Osteophytes of the spine

Osteophytes are bone growths on the vertebrae, which have the appearance of an elevation or an acute spine, sometimes provoke bone tissue coalescence. Most often occur in the cervical spine. A large number of processes is a serious disease called spondylosis.

Causes of osteophytes

  1. Osteochondrosis (violation of the production of cartilage tissue, its abrasion).
  2. Aging of the body.
  3. Excess weight.
  4. Incorrect posture.
  5. Flat feet.
  6. Wrong way of life.
  7. Heredity.
  8. Injuries.
  9. Constant overload of the spine.
  10. Protective reaction of the body.
  11. Lack of physical activity or lack of exercise.

Osteophytes in the cervical spine - treatment

In the spondylosis of the cervical department, complex treatment is indicated, which includes taking medications and carrying out special procedures.

Medication:

Special procedures:

It is important to note that if there is an exacerbation of spondylosis or bone osteophytes accompanied by acute pain, it is recommended only treatment with medications. The procedures should be postponed until the period of improvement of the general condition of the patient.

Osteophytes of the spine - how to treat?

Spondylosis of the spinal column is more dangerous due to frequent complications and rapid progression.

In the early stages, the disease is treated in the same way as osteophytes in the cervical region, but instead of the orthopedic collar a corset is used.

The late stages of spondylosis are difficult to treat conservatively and, in general, require surgery to remove osteophytes:

  1. Foraminotomy - increasing the size of the space between the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the nerves.
  2. Fasectomy - removal of the facet joint and bone growth, which exerts pressure on the nerve.
  3. Laminotomy - enlargement of the hole in the bone plate, which protects the spinal cord and the spinal canal.
  4. Laminectomy - partial or complete removal of the plate.

Surgical intervention is associated with risks:

In addition, the operation does not guarantee a successful cure and improvement of the condition. Spondylosis has a tendency to relapse, so it is still unknown how to permanently get rid of osteophytes.

Osteophyte - symptoms:

  1. Limitation of mobility of the spine or cervical spine.
  2. Moderate and severe pain in the area of ​​growth.

Also, due to the influence that osteophytes exert on the spine, the following symptoms appear: