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cure back pain

Osteophytes

Spinal Osteophytes (bone spurs) are the result of normal degenerative processes which occur as part of getting older. Bone spurs are formed in many of the body’s joints, but are most commonly associated with the vertebral bones of the spine. Bone spurs have been the source of heated controversy in the medical community, since many doctors blame them for a variety of back pain conditions, while other medical professionals recognize that they are a simple and normal part of aging.

Osteophytes


Causes of Osteophytes

Bone spurs are caused by the degeneration of the spinal joints. Normally, these facet joints are protected by a layer of cartilage covering the bone and a capsule of lubricating synovial fluid. As we age, these protective measures break down, causing bone on bone contact that can irritate the joint. Bone spur formation is a process of spinal osteoarthritis and facet joint syndrome. Most bone spurs are not painful or symptomatic, but are often blamed for chronic back pain.

Vertebral Osteophytes

The facet joints are the most common sites for bone spur formation. These are the areas in the rear of each vertebral bone which connect to the vertebrae above and below. Degeneration in these joints is almost universal in elderly adults and can occur in much younger adults as well. Bone spurs can cause some pain if the degeneration is severe, but this pain is generally dull and controllable. Severe physical spinal joint pain is sometimes the result of a bone spur compressing a spinal nerve root. Pinched nerves are diagnosed far more often than they actually occur. The majority of both diagnosed bone spur related pain conditions are usually misdiagnosed forms of psychosomatic back pain.

Recommendation on Osteophytes

Getting older can be tough on the body, difficult of the mind, and insulting to the spirit. There is no doubt that there are some aches and pains associated with aging, both physical and emotional. Serious bone spur pain is not common and is usually used as a diagnosis to explain otherwise idiopathic back pain in an older patient. As with many other spinal conditions, bone spurs are used as scapegoats by the back pain industry. There are few patients with serious pain and symptoms directly linked to their spur formations. A far more common condition that affects many patients with misdiagnosed bone spur pain is psychological back pain due to emotional issues. These issues may or may not be age related, but many elderly patients do suffer from anxiety and emotional rage simply due to the effects of age on their bodies, minds and lives.
Osteophytes to Back Pain Home page 5/28/07

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