Non-Surgical And Surgical Treatment For Bone Spurs

Bone spurs on your spine might not be cause for intensive treatment, but in some cases, they are. In some instances, merely treating the source of the bone spurs is enough to alleviate any symptoms that you are experiencing. To help you explore your treatment options, here are some of the possible non-surgical and surgical treatments your doctor might recommend. 

Non-Surgical Treatments

Since bone spurs usually occur as the result of other conditions, such as arthritis, your doctor might recommend treating the underlying cause of the bone spurs. One commonly used option is anti-inflammatory medications. The medications work to reduce the swelling of the joints that is caused by arthritis, which results in relief from pain and other symptoms. 

Other treatments include chiropractic adjustment and cortisone injections. The adjustments help to increase flexibility and mobility, which sometimes helps with strengthening the spine and alleviating pain. The cortisone injections help with pain, but they are considered to be a temporary or short-term solution to the symptoms. 

Part of your recommended therapy could include rest. Discomfort caused by bone spurs sometimes occurs as the result of physical activity. Short periods of rest can help with mild symptoms. 

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as naproxen sodium, can be used in conjunction with other treatments to help with mild to moderate back pain from the bone spurs.

Surgical Treatments

In the event that the non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate your pain, surgery could be recommended. You could also face surgery if the bone spurs have started to compress on your spine and are greatly limiting your range of motion. During the surgical procedure, your back surgeon will focus on removing the bone spurs from your spine. 

Before the surgery, your surgeon will assess you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Whether or not you are eligible is usually not dependent on your age, but on other factors, such as your overall health. If you have another condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, your surgeon might advise against the surgery. However, he or she could recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or stopping smoking, that could help improve your chances of being a good surgical candidate. 

Your back surgeon will fully explore all of your treatment options before making a recommendation. If you have concerns about the treatment plan your surgeon has mapped out, express your concerns to him or her. If you do not yet know a back surgeon, you can meet one at a clinic like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical Associates.