What is an osteophyte?  
The word osteophyte comes from the Greek language. Osteo meaning bone, and Phyte meaning growth.   
Osteophytes are not something that you find in a cave, although I do think that they share certain similarities between stalagmites and stalactites, they even look a bit similar on an x-ray. Osteophytes are small and bony projections that develop along the edges of bones.  They can develop all over the body, in the feet, knees, hips, hands, elbows, the list goes on… but because we’re Chiropractors the ones we really worry about are those in the spine.  

 
Do they hurt?  
Most of the time the answer is No, they don’t and you quite often don’t even know they are there. They are a BIG problem though when they grow big enough that they press on a nerve!! Then you most definitely know they are there. It hurts a lot and can even put pressure on the nerve, so they no longer send signals to different parts of the body.   

Why do they occur?   
Your body is incredibly clever, and it responds to its environment. Very similar to how skin will create callouses through overuse. Take this example, my hands are baby soft but if I started working with bricks and cement the skin on my hands will thicken and become tougher to deal with the stresses on it, I wouldn’t have to think about it happening. My body would just do it.  

 

Osteophytes might seem like a bad thing, but it is your body trying to protect parts of your spine that keep becoming overloaded through daily life activities, lifting, carrying, driving, sitting, gardening, decorating. The list is extensive of how we can upset our spines (and our Chiropractors)  

Can Osteophytes Be Prevented?  
Some people wish for world peace. I’d like that too, I’d also love a world where your spine is strong enough to cope with daily life (PLEASE do your exercises), and where your spine is flexible enough to be resilient (PLEASE do your stretches). Eating and drinking healthily also impacts on our spinal health. As does staying active and avoid prolonged sitting and using proper lifting techniques. If we didn’t abuse our spines then they wouldn’t need to form osteophytes.   

 

Final Thoughts  
Osteophytes in the spine are the result of your body adapting to wear and tear. They’re a sign of how remarkable the spine is, it is constantly responding to changes and trying to protect itself. While they’re often harmless, understanding how they form can help you take steps to support your spine and recognise symptoms early.