To figure out the difference between spinal stenosis and osteophytes, you first need to know what spinal stenosis is. Spinal stenosis is a group of syndromes caused by the narrowing of one or more lumens of the spinal canal due to bony or fibrous structural abnormalities produced by certain factors, resulting in compression of the cauda equina or nerve roots. Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves and spinal cord due to many reasons, one of which is osteophytes. Osteophytes are not related to spinal stenosis as long as they do not compress the nerves or spinal cord. 1. If the osteophyte grows into the spinal canal, it can cause spinal stenosis. 2. If the osteophyte grows outside the spinal canal, it has nothing to do with spinal stenosis. In fact, osteophytes are a protective response, such as the spine, ligaments, intervertebral discs, or other causes of poor spinal stability, the body will use osteophytes to try to compensate for the stabilization of the spinal canal. Osteophytes are a reparative response, but if they grow into the spinal canal they may compress the spinal cord or nerves. 3. If the osteophyte grows outside the spinal canal, it is simply an osteophyte. Strictly speaking, as long as the osteophyte does not cause compression of the nerves or spinal cord, it does not need to be treated and medication is ineffective.