Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Common conditions related to the development of bone spurs include:

Osteoarthritis
Medical providers often refer to the changes as spinal arthritis or osteoarthritis of the facet joints, and this condition is a common cause of back pain in the older patient population (over 55 or 60). This condition can cause stiffness and lower back pain that is usually worse in the morning, gets better after moving around, then gets worse again at the end of the day.

The most common root cause of cervical and lumbar arthritis is repetitive trauma to the spine from recreational or work related excessive strains. Patients may typically develop symptoms of osteoarthritis in their mid 40’s to early 50’s. Men are more likely to develop arthritic related symptoms earlier in life, however postmenopausal women with stiffening spines (accelerated bone spur formation) rapidly approach men in incidence and severity of osteoarthritis.

Spinal stenosis
Also, enlargement of the bone can sometimes lead to narrowing of the spinal canal and result in spinal stenosis. This condition can cause nerve pinching, leading to pain down the legs that is worse when the patient stands and walks, and is better when sitting. Spinal stenosis cannot be prevented but it certainly can be cured.

Clinical symptoms of bone spurs

Back pain or neck pain is very common as the facet joints are inflamed and the neck and back muscles become irritated. Patients usually complain of:

• Dull pain in the neck or lower back when they stand or walk
• Radiating pain into the shoulders (often including headaches) if the cervical spine is affected, and rear and thigh if the lumbar spine is affected

The symptoms of bone spurs are made worse with activity and often improve with rest. Lumbar arthritis symptoms often improve when an individual is bending forward and flexing at the waist, such as leaning over a shopping cart or over a cane.

As the nerves become compressed, patients with bone spurs complain of several symptoms including:

• Pain in one or both arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Progressive weakness
• If the arthritic processes and stenosis is severe, progressive bowel and bladder dysfunction occurs

Symptoms described above can also be caused by medical conditions other than bone spurs, such as diabetes, poor blood circulation to the arms and legs, spinal tumors, fractures, and spinal infections. Many of the symptoms of bone spurs are similar to generalized arthritis, rheumatism, back strain and muscle fatigue, as well as acute disc ruptures with nerve compression.

• Article written By:
• John H. Schneider, MD

October 10, 2000

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