Back Suffering - What Is Osteophyte?

Osteophytes are little round swelling of more bone that grows around the joints. They are sometimes called bone spurs. They are the effort of the body to recompense for the existing bone and also degeneration of ligament due to aging or injury. Unluckily, the attempt of the body to cure itself through this way is ineffective. They are created by the human body in order to limit or stop the motion in weakening joints that become too loose.

Since the gradual worsening of joint conditions are some features of the aged and athletes, this is disorder is very common in sports related damages or arthritis. In reality, they frequently lead to arthritis, and also a situation identified as spinal stenosis. Other features in the growth of bone spurs include fractures, bone deformations, poor posture and hereditary factors.

Majority of osteophytes are mostly seen along the backbone, but they can be seen in any bone in the human body. Even though they are not sources of pains themselves, they can form pressure in any nerves that stem out from spinal column and result in hurting and occasionally weakening medical situations. In several cases, anybody with bone spurs may not suffer any signs. When symptoms exist, they generally are due to stress on some numbers of nerves of the human body.

Numbness or tingling feelings in the legs, hands, and arms or feet may indicate presence of osteophytes along the spinal column. It is a normal experience also to suffer muscle spasms, cramping or weakness. Sufferers may possibly lose their capacity to move portions of the body; when the disorder is present in the higher portion of the vertebral column of the neckline area, symptoms may include dizziness, headache and general pain in the neck.

Some signs of the disorder depend on the location and size and it is possible that the ability of the patient to move other parts of his/her body will be lost. Some of the signs that are the outcomes from osteophytes are the characteristics also of some other medical illnesses or disorders. In order to be sure that the symptoms are really caused by the said illness, the doctor will advice the patient be examined through x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electro conductive examinations to evaluate the actual functions of the nerves.

Treatment for this ailment may comprise of anti-inflammatory medicines like cortisone, physical therapy, rest, and ultimately surgery for severe cases. The advice of a physician is really needed before you take any medication.