Lumbar bone spurs: What are the causes?

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Lumbar bone spurs are bony growths on the edges of the bones from wear and tear or the aging process.

These bone spurs are prevalent among individuals over 60 years of age but will not always result to back pain. The bony growths are not painful but can place pressure on the adjacent structures such as the nerves and trigger pain or other symptoms. Due to the continuous movement and stress to the area, the lumbar spine is prone to the formation of bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis

lumbar-bone-spurs
The bony growths are not painful but can place pressure on the adjacent structures such as the nerves and trigger pain or other symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is characterized as the deterioration of the cartilage that separates the individual bones. Once the cartilage is damaged, the bones brush against one another and excessive wear and tear occurs which leads to the formation of the spurs.

Osteoarthritis is the prevalent form of arthritis and many adults over 50 years of age develop some degree of deterioration in the lumbar spine. Injuries, excessive weight or decline of the posture contributes to the development of osteoarthritis.

Aging process

Most cases of bone spurs form due to some type of disease process but can develop without any related ailment. The bone spurs are likely to affect the elderly who have no signs of osteoarthritis or other ailments.

As the body ages, the joints are less stable and could not endure stressful motions. The normal response of the body to this joint instability is to form new bone to stabilize and fortify the area. The bone spurs often develop due to this process.

Maintaining an active lifestyle during the later years of life with regular exercise can help in preventing the formation of bone spurs.

What is DISH?

DISH or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperstosis is a disease characterized by the formation of large-sized bone spurs in the spine. The condition causes calcification or hardening of the ligaments at the site of attachment in the spine that later develop into bone spurs.

The initial signs include pain and rigidity along with diminished range of motion. The precise cause of the condition is still undetermined but certain risk factors are present.

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