What treatments are available for back bone spurs

Hello Anonymous,

Osteophytes is the medical term for bone spurs. Bone spurs in the spine indicate degeneration of the spine. They are smooth structures that form over time.

Treatment options include:

1) medications such as anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxant pain medications for about 4 to 6 weeks

2) short periods of rest are initially recommended when activity causes inflammation

3) physical therapy, exercise and chiropractic adjustment can alleviate the painful joint conditions in about one to two weeks

4) cortisone epidural steroid injections have potential therapeutic value for some patients with facet joint inflammation

5) surgical intervention, such as a laminectomy, may be necessary when a patient does not respond to non surgical treatments

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Maryann