable. The number one cause of spinal bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) is the aging process, usually accompanied by the development of osteoarthritis. Spinal arthritis is the progressive diminishment of cartilage that lines the facet joints, where the vertebrae meet and articulate. Worn cartilage can reduce the stability of a joint, and the body responds by producing extra bone (an osteophyte) in the area of the joint. Although the precise causes of osteoarthritis are not completely understood, the prevalence of the condition among people middle-aged and older is a clear indication that age is a factor. And because osteoarthritis is a precursor to the growth of bone spurs, it follows that people in their mid-40s and older are more likely to develop osteophytes.

Can Bone Spur Growth Be Stopped?

There is nothing one can do to stop the growth of spinal bone spurs. The best that can be hoped for is to prepare the body to deal with the potential effects of a bone spur. What are those effects? It depends on a number of factors, including the size of the osteophyte, its location along the spine, and the patient's overall health. Some bone spurs have very little effect, and may go undetected for years - even decades. Others grow large enough to make intermittent or constant contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root. This is known as nerve compression, and when it happens, the following symptoms can occur:

* Pain at the site of the compression
* Pain that travels the length of a nerve
* Tingling
* Numbness
* Muscle weakness

A bone spur that causes these symptoms may require surgical removal, if conservative methods of treatment prove ineffective over the course of several weeks or months. One of the best ways to avoid surgery is to work closely with a doctor and/or physical therapist to formulate a treatment plan that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Ways to Mitigate Bone Spur Causes

If a bone spur begins to cause symptoms such as neck or back pain, the natural tendency might be to avoid exercise. After all, if something hurts, isn't it better to avoid activity that may exacerbate the discomfort? Yes - and no. Certainly, someone suffering from spinal nerve compression related to an osteophyte should probably avoid excessively strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting and contact sports. That said, it would be a mistake to eschew all exercise. Under a doctor's supervision, stretching and low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming are, in fact, vital components of a broad-ranging treatment plan. Strengthening the muscles of the back or neck can provide greater spine support, removing some of the burden from the affected joint or joints. Exercise can also help reduce body weight, which is important because obesity is considered one of the major risk factors for the development of spinal osteoarthritis.

Proper posture also is key. When the shoulders are kept square and the spine is held in its natural S-shaped position, the joints are subjected to far less strain than if the shoulders are hunched over or the lower back is slouched down in a chair. This holds true for athletic endeavors, as well. Practicing proper technique when swinging a golf club, for example, reduces the stress placed on the joints of the back and neck.