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Bone Spurs
Bone spurs (Osteophytes) are caused by degenerative
osteoarthritis
in the spine. An
osteophyte
is a bony growth which occurs in the spinal joints due to normal aging. There are also certain
genetic
and lifestyle risks for developing spurs. Mostpeople will develop osteoarthritis in the spine, but only some will suffer pain or associated symptoms. There are several things you can do to prevent painful spinal arthritis from causing you to suffer as you age.

Bone Spurs and Facet Joint Syndrome
Osteophytes are one of the main causes of suspected
facet joint syndrome.
Spurs can build up in the spinal
facet joints
as the protective mechanisms in these joints degenerate. Loss of cartilage and synovial fluid in the joints creates friction which can lead to bone to bone contact. This vertebral rubbing often results in osteophyte formation. Despite this documented process, osteophytes are still a mostly harmless and asymptomatic condition in the majority of patients.
Preventing Spur Formation
* Eat a healthy and balanced
diet.
Make sure to get enough calcium. Vitamin D is needed for healthy joints. Vitamin C is important to build cartilage. Think about adding
glucosamine and chondroitin
to your diet.* Maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity
increases the chances for painful osteoarthritis up to 400%. * Be careful with
back injuries.
Work to rehabilitate injuries through proper
stretching
and
exercise.
Old injuries can be a good place for painful osteoarthrits to start.
* Try to avoid
repetitive hard labor.
It is known that constant wear and tear on a given joint or area will increase the risk of painful osteoarthritis later in life.
Recommendation on Preventing Bone Spurs
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body, odds are you will be fine. There is a good chance that you might still develop some osteoarthritis as you get older. This is completely normal and does not have to cause you any pain. Keep your body limber and flexible and try not to punish your joints with repetitive tasks. Use proper motion when exercising and lifting, to avoid injuries. Most of us know what is healthy for our bodies. Unfortunately, some of us simply choose to ignore it…Remember that the arthritic processes are an expected part of aging. However, consider or chronic pain is not an integral part of most osteoarthritis conditions.
Bone Spurs to Back Pain Home
6/1/06 Revised 8/21/08

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