Osteophytes are also known as bone spurs. The main cause of it to happen is lack of movement or lack of movement of joints. The joints do not move much which causes pain and makes them weak as time goes by. It is very important to move around rather than just parking yourself at one place. This usually happens when you are nearing an old age. Old people suffer from this problem a lot. Osteophytes cause back pain and much serious disease known as arthritis. It is also very important to watch your diet as too much of fatty food can make you lethargic. It is extremely important to get yourself admitted to the hospital when you suffer from something like this.