Bone Spurs in the Spine Treatment in Dallas, TX
Relief When Bone Spurs Press on Your Nerves
Bone spurs are small, smooth growths that form along the edges of the vertebrae as the spine ages. Many people have them and never feel a thing. But when a bone spur narrows the space around a nerve or the spinal cord, it can cause neck pain, back pain, or pain and numbness that travel into your arms or legs.
What Are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are the body's way of trying to stabilize a joint that's wearing down. In the spine, they usually form near worn discs and facet joints. They're most common in the neck and lower back, and they become more common after age 50.
What Causes It?
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the spinal joints is the most common cause.
- Degenerative disc disease: As discs lose height, the vertebrae move closer together and the body adds extra bone along the edges. Learn more about degenerative disc disease.
- Past injuries: An old injury can speed up wear on a joint.
- Genetics and posture: Some people are simply more prone to them.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Dr. Bidiwala will ask where your symptoms travel and check your strength, reflexes and sensation. Imaging shows where the spurs are and whether they're pressing on anything:
- X-ray: Shows the bone spurs themselves.
- MRI: Shows whether a nerve or the spinal cord is being compressed.
- CT scan: Gives a detailed view of the bone when surgery is being planned.
Treatment Options
Conservative Care
Most bone spurs don't need surgery. Treatment focuses on calming the irritated nerve:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy to improve posture, strength and flexibility
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
- Activity changes during flare-ups
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Options
If a bone spur keeps pressing on a nerve and symptoms don't improve, surgery can remove it and free up space:
- Spinal Decompression
- Laminectomy (lower back)
- ACDF (neck)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Dr. Bidiwala in Dallas?
- Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
- Minimally Invasive Specialist
- 20+ Years Experience
- Voted by his peers as a best doctor in D Magazine over 15 times
Common Symptoms
- Neck or back stiffness and pain
- Pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, buttock or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Pain that gets worse with standing or walking
When to See a Specialist
- Numbness or weakness that's getting worse
- Trouble with balance or using your hands
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (go to the ER)
Explore Your Options
Related Treatments
Spinal Decompression
Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots to ease pain, numbness, and weakness.
Learn MoreLaminectomy
Removes the lamina to create more space in the spinal canal and relieve pressure caused by spinal stenosis.
Learn MoreAnterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
Removes a damaged cervical disc and fuses the neck from the front to relieve nerve compression and restore stability.
Learn MoreNon-Surgical Treatments
Conservative care - activity modification, medication, bracing, physical therapy, and injections - to heal without surgery.
Learn MoreLearn More
Related Conditions
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that puts pressure on the nerves traveling through it. Treatment relieves the pain, numbness, and walking difficulty caused by this compression.
Learn MorePinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure from surrounding tissues disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. We relieve the compression to restore normal function.
Learn MoreDegenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is the age-related wear of spinal discs that can cause painful flare-ups. While a natural part of aging, targeted treatment reduces discomfort and preserves spinal function.
Learn MoreBone Spur Treatment Near Lakewood and Lake Highlands
Dr. Bidiwala treats bone spurs at his office at Mockingbird Station, 6080 N Central Expy, Suite 150, just off US-75 across from SMU. Many of his patients come from Lakewood and Lake Highlands. We'll look at your imaging together and explain exactly which nerve is involved.
Ready to Find Relief?
Don't let spine pain control your life. Schedule a consultation to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your specific condition.