Causes of Bone Spurs Protruding Into the Spinal Cord

Tiny, pointed bony outgrowths that develop on the edges of a bone are bone spurs, or osteophytes. Most bone spurs can go undetected for years because of no symptoms. But if they rub against nearby bone or nerves, they can be painful.
Pain in the neck or back that radiates into the limbs or weakness in the extremities can be caused by bone spurs that protrude inward and push against the nerves or spinal cord. Spinal bone spurs can often affect the function of the bladder and bowels.
Collagen and ligaments make up intervertebral disks that separate the 32 vertebral segments of the spine. Acting as shock absorbers, the disks allow the spine to be flexible at each segment. Disks are responsible for the range of movement at the neck and lower back. Under each vertebra and behind the disk is a pair of nerve roots. These exit the spinal canal.
Bone spurs can be caused as the body attempts to repair lost cartilage broken down by disease or condition. The spurs commonly occur in the back, spine and around any joint affected by degenerated cartilage. Spurs with no symptoms can sometimes benefit the body as they add stability to degenerating joints.

Bone Spurs Caused by Inflammation

When tendinitis or degenerative arthritis flare up, the cells in the body that form bone are stimulated by the inflammation to deposit bone in the inflamed area. This will eventually form a spur. Bone spurs of the spine are commonly caused by local inflammation.

Bone Spurs Caused by Spinal Stenosis

A congenital or spinal degeneration can cause the bones of the spine to narrow, causing spinal stenosis. The joints of the vertebrae or displacement of ligament can cause an inflammation to occur that encourages bone spur growth. The spurs, in turn, contribute further to the pressure on the spinal cord.

Bone Spurs Caused by DISH

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is a form of degenerative arthritis with calcification occurring on the sides of the spinal vertebrae. DISH is associated with tendinitis. Calcification of the tendons where they attach to the bone can cause bone spurs. Heel spurs are common to people suffering from DISH.

Bone Spurs Caused by Spondylosis

Lumbar and cervical spondylosis is often associated with osteoarthritis. Repeated stress to a small area of bone can cause disk spaces between the vertebrae of the neck or lower back to degenerate. This type of injury can trigger bone spurs.

Bone Spurs Caused by Aging

As joints age and cartilage begins to break down, the body may attempt to repair itself by replacing the loss by creating new bone along existing bone. Aging joints can benefit by allowing the stabilized areas to redistribute weight and protect the remaining cartilage. If the spurs don't cause pain or loss of motion, the person may not know the spur growth has occurred.