Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small bony growths that develop along the edges of bones. They often form as part of the body’s natural response to joint stress or degeneration. Bone spurs become more common as we get older, affecting as many as 80% of men and 60% of women over the age of 50.
What Bone Spurs Feel Like—and Why They Don’t Always Go Away on Their Own
Many people develop bone spurs gradually over time, and it’s common to have them without realizing it because they don’t always cause symptoms. However, when they begin to press on nearby nerves or interfere with joint movement, they can cause discomfort and other symptoms, such as:
- Persistent pain in the back, neck, or affected joint
- Stiffness or difficulty moving a joint fully
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves are compressed
- Pain that worsens during activity or prolonged sitting
- Reduced flexibility or mobility
When bone spurs along the spine push against nearby nerves, they can also cause radiating pain that travels into the arms, legs, or shoulders, depending on the location of the spur.
Bone spurs themselves are made of bone tissue, which means that they’re structural changes in the body rather than temporary inflammation. Once the body forms this extra bone, it typically remains in place. In many cases, a bone spur may stay the same size for years without causing symptoms. However, since they don’t dissolve naturally, symptoms may appear if nerves are affected.
Common Causes and Locations of Bone Spurs
Bone spurs tend to form when the body attempts to stabilize an area experiencing long-term stress or damage. Some of the most common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis, the most frequent cause, resulting from cartilage breakdown in joints
- Aging and natural wear and tear on the spine
- Repetitive movement or overuse injuries, often seen in athletes
- Degenerative disc disease, where spinal discs wear down and trigger bone growth
- Poor posture or spinal misalignment
Bone spurs can appear in several areas of the body, including:
- The cervical spine (neck)
- The lumbar spine (lower back)
- Shoulders and hips
- Knees and ankles
- The heel or foot
Osteoarthritis, in particular, contributes to chronic pain in as many as 1 in 5 Americans. As a result, the demand for effective treatments continues to rise. In 2024, the bone spur treatment market was valued at $473 million and is projected to reach nearly $600 million by 2032.
How Bone Spurs Are Diagnosed in Beverly Hills
Diagnosing bone spurs begins with a thorough evaluation to determine what may be causing your pain or mobility issues. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and when the discomfort first began.
A physical exam may be performed to assess joint movement, flexibility, and areas of tenderness. Specialized tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, can also help determine which nerves are affected and to what extent.
If a bone spur is suspected, imaging tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the exact location. Common imaging tools include:
- X-rays, which can show bone growths along joints or the spine
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help identify nerve compression and soft tissue changes
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans to provide detailed views of spinal structures
These tests help determine whether a bone spur is affecting surrounding tissues or nerves, allowing specialists to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Bone Spur Treatment Options
Most people with bone spurs can find relief without surgery. Treatment often focuses on reducing inflammation and improving joint function rather than removing the spur itself. Many people experience noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks using a combination of conservative therapies. Common non-surgical options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
- Activity modification to reduce stress on affected joints
- Bracing or support devices to stabilize movement
- Corticosteroid injections to calm inflammation around irritated nerves
Additional therapies that may also support healing and long-term relief include:
- Ice and topical anti-inflammatory gels
- Gentle exercise programs like stretching or low-impact movement
- Regenerative treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which are becoming more widely used to promote natural healing
Dr. Melamed emphasizes non-invasive solutions whenever possible, incorporating treatments like acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi alongside options such as epidural corticosteroid injections. This approach is designed to manage pain naturally while improving strength, flexibility, and overall spine health, and often prevents the need for more aggressive or risky treatments.
When Surgery Is the Right Choice
Although many people will find relief through conservative care options, surgery may be recommended if ongoing symptoms interfere significantly with daily life. For example, when a spur is pressing on a nerve or severely limiting movement. Surgery may be considered if you experience:
- Persistent pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve with conservative care
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily tasks
- Symptoms that continue to get worse over time
Today, most procedures for bone spurs are minimally invasive. This means that they’re performed through small incisions with less disruption to surrounding tissue. Techniques such as microlaminectomy or microdecompression can remove or smooth the bone spur to relieve pressure on nerves. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive procedures typically offer faster recovery, less scarring, and a lower risk of complications, helping people return to normalcy more quickly.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Hooman Melamed
If you’re struggling with pain or limited mobility, expert bone spur treatment in Beverly Hills, CA, is within reach. Dr. Hooman Melamed and his team at The Spine Pro offer personalized and effective care to help you feel and move better. Request an appointment today to learn more about your treatment options for bone spurs.
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We provide a very high level of individualized and concierge care. Therefore, we are out-of-network with almost all insurances, but as long as you have out-of-network benefits, we are happy to work with you, bill on your behalf, and verify your benefits.
