Osteophyte/Bone Spur Treatment in Tampa

Osteophytes or bone spurs are an indicator of disc degeneration which could be the cause of your pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your back and limbs.

Call (727) 300-2537 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about osteophyte & bone spur treatment in Tampa, FL.

Osteophytes Formation

Bone spurs or osteophytes are quite common in patients over the age of 60. Commonly misinterpreted as the source of a patient's pain, osteophytes are often an indication of another problem. Degeneration of the spine such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, or arthritis can all cause bone spurs over time by thickening ligaments that calcify.

Osteophytes are easily visible through imaging such as an MRI or x-ray. Patients who suffer from bone spurs generally feel pain in the neck or lower back, radiating pain in the nearest limb to the affected vertebrae, numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in arms and legs. 

Most patients complain about pain and stiffness in the mornings and evenings or during excess movement such as walking for long periods of time.

Patients who suffer from osteophytes are first prescribed nonsurgical treatments. These treatments include medication, rest, physical therapy, or injections. For patients who do not respond to these, surgery such as a laminectomy can be a successful solution. 

Surgery for bone spurs has a high success rate and can be performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with quick recovery time and fewer risks than traditional surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Doctors Accurately Diagnose a Spinal Bone Spur?

A comprehensive medical evaluation is required to accurately diagnose an osteophyte. During your appointment, a spine specialist will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to check your reflexes, flexibility, and joint alignment. Because bone spurs cannot be seen from the outside, diagnostic imaging is necessary. An X-ray is typically the first step, as it clearly reveals bony abnormalities and narrowing joint spaces. If your doctor suspects nerve compression, they may order an MRI or a CT scan to get a detailed view of the surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, and nerve pathways.

Can a Bone Spur Dissolve or Go Away on Its Own Over Time?

No, bone spurs do not dissolve, disappear, or reabsorb into the body naturally. Once the body deposits calcium to stabilize a joint, that bony structure remains permanent unless it is surgically removed. However, the absence of a natural cure does not mean you will live in permanent pain. Many people have bone spurs that never cause symptoms. For those who do experience discomfort, targeted treatments focus on reducing the inflammation and swelling around the neighboring nerves, allowing you to live pain-free even though the spur is still physically present.

Contact Us Today

Living with the debilitating symptoms of osteophytes does not have to be a permanent reality. Comprehensive Spine Institute in Tampa, FL, stands ready to guide you from initial diagnosis to long-term recovery. Whether your condition requires a conservative physical therapy regimen or a highly precise, minimally invasive decompression procedure, their dedicated team of spinal specialists is committed to helping you regain your quality of life. Do not let chronic back or neck pain limit your potential; reach out to schedule an evaluation today.