A non-surgical spinal bone spur treatment program, when developed properly, usually is sufficient for managing the symptoms associated with nerve compression caused by bone spurs, or osteophytes. In general, surgery rarely is necessary for treating the pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness that can arise when a bone spur makes contact with an adjacent nerve root within the spine. About 90 percent of patients with symptomatic spinal bone spurs find that no matter how debilitating their symptoms may be, relief is achievable with a little patience and a lot of communication with a doctor and/or a physical therapist. Only if and when conservative (non-surgical) treatment proves ineffective after several weeks or months will surgery become an option for these patients.

The Conservative Approach

Spinal bone spur treatment usually begins at home, even before the condition has been properly diagnosed. That's because one of the first signs of nerve compression associated with a bone spur is back pain or neck pain, and the natural response of most individuals to neck and back pain is to reach for a bottle of over-the-counter ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Depending on the severity of the compression, over-the-counter pain medication and a little rest might be enough. If, however, symptoms linger for several weeks, it might be time to see the doctor.

Once the condition has been diagnosed, a doctor will work closely with the patient to formulate a treatment plan. The methods of treatment will vary from patient to patient, depending on such factors as overall health, severity of the symptoms, and whether that patient has experienced similar back or neck trouble in the past. Typically, an initial treatment plan will include one or more of the following methods:

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
* A regimen of low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming
* A course of stretching exercises
* Referral to a physical therapist for behavior modification training, including advice on how to improve posture and avoid physical activity that exacerbates symptoms
* Applications of heat (a hot towel or other heating element) or ice packs

Other steps may be necessary if the conservative methods above prove ineffective. Some doctors recommend the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, while others may recommend a series of corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation around the affected nerve while the body recovers.

Alternative Spinal Bone Spur Treatment Methods

Outside of the medical mainstream, some patients have turned to complementary or alternative methods of treatment. These include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, herbal remedies, inversion decompression therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and more. The efficacy of these treatment methods remains up for debate, with relatively little research available to back up anecdotal claims of meaningful relief from back and neck pain. That said, thousands of patients swear by these remedies. The important thing to remember when turning to alternative methods of treatment is to discuss all of the potential ramifications with a trusted physician. He or she can provide advice about whether the alternative method under consideration may conflict with mainstream treatments the patient is already undergoing.