What Is Disc Degeneration With Osteophyte Formation?
Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for disc degeneration osteophyte formation.
Disc Degeneration with Osteophyte Formation is a condition that may affect the spine. Osteophytes, or spurs, form on the spine, and are signs of degeneration in the spine. This is commonly referred to as arthritis. Osteophytes usually limit joint movement and typically cause pain.Â
In most cases, the spurs are not the source of back pain, but instead are the common symptom of a deeper problem. However, bone spurs on the spine can impinge on nerves that affect other parts of the body.
Disc Degeneration with Osteophyte Formation is a condition that may affect the spine. Osteophytes, or spurs, form on the spine, and are signs of degeneration in the spine. This is commonly referred to as arthritis. Osteophytes usually limit joint movement and typically cause pain.Â
In most cases, the spurs are not the source of back pain, but instead are the common symptom of a deeper problem. However, bone spurs on the spine can impinge on nerves that affect other parts of the body.
What You May Be Feeling
Neck pains
Stiffness
Back Pain
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
The primary symptom of degenerative disc disease is pain. A degenerative disc generally starts in the lower back and may spread to the buttocks and thighs or in the neck and spread to shoulders and arms. Degenerative disc disease may cause symptoms such as:
- Numbness and/or tingling in the arms and legs
- Pain that is worse when sitting, or when bending, twisting, or lifting
- Pain that radiates to the neck, arms, or hands pain that is worse when lifting, pushing, or pulling
- Severe pain that comes and goes over a period of a few days to a few months
Potential Thinning Disc Treatment Options
LAMINECTOMY
A laminectomy is a very common procedure that removes a portion of what is known as the lamina (which is the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal) in order to create space in the area affected by the bulging disc.
LAMINOTOMY
A laminotomy is a spinal decompression surgery where only a very small portion of the lamina is removed to access a disc herniation and take pressure off the nerves and spinal cord for pain relief.
DISC REPLACEMENT
When the disc compresses the spinal cord or nerve root, replacement can be an option. The disc is replaced with an artificial disc to preserve motion at the disc space.
Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion (ACDF)
During an ACDF, the damaged disc in the neck is removed, relieving pain and pressure. Then a reinforced implant takes its place, providing the repair.
LUMBAR FUSION
During a lumbar fusion the damaged disc is removed from the lower back (lumbar spine), and the two vertebrae are fused together with a reinforced implant to create support.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Also known as an RFA, this procedure uses high-energy radio frequency to ablate (or remove / vaporize) the troubled nerve, essentially eliminating the sensation of pain.
Things You Can Do at Home to Relieve Symptoms
- Exercises designed to strengthen your back
- Pain medication
- Plenty of rest, with a gradual return to your normal routine
- Physical therapy
