Do I Need Bone Spur Surgery?
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are growths that form on the natural bone structure as the body’s normal response to added stress, friction, and/or instability. Bone spurs can develop virtually anywhere on the skeleton, and are fairly common in the spinal column.
Unlike some other spinal conditions, bone spurs do not heal on their own. If a bone spur leads to nerve compression that fails to respond to non-invasive treatments, bone spur surgery may be recommended.
Non-Invasive Treatments
The non-invasive treatments that are typically prescribed for bone spurs include pain medication, corticosteroid steroid injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hot/cold therapy, and/or physical therapy. Many patients have also found relief by utilizing alternative therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractics, restorative yoga, and Pilates. Conservative and alternative treatments should only be pursued under the guidance of a doctor in order to prevent serious complications including drug interactions and further injury to the neck or back.
Surgery
Bone spur surgery may be recommended if several weeks or months of non-invasive bone spur treatment proves ineffective. If your doctor has recommended highly invasive surgery to treat your bone spurs, be sure to consider all of your options. Laser Spine Institute has developed safe and effective alternatives to open back or neck surgery. Our innovative procedures:
- Are performed on an outpatient basis
- Require a small incision
- Utilize deep IV sedation and local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia
- Do not require an intervertebral fusion or stabilizing hardware
- Boast a 90 percent patient satisfaction rate
If you visit or live in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, or surrounding areas and would like more information on our state-of-the-art procedures, contact Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale. We can provide you with a complimentary consultation which includes a medical review of your recent MRI or CT scan.
