Bone spurs are a bony growth that can appear on any bone, but most of these growths begin at joints where two bones meet. When there is bone loss due to friction, aging or other medical conditions, it is thought that the body tries to compensate for these loss by generating these bone growths. Bone spurs are benign, yet can be the source of pain when they press against nerves, cause inflammation or reduce range of motion. At Atlanta Spine & Orthopaedics, Dr. Bhatti offers effective treatments for bone spurs to reduce pain and improve function.
Symptoms and Causes of Bone Spurs
Bone spurs can be caused when bone rubs against bone. This can occur naturally, but also can be exasperated by conditions such as arthritis, injuries, obesity and poor posture. In some cases, a bone spur can exist without any symptoms. However, many others with bone spurs will experience pain, loss of motion and nerve issues. Bones spurs can also cause further medical issues such as a ligament tear as the growth puts pressure on the surrounding tissues.
To determine if a bones spur is causing pain, an x-ray is often used in diagnosis. If a bone spur is present, Dr. Bhatti can offer several different treatment options to relive the pain, pressure and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the pain and problems caused by the bone spur, Dr. Bhatti will offer non-invasive treatments when possible. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and injections can offer conservative options for treatment. In severe cases, bone spurs can be removed through a surgical procedure.
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, shoulder, hips or back, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bhatti at Atlanta Spine & Orthopaedics. Our friendly medical team will help get to the source of your pain and offer effective treatment options to improve your quality of life.