Bone spurs on the vertebrae are bony protrusions that form on the edges of the bones. Bone spurring on a vertebra is often the result of an underlying illness or injury to the vertebra. Sometimes bone spurs simply occur with aging.
Significance
The spine is made up of 32 vertebra segments. Age, injury, poor posture and osteoarthritis can all cause bone spurs to occur on the vertebrae. Sports-related injuries, car accidents, heredity, poor nutrition and work-related injures can all cause spurring.
Considerations
Bone spurs themselves do not always cause back pain. Back pain can be caused osteoarthritis, inflamed joints and ligaments, pinched nerves, diabetes, fractures or poor circulation. Treating the cause may cure the pain.
Therapy
Physical therapy is used to treat bone spurring in the back. Alternating hot and cold therapy is also useful. Muscle spasms respond to heat, and injury responds to cold.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers are beneficial. Prescription anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injection can also offer relief.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can offer many benefits. Massaging, stretching and aligning the body may work wonders. A chiropractor will help with movement and mobility but will not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Alternative Treatments
Surgery is always a last resort. Alternative treatments that have been used with good results include acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, tai chi and nutritional changes.
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