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What is Vertebral Spurring?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Vertebral spurring is the development of bone spurs on the vertebrae. Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony protrusions that develop along the edges of bones. Osteophytes can develop on any bone, but most often form in joints, where bones meet. Vertebral spurring occurs when the protrusions develop along the edges of the vertebrae, the individual bones that make up the spine.

Though bone spurs may cause no specific symptoms on certain bones, vertebral spurring often causes pain and discomfort. This is because the bone spurs can compress the nerves in the spine or even push against the spinal cord causing pain and numbness in other parts of the body.

Medical X-rays may be conducted to diagnose vertebral spurring.
Medical X-rays may be conducted to diagnose vertebral spurring.

As with most bone spurs, vertebral spurring is often the result of an underlying disease or condition and is commonly associated with osteoarthritis. The break down of cartilage in the joints results in the development of new bone as the body attempts to repair the loss of cartilage. This occurs as debris is collected and deposited in the surrounding fluid. Though certain diseases and conditions are known to cause bone spurs, sometimes bone spurs form on their own, especially as a person ages.

An illustration of a healthy spine and one with spinal osteoarthritis, showing where bone spurs can develop.
An illustration of a healthy spine and one with spinal osteoarthritis, showing where bone spurs can develop.

Vertebral spurring is most often diagnosed via imaging tests such as X-ray or CT scan. Though there is no specific treatment for bone spurs, doctors may treat the symptoms or may perform surgery. In cases where the spurring is causing no or minimal pain and is not interfering drastically with range of motion and movement, a doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage pain. If the spurring is interfering with range of motion or limiting daily activity, surgical removal of the bone spur(s) may be an option.

If vertebral spurring is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.
If vertebral spurring is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.

More typically, doctors try to treat the underlying cause of the development of bone spurs. By treating any underlying cause, further joint damage can be prevented. However, because vertebral spurring can impact the back, neck, and even other parts of the body, diagnosis and treatment may be unavoidable.

Discussion Comments

henrysmith12

Bone spurs may cause no specific symptoms on certain bones but how can you say that right after an accident? Yes, in some cases it is right.

anon235369

Tell me something I don't know! How long does it take for cervical spurs to form after a car crash?

anon132997

About a month ago while attempting to lift a heavy load, I developed a strain on back and I could not stand properly. The doctor advised rest for five days.

After five days things appeared to be normal but after a few days, I developed the condition again, this time heaviness and difficulty in movement in the right leg. The X-Ray showed 'marginal osteophyte' on L4. Doctor now advised physical exercise for my back. Is this OK and if yes what type of exercise is more useful.

Sharie

I had an auto accident that caused complete collapse of the disc between L5 S1, had no evidence of vertebral spurring prior, but months later, a spur was identified by MRI. #1 Could spurring occur as a result of the above, and #2 how long does it take for a spur to grow? thanks!

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    • Medical X-rays may be conducted to diagnose vertebral spurring.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Medical X-rays may be conducted to diagnose vertebral spurring.
    • An illustration of a healthy spine and one with spinal osteoarthritis, showing where bone spurs can develop.
      By: peterjunaidy
      An illustration of a healthy spine and one with spinal osteoarthritis, showing where bone spurs can develop.
    • If vertebral spurring is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      If vertebral spurring is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.
    • Surgery and physical therapy may be necessary to improve mobility lost to osteoarthritis-related vertebral spurring.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Surgery and physical therapy may be necessary to improve mobility lost to osteoarthritis-related vertebral spurring.
    • Bone spurs may cause stiff muscles.
      By: jinga80
      Bone spurs may cause stiff muscles.
    • People suffering with bone spurs may have difficulty walking up and down stairs.
      By: smuki
      People suffering with bone spurs may have difficulty walking up and down stairs.