[1] They should not be confused with enthesophytes, which are bony projections that form at the attachment of a tendon or ligament.

[4] A range of bone-formation processes are associated with aging, degeneration, mechanical instability, and disease (such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis).

Often osteophytes form in osteoarthritic joints as a result of damage and wear from inflammation.

In this case, the osteophytes are commonly not the source of back pains, but instead are a sign of an underlying problem.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery are two typical options for cases requiring treatment.