What Causes Pain in the Lower Left Back?
19 June 2026
If you are wondering what is a bone spur, the name can make the condition sound more alarming than it often is. A bone spur is a small area of extra bone that develops gradually, usually around a joint or where bones meet. In the spine, these growths are also called osteophytes.
Many bone spurs never cause symptoms. Problems are more likely when changes around the spine reduce space for a nerve or contribute to stiffness and restricted movement. Understanding why bone spurs develop and whether they are actually responsible for your symptoms is therefore more useful than simply finding one on an X-ray.
So, what is a bone spur? A bone spur, or osteophyte, is an extra growth of bone that commonly develops near joints as the body responds to changes in cartilage, discs, ligaments, or surrounding structures. Bone spurs become more common with age and are frequently associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes.
Bone spurs themselves are not always painful. Many people have them without knowing it. Symptoms may develop when a spur affects movement, irritates nearby tissues, or contributes to narrowing around a spinal nerve.
When explaining what is a bone spur in the spine, it helps to understand that the spine is constantly adapting to physical forces.
Your vertebrae are connected through joints and separated by intervertebral discs. These structures allow movement while helping the spine manage the loads created by walking, lifting, bending, and everyday activity.
Over time, discs and joints naturally change.
A disc may gradually lose some height. Cartilage within a joint can become thinner. The distribution of forces through the spine can also change.
As part of this process, the body may form additional bone around the edges of a vertebra or joint. These bony projections are called osteophytes.
They usually develop slowly rather than appearing suddenly after one bad movement.
Most importantly, a bone spur on an imaging report is not automatically the cause of back or neck pain.
Some people have significant-looking changes on an X-ray or MRI without experiencing symptoms. Treatment should therefore focus on the person and their symptoms, not simply on the existence of an osteophyte.
Bone spurs can develop in several regions of the spine.
The cervical spine forms the neck.
Bone spurs in this region may produce no symptoms. When changes around the cervical spine reduce space available for a nerve, however, symptoms can sometimes extend beyond the neck.
Depending on the structures involved, someone may experience pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extending toward the shoulder, arm, or hand.
The thoracic spine forms the middle and upper portion of the back and connects with the ribs.
Degenerative changes and osteophytes can occur here too, although symptomatic problems are generally less common than in the cervical or lumbar regions.
The lumbar spine forms the lower back.
Because this area carries substantial physical load and allows considerable movement, age-related changes are common.
Spinal bone spurs may develop around the lumbar vertebrae and facet joints. Symptoms may occasionally spread to the legs or buttocks when surrounding degenerative changes limit the amount of space available for nerves.
One of the most important things to understand when researching what is a bone spur is that you may not feel one at all.
Many osteophytes are asymptomatic.
They may only be discovered when imaging is performed for an unrelated reason.
When symptoms do occur, they depend more on where the spur is located and which structures are affected than on the size of the growth alone.
Possible symptoms of spinal degenerative changes associated with osteophytes include:
A bone spur should not automatically be blamed for these symptoms simply because it appears on a scan. Disc changes, arthritis, spinal stenosis, muscular problems, and other conditions can produce similar complaints.
When bone spurs contribute to symptoms, the pattern can vary depending on their location.
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms may include:
If neurological symptoms are becoming progressively worse, professional assessment is important.
Understanding what is a bone spur also means understanding why the body produces extra bone in the first place.
Bone spurs are often associated with long-term changes around joints rather than one isolated injury.
Several factors may contribute.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions associated with osteophyte formation.
A smooth surface produced by healthy cartilage facilitates effective joint movement.
As cartilage changes over time, the body may respond by altering the bone around the joint. As part of that process, osteophytes may develop along its edges.
This does not mean everyone with osteoarthritis will experience significant pain.
The relationship between structural changes and symptoms varies considerably between people.
As we age, bone spurs become more prevalent.
That does not necessarily make them a disease.
Like wrinkles on the skin, changes in joints, discs, and bones accumulate throughout life.
Some remain completely symptom-free.
Problems are more likely when several changes combine to restrict movement or reduce the space available for nearby nerves.
Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae.
Over time, they can lose some hydration and height.
As the distance and load distribution between vertebrae change, additional stress may be placed on surrounding structures.
Osteophyte formation can be one part of the body’s response to these long-term changes.
Facet joints connect neighbouring vertebrae at the back of the spine.
These joints can develop osteoarthritis just like the knee, hip, or other joints.
Bone spurs may develop around their edges as degenerative changes progress.
A previous joint or spinal injury can sometimes contribute to degenerative changes later in life.
This does not mean an old injury will inevitably lead to painful bone spurs, but it can be one factor influencing how a joint changes over time.
Some people develop more significant degenerative changes than others even when their lifestyles appear similar.
Genetics, anatomy, age, previous injuries, occupation, activity levels, and other individual factors can all influence how the spine changes.
People often imagine a bone spur as an unwanted piece of bone that simply starts growing for no reason.
The reality is more complicated.
Your skeleton is living tissue. It continually responds to the forces placed upon it.
When a joint or disc changes over time, the way physical load passes through the area may also change. The body can respond by remodelling the surrounding bone.
An osteophyte is part of this adaptive process.
Unfortunately, additional bone can sometimes develop in a location where space is limited.
That becomes particularly relevant around the spine because nerves pass through small openings between the vertebrae and the spinal canal itself has limited space.
This is why the location of a bone spur can matter more than simply knowing that one exists.
Yes, although this does not happen with every bone spur.
If an osteophyte develops near an opening through which a spinal nerve travels, it may contribute to narrowing of that space.
This narrowing may be described as foraminal stenosis.
A nerve affected in the cervical spine can potentially produce symptoms extending into an arm.
In the lumbar spine, nerve irritation can produce symptoms extending toward the buttock or leg.
These symptoms may include:
The presence of these symptoms does not prove that an osteophyte is responsible. Disc problems and other forms of narrowing can affect the same nerves.
A clinical examination and, when appropriate, imaging help determine which findings are actually relevant.
Another useful concept when understanding what is a bone spur is spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis means that space around the spinal cord or nerves has become narrower.
This narrowing can result from a combination of age-related changes, including:
In the lumbar spine, stenosis may cause discomfort in the buttocks or legs during standing or walking.
Some people find that symptoms improve when they sit or bend slightly forward.
Cervical spinal stenosis can be more concerning when narrowing begins affecting the spinal cord itself.
Symptoms such as increasing difficulty with balance, changes in hand coordination, progressive weakness, or walking problems require medical assessment.
You cannot reliably diagnose a bone spur based on symptoms alone.
A healthcare professional will usually begin with your medical history and physical examination.
They may ask:
The physical examination may assess spinal movement, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, walking, and other neurological signs.
If imaging is appropriate, several options may be used.
X-rays provide a useful view of bone and can reveal osteophytes and other degenerative changes.
MRI provides more detail about soft tissues, including discs and nerves.
This can be particularly useful when nerve compression or spinal stenosis is suspected.
CT imaging provides detailed pictures of bony structures and may be recommended in certain circumstances.
The important point is that an imaging finding should be interpreted alongside your symptoms.
Finding an osteophyte does not automatically explain why someone is experiencing pain.
People asking what is a bone spur often follow it with another question:
Can it disappear?
Generally, established osteophytes do not simply dissolve through stretching, exercise, massage, supplements, or spinal decompression.
That does not mean everyone with a bone spur needs surgery.
Far from it.
If the spur is not producing symptoms, treatment may not be necessary at all.
Even when symptoms are present, conservative treatment may help improve mobility, strength, and function without physically removing the osteophyte.
This distinction is important.
Successful treatment does not always mean making an imaging finding disappear.
It may entail enhancing your ability to move more confidently and comfortably in spite of the structural alterations.
Treatment depends on whether the osteophyte is actually contributing to symptoms and what those symptoms involve.
For many people, treatment begins conservatively.
Movement helps maintain strength, mobility, and confidence.
During a flare-up, you don’t have to push your spine thru uncomfortable ranges or engage in strenuous exercise.
Instead, look for activities you can tolerate comfortably.
Walking can be a practical starting point for many people.
The appropriate activity will depend on your symptoms and overall health.
A physiotherapist can evaluate the movement of your spine and surrounding regions and create an exercise regimen tailored to your specific requirements.
Treatment may include:
The goal is generally to improve function rather than attempt to physically “break down” the bone spur.
Depending on the symptoms and your overall health, a healthcare professional may recommend medication for pain or inflammation.
Medication does not remove an osteophyte.
Its role is symptom management, potentially allowing you to remain active while other parts of your treatment plan address mobility, strength, and function.
Always follow professional advice regarding medication, particularly if you have other medical conditions or take additional medicines.
In certain situations, injections may be considered to manage inflammation or pain around an affected area.
The appropriateness and expected benefit depend on the diagnosis and structures involved.
An injection does not normally remove the bone spur itself.
This needs a clear answer.
Spinal decompression cannot remove a bone spur.
No responsible discussion of what constitutes a bone spur should suggest that an osteophyte can be eliminated with traction, stretching, or a home decompression device.
However, some people with age-related spinal changes experience mechanical stiffness or discomfort alongside the osteophytes seen on their scans.
Gentle decompression may feel comfortable for certain people by providing a temporary unloading or stretching effect through the spine.
Its potential role therefore relates to supporting mobility and managing mechanical discomfort, not removing the bony growth.
Spinal decompression should also be approached more cautiously when significant spinal stenosis, neurological impairment, fractures, severe osteoporosis, or other important spinal conditions are present.
If you’re exploring decompression at home, our guide to the best spinal decompression device explains what different devices are designed to do and what to consider before choosing one.
The Spinal Backrack is designed to provide controlled support for gentle spinal decompression at home.
It does not eliminate, dissolve, or crush osteophytes.
Instead, someone experiencing mechanical back stiffness alongside degenerative spinal changes may choose to include decompression within a wider routine involving:
This is a much more realistic way to think about home decompression.
The goal is to support the way your back feels and moves, rather than promising to change the shape of the bone itself.
A spinal bone spur cannot be eliminated by any particular exercise.
Exercise instead aims to help maintain mobility, strength, balance, and everyday function.
The appropriate movements depend on where the osteophytes are located and whether nerves or the spinal cord are affected.
For uncomplicated mechanical stiffness, a healthcare professional may recommend exercises such as the following.
Walking is accessible and easy to modify.
Start with an amount that feels comfortable and gradually build from there.
If standing or walking causes increasing leg symptoms that improve when you sit, discuss this pattern with a healthcare professional because it can occur with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Comfortable movements through the spine can help maintain mobility.
The exact direction of movement matters, particularly when spinal stenosis or nerve symptoms are present, so avoid forcing yourself into exercises that clearly aggravate your symptoms.
Your trunk’s surrounding muscles aid in controlling your spine when you move.
Exercises can be gradually progressed according to your ability rather than relying on aggressive abdominal workouts.
Strong hips and legs help distribute the physical demands of walking, climbing stairs, lifting, and other everyday activities.
Exercises such as bridges may be useful for some people.
Balance becomes particularly important as we age.
Simple exercises can help maintain confidence and reduce fall risk, although anyone with significant balance problems should seek professional guidance before attempting challenging exercises alone.
A diagnosis of osteophytes does not mean you should stop moving.
Reduced strength and physical capacity can result from avoiding routine activities due to fear.
Instead, pay attention to activities that consistently worsen your symptoms.
Depending on your condition, temporary modifications may be appropriate for:
Your goal should usually be a gradual return to appropriate activity, not permanent avoidance.
Most people asking what is a bone spur will not automatically need surgery simply because an osteophyte appears on imaging.
Surgery may be considered when structural changes contribute to significant nerve or spinal cord compression and symptoms remain severe despite appropriate conservative treatment.
Factors that may influence the decision include:
The exact procedure depends on the location and cause of the compression.
In some cases, surgery aims to create more space for the affected nerve or spinal cord rather than simply “removing a bone spur.”
A spinal specialist can explain whether the imaging findings match your symptoms and whether surgery is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
Not every bone spur can be prevented.
Ageing and genetics cannot be controlled, and normal structural changes occur throughout life.
However, maintaining general musculoskeletal health remains worthwhile.
Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, joint movement, cardiovascular health, and overall physical capacity.
Choose activities you enjoy enough to continue.
Strengthening the muscles around the spine, hips, and legs helps your body manage everyday physical demands.
Sudden increases in training or workload can aggravate musculoskeletal symptoms even when they do not directly create osteophytes.
Gradual progression gives your body time to adapt.
Smoking can harm spinal tissues and is linked to worse musculoskeletal and overall health.
Stopping smoking provides benefits far beyond your spine.
Sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and maintaining an appropriate body weight all contribute to general health.
None of these habits guarantees that osteophytes will never develop, but they can support your ability to remain active as you age.
Learning what is a bone spur should also include understanding when symptoms deserve further investigation.
Arrange an assessment if:
Seek more urgent medical assessment if you develop:
These symptoms can indicate neurological involvement and should not simply be attributed to a bone spur without assessment.
If you’re asking what is a bone spur, it is simply an area of additional bone growth, usually found around a joint. Most are not dangerous and many cause no symptoms. A spinal bone spur becomes more clinically important when it contributes to narrowing around a nerve or the spinal cord.
Bone spurs commonly develop alongside osteoarthritis and other age-related changes affecting joints, discs, and surrounding structures. They form gradually as bone remodels in response to long-term changes in the mechanical environment around a joint.
Not necessarily. Many bone spurs cause no symptoms and are only discovered on imaging. When an osteophyte affects surrounding structures, someone may experience stiffness, pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness depending on its location.
Yes. Osteophytes and other degenerative changes become increasingly common with age. Their presence does not automatically mean someone has a painful or serious spinal condition.
Established bone spurs generally do not disappear through stretching, exercise, massage, or home remedies. However, symptoms associated with degenerative spinal changes can sometimes be managed successfully without removing the osteophyte.
No. Exercise cannot dissolve a bone spur. Its role is to support mobility, strength, function, and general musculoskeletal health.
Changes associated with spinal osteophytes can contribute to narrowing around lumbar nerves. When a nerve associated with the sciatic pathway is affected, pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness may extend into the buttock or leg.
Yes. Bone spurs can be one of several structural changes that contribute to spinal stenosis. Disc bulging, enlarged facet joints, and thickened ligaments may also reduce the available space around nerves or the spinal cord.
No. An asymptomatic osteophyte discovered incidentally may require no specific treatment. Treatment is generally considered when symptoms affect comfort, mobility, neurological function, or quality of life.
No. Spinal decompression does not remove or dissolve osteophytes. Some people with mechanical spinal stiffness may find gentle decompression comfortable as part of a wider back-care routine, but it should not be presented as a method of eliminating a bone spur.
This depends on your symptoms and overall spinal health. The Spinal Backrack is designed to support gentle spinal decompression, not remove bone spurs. If you have significant spinal stenosis, worsening neurological symptoms, severe osteoporosis, a recent fracture, previous spinal surgery, or another significant spinal condition, seek professional advice before using a decompression device.
Understanding what is a bone spur can make an imaging result much less frightening. An osteophyte is an area of extra bone that commonly develops alongside the normal ageing and degenerative processes affecting joints and the spine. Its presence does not automatically mean it is painful, dangerous, or needs to be removed.
When symptoms are present, treatment should focus on what is actually limiting your life. For many people, that means staying active, maintaining strength and mobility, using appropriate symptom-management strategies, and working with a healthcare professional when nerve-related symptoms or significant limitations develop.
If mechanical stiffness accompanies your spinal changes, gentle decompression may be one component of a broader back-care routine. The Spinal Backrack is designed to support this approach at home, but it cannot remove, shrink, or reverse a bone spur.
Ultimately, the most useful answer to what is a bone spur is not simply “extra bone.” What matters is where it is located, whether it is affecting surrounding structures, and whether it is actually responsible for your symptoms. Those factors should guide what you do next.
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