Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are an overgrowth of a bone or bones near a joint space. The medical term for a bone spur is "osteophyte." Osteophytes become more common as we age ant they are a sign of degeneration (arthritis).

The development of osteophytes is often associated with disc degeneration in the spine. When the disc (the cushion between the bones) starts to wear out, the opening where the nerve exits from between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) gets smaller. The narrowing of the opening (Intervertebral Foramen, IVF) along with the misalignment of the bones in the spine lead to nerve interference. When there is nerve interference, there are often times symptoms that follow. Some of the symptoms may be pain, numbness, muscle spasm, headaches, bowel problems, urinary problems and the list goes on.

Through chiropractic care, the nerves are given more room to function properly by opening the IVF through manipulations (adjustments). When the spine is adjusted, the joints can function as they were designed and the nerves have more room to exit from between the vertebrae of the spine.