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Signs & Symptoms of Spinal Compression From Bone Spurs

Bone spurs (also called osteophytes) are smooth growths of bone that develop over a long period of time, usually due to degenerative changes in the spine that occur with age. Bones spurs themselves are not painful; however, if they compress the spinal cord (causing myelopathy) or the nerve roots leaving the spinal cord (causing radiculopathy), a number of signs and symptoms can occur.

  1. Pain

    • Pain is probably the most common symptom of spinal compression from bone spurs. If the spur is in the neck, you may experience dull pain in the neck, headaches or pain that radiates into the shoulders. If the spur is in the back, you may experience dull back pain or pain that radiates into the buttocks and thighs. According to Cedars-Sinai, activity tends to make the pain worse, and rest tends to make it better. For back pain, you may feel better leaning forward and bending at the waist.

    Burning or Tingling

    • You may experience a sensation of pins and needles in the hands or feet.

    Numbness

    • You may lose feeling or sensation in a part of your body. Most commonly, neck spurs cause numbness in the hands, and lower back spurs cause foot numbness.

    Muscle Problems

    • Compression caused by bone spurs can also lead to muscle weakness or to spasms or cramps. Muscles problems can lead to restricted movement.

    Loss of Coordination

    • If the bone spur is causing spinal compression in the neck, you may feel clumsy with your hands. Spinal compression in either the neck or back can lead to loss of balance and trouble walking. In rare cases, compression caused by bone spurs can lead to paralysis.

    Bladder or Bowel Problems

    • Severe spinal compression can lead to loss of bladder or bowel control. This situation is potentially serious and requires immediate medical care.

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