Spinal Bone Spur Removal in Central Alabama
Bone spurs are common changes that can develop as the spine ages. Many cause no symptoms at all, but when a bone spur narrows the space around the spinal cord or a nerve root, it can contribute to neck or back pain, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Milo Sanda, DO is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who evaluates and treats conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including nerve compression associated with spinal bone spurs. As part of our expanding back care offerings—learn more on our primary Back Pain Treatment hub—we provide comprehensive diagnostics and care. For related regional symptoms, you may also review our Mid Back Pain Treatment page.
If neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness is interfering with your daily activities, request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule a spine evaluation.
What Is a Bone Spur?
A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is an area of extra bone that develops along the edge of a bone or joint. In the spine, bone spurs commonly develop as part of degenerative changes that occur over time. As spinal discs and joints change, the body may form additional bone around the affected area. Having a bone spur does not necessarily mean something is wrong or that treatment is needed. Many spinal osteophytes are discovered on imaging and never cause symptoms. Problems can develop when a bone spur reduces the space available for the spinal cord or nerve roots.
What Causes Bone Spurs in the Spine?
Spinal bone spurs are commonly associated with degenerative changes in the spine. Conditions and changes associated with their development may include:
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative changes in the spinal joints
Degenerative disc disease
Changes related to aging
Previous injury or stress on the spine
These changes can occur in different areas of the spine, including the cervical spine in the neck and lumbar spine in the lower back.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs themselves do not always cause pain. Symptoms are more likely to develop when a spur contributes to narrowing around the spinal cord or a nerve root. Depending on the location and structures affected, symptoms may include:
Neck or lower back pain
Pain that travels into an arm or leg
Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
Muscle weakness
Cramping or discomfort with certain activities
Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
Changes in balance or coordination when the spinal cord is affected
The location of the symptoms can provide clues about which part of the spine may be involved, but imaging and a physical examination are often necessary to determine the source.
Cervical Bone Spurs
Cervical bone spurs develop in the neck. When an osteophyte contributes to compression of a cervical nerve root, symptoms may extend beyond the neck and into the shoulder, arm, or hand. These symptoms may include:
Shoulder or arm pain
Numbness or tingling
Weakness in the arm or hand
If changes in the cervical spine place pressure on the spinal cord itself, symptoms can be different and may include problems with balance, coordination, walking, or fine motor skills.
Lumbar Bone Spurs
Lumbar bone spurs develop in the lower back. When a bone spur contributes to narrowing around a lumbar nerve root, symptoms may travel from the lower back into the buttock or leg. Symptoms may include:
Radiating leg pain
Numbness or tingling
Weakness in the leg or foot
Cramping or heaviness in the legs
Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods
Spinal stenosis and other degenerative changes may occur alongside lumbar bone spurs and can also contribute to nerve compression.
How Are Spinal Bone Spurs Diagnosed?
A spine evaluation begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history along with a physical examination. Your physician may evaluate:
Strength
Reflexes
Sensation
Range of motion
Balance and walking
Areas of pain or tenderness
How symptoms change with certain movements or positions
Imaging may be used to evaluate the bones, discs, spinal canal, and surrounding structures. Depending on your symptoms and condition, this may include X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or other testing. Because many people have bone spurs without symptoms, an important part of the evaluation is determining whether the findings on imaging correspond with the symptoms you are experiencing.
Do Spinal Bone Spurs Always Need Treatment?
No. A spinal bone spur that is not causing symptoms may not require treatment. When symptoms are present, treatment depends on the location of the spur, the structures affected, the severity of the symptoms, and the patient’s overall condition. Nonsurgical treatment may be considered first when appropriate. Options may include:
Activity modification
Medications
Spinal injections
Other conservative treatments based on the diagnosis
The goal is to address pain, inflammation, mobility limitations, and other symptoms associated with the underlying spinal condition.
When Is Surgical Bone Spur Removal Considered?
Surgery may be considered when a spinal bone spur contributes to significant nerve or spinal cord compression and symptoms have not responded adequately to nonsurgical treatment, or when the severity of neurological symptoms makes surgical treatment appropriate. Rather than simply removing a bone spur because it appears on imaging, surgery is typically directed at decompressing the affected spinal cord or nerve root. The appropriate procedure depends on where the compression is located, what structures are involved, and whether other degenerative changes are present.
How Are Bone Spurs Removed From the Spine?
The surgical approach varies depending on the location of the bone spur and the structures being compressed. During surgery, bone contributing to the compression may be removed to create additional space for the spinal cord or affected nerve root. Depending on the individual condition, bone spur removal may be performed as part of another spinal decompression procedure. Procedures that may be used to address spinal nerve compression include a laminectomy or other forms of decompression. In some situations, additional treatment may be necessary when other structures in the spine are contributing to the problem. Your spine surgeon will determine the appropriate approach based on your anatomy, imaging findings, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Can Spinal Bone Spur Removal Be Minimally Invasive?
Some spinal decompression procedures may be performed using minimally invasive techniques. These approaches use specialized instruments and smaller surgical access points to reach the affected area while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues. Whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate depends on the location and extent of the nerve compression, the patient’s anatomy, and whether additional procedures are necessary. Your spine surgeon can explain which surgical approach is appropriate for your condition.
Recovery After Spinal Bone Spur Removal
Recovery varies depending on the location of the bone spur, the type and extent of decompression performed, whether another procedure was performed at the same time, and the patient’s overall health. Your postoperative instructions may include guidance regarding:
Walking and daily activity
Incision care
Lifting restrictions
Bending and twisting
Driving
Returning to work
Physical therapy when appropriate
Returning to exercise and other activities
Follow-up appointments
Because “bone spur removal” can involve different types of spine surgery, there is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient. Your surgeon will provide instructions based on your specific procedure and recovery.
Meet Dr. Milo Sanda
Dr. Milo, DO is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Sanda completed advanced fellowship training in Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at The Spine Institute of Louisiana after completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Bon Secours Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.
His practice includes surgical and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including degenerative conditions that can contribute to spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and bone spur formation.
His areas of spine care include:
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery
Bone spur removal and spinal decompression
Laminectomy
Discectomy
Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
SI joint fusion
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty
Spinal injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Dr. Sanda sees patients for spine care in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Bone Spurs
What Causes Bone Spurs in the Spine?
Bone spurs commonly develop in response to degenerative changes in the spine. Osteoarthritis, changes in spinal discs and joints, aging, and previous injury or stress on the spine may contribute to their development.
Do Bone Spurs Go Away on Their Own?
Bone spurs generally do not disappear on their own. However, the presence of a bone spur does not necessarily mean treatment or surgery is needed. If a spur is causing symptoms, treatment focuses on the underlying condition and the effect the spur is having on nearby nerves or other structures.
Can a Bone Spur Cause Numbness in My Arms or Legs?
Yes. If a spinal bone spur contributes to compression of a nerve root or the spinal cord, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in an arm or leg. The location of the symptoms depends on which area of the spine and which neural structures are affected.
Can Bone Spurs Cause a Pinched Nerve?
Yes. A bone spur can contribute to narrowing of the space around a spinal nerve root, resulting in nerve compression. However, bone spurs are not the only possible cause of a pinched nerve. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other structural changes can also contribute.
Is Bone Spur Removal Major Surgery?
The extent of surgery varies considerably. Some bone spurs can be addressed through minimally invasive decompression techniques, while other conditions may require a more extensive procedure. The location of the compression, the amount of bone involved, spinal stability, and other abnormalities all influence the surgical approach.
Can a Bone Spur Grow Back After Surgery?
Bone removed during surgery does not simply regenerate in the same way a cut heals, but degenerative changes in the spine can continue over time, and additional osteophytes may develop. Your surgeon can discuss what to expect based on your specific spinal condition.
When Should You Seek Urgent Care for Spine Symptoms?
Certain neurological symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:
New loss of bowel or bladder control
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Significant or rapidly worsening weakness
New difficulty walking or major changes in balance
Severe symptoms following significant trauma
These symptoms should not wait for a routine office appointment.
Spinal Bone Spur Treatment in Central Alabama
If a spinal bone spur or another degenerative condition is causing persistent neck or back pain, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, an evaluation can help identify the source of your symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment.
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons provides specialized Back & Spine care for patients throughout Central Alabama. Dr. Milo Sanda sees patients in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Call (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online to schedule a spine evaluation.