Bone Spurs

General Information

“Bone spurs” are a common term used to describe the accumulation of abnormal bone formation in and around the facet joints and the intervertebral disc. Other terms include facet arthritis, calcium deposits, hypertrophic changes, arthropathy, spinal arthritis, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, and kissing spine disease to name a few. Bone spurs are very common as we all age and can be seen in any joint of our body, including the spinal joints. If an excessive amount of bone spurs form, they can occupy and narrow the foraminal canal that is formed by the facet joint above and below each vertebra. This narrowing can cause pinching of the exiting nerve root that is trying to exit the spine on its way to one of extremities. If symptoms of a pinched nerve occur due to this condition, it is called foraminal stenosis.

For more information please click here to visit our facet arthritis condition page.