Answer:

As the body ages, intervertebral discs lose water and gradually wear down, causing ligaments that stabilize the bones to loosen. During this aging process, the body develops additional bone growths on the outer edges and sides of the spine. These growths aim to maintain stability and reduce stress on the spine, eventually forming spinal spurs. This condition can cause varying degrees of pain depending on the spur's location and can affect mobility. It is a characteristic feature of degenerative spinal disease.

Spinal spurs cannot shrink over time. Once formed on the vertebrae, a spur becomes a true bone structure and cannot spontaneously dissolve or reduce in size. This holds true regardless of medication, physical therapy, or dietary changes. However, these conservative treatments effectively alleviate pain and improve patient mobility.

Surgery is typically indicated for cases where spinal spurs compress and narrow the spinal canal or impinge on nerve roots. Such compression can lead to numbness in the limbs or bowel and bladder dysfunction. However, bone spurs can recur in the same location even after surgery. Therefore, patients need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to posture during study and work to limit the risk of recurrence. Crucially, patients must adhere to treatment plans and attend regular follow-up appointments to promptly detect and address any abnormalities.

Doctor Thi assesses the degree of spinal spur compression in a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7

You have been diagnosed with mild spinal spurs that do not require intervention, meaning the condition is not yet affecting your quality of life. At this stage, you should maintain a healthy weight, adopt correct posture for daily activities and exercise, and avoid heavy lifting. Engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise to strengthen your spinal muscles and ligaments. You should have regular check-ups or seek medical attention immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, allowing a doctor to timely assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Thi

Spine Specialist

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7