Bone Spurs

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that form along the edges of bones. In the context of the spine, bone spurs typically occur on the vertebrae or around the joints as a response to degenerative changes. These bone spurs are the body’s attempt to stabilize a joint that has lost cartilage or height of the disc. However, sometimes, these “repairs” can protrude and crowd nearby nerves. Bone spurs in the spine often accompany spondylosis and are a component of spinal stenosis when they encroach on the spinal canal or intervertebral foramina.