Spinal bone spurs

[Ellemma]

How bad can bone spurs be?!?!
I have quite a few health issues that led to getting a cervical thoracic MRI last week to look at diagnosing ms, was very pleased, no lesions, no ms! But I am having more and more severe numbness in my limbs, plus have really bad muscle rigidity in the rea of my trapezoid muscles that not even the max dose of zanaflex will budge. I thought bone spurs were something elderly people got from wearing I'll fitting shoes, oh, an MRI of my knees a couple of years ago showes bone spurs under my knee caps. At 36 am I to young to have these- can they cause problems of any significance? Thank you!

[Ellemma]

Thank you so much for answering, my neurologist sent me to a rheumatologist just to rule some things out, have been diagnosed with fibro. I think my muscle rigidity may be due to years of daily migraines, seems to get worse during a bad migraine. Same w the neuralgia. Anyway, thanks for answering.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Bone spurs are often associated with degenerative joint disease and are more common in the elderly. There are relatively uncommon in younger age group and could occur in association with a few metabolic disorders as well. With your description these are unlikely to be the sole cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include neuro-muscular/ spinal issues, nutrient/ micronutrient deficiencies, metabolic issues, chronic inflammations, injuries etc. It would be best to have this evaluated by a primary care physician initially and depending on the suspected possibility, specialist care (orthopedic/ neurological/ rheumatological) care may be sought, if required.
Hope this helps.

Take care!