Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that can form along the edges of bones. They can occur in many different areas of the body, including the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet, and can cause pain and discomfort, limiting a person’s mobility and quality of life. While there are a variety of treatments available for bone spurs, the two most common approaches are non-surgical and surgical options. With non-surgical treatments, patients can often manage their symptoms through physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, while surgical treatments involve the removal of the bone spur through incisions and often require a longer recovery period.
The decision to pursue non-surgical or surgical treatment for bone spurs depends on a number of factors, including the location of the bone spur, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health. While both options have their benefits and drawbacks, many patients prefer to explore non-surgical treatments before opting for surgery due to the potential risks and recovery time associated with surgical procedures. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of non-surgical vs. surgical treatment for bone spurs, providing insights that can help you make an informed decision about the best approach for your unique situation.
Physical therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that can effectively manage the symptoms of bone spurs. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, patients who received physical therapy for bone spurs reported significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.
Physical therapy for bone spurs typically includes a combination of exercises to strengthen the affected area, improve flexibility, and reduce inflammation. Manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching can also be used to alleviate pain and improve the range of motion. Additionally, physical therapists may use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to further reduce pain and promote healing. By addressing the root cause of the bone spur and improving the surrounding tissue, physical therapy can help patients avoid invasive surgical procedures and achieve long-term pain relief.
Medications and vitamins are two non-surgical treatments that can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, corticosteroid injections can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing long-lasting pain relief.
In addition to medications, certain vitamins and supplements can also be effective in managing symptoms associated with bone spurs. For example, calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health and can help prevent the development of bone spurs. Other supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to improve joint health and reduce pain and inflammation. In a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, patients with osteoarthritis, a common cause of bone spurs, who took glucosamine and chondroitin experienced significant improvements in pain and function.
Exercise and weight loss are non-surgical treatment options that can be effective in managing the symptoms of bone spurs. For example, low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, or walking can help increase strength and flexibility, and reduce the impact on the affected area. Additionally, exercises that target the specific joint affected by the bone spur, such as shoulder rolls for a shoulder bone spur, can be effective at reducing pain and improving mobility.
In addition to exercise, weight loss can also be an effective non-surgical treatment for bone spurs. Excess weight places additional stress on the joints, exacerbating the symptoms of bone spurs. Losing weight can reduce this stress and alleviate pain and inflammation. In fact, a study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that weight loss resulted in a significant improvement in pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, a common cause of bone spurs in the knee joint.
Injections are a non-surgical treatment option that can be used to manage the symptoms of bone spurs. Corticosteroid injections can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing long-lasting pain relief. Patients with knee osteoarthritis, a common cause of bone spurs, who received corticosteroid injections reported significant improvements in pain and function.
Another type of injection that can be effective in managing the symptoms of bone spurs is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP injections involve using the patient’s own blood to create a concentrated solution of platelets, which are then injected into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that can promote healing and reduce inflammation, making PRP injections an effective treatment option for bone spurs. Patients with knee osteoarthritis who received PRP injections reported significant improvements in pain and function.
Rhizotomy is a surgical treatment option for bone spurs that involves using radiofrequency energy to ablate, or burn, the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. By disrupting the nerve signals, rhizotomy can provide long-lasting pain relief for patients with bone spurs. Rhizotomy is particularly effective for patients with spinal bone spurs, as it can provide relief from chronic back pain. One study has found that rhizotomy resulted in significant reductions in pain and improved quality of life for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, a common cause of bone spurs in the lower back.
Chiropractic therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for bone spurs that involves manipulating the spine to improve alignment and reduce pressure on affected joints. Chiropractic therapy can be effective in managing pain and improving mobility in patients with bone spurs. A study found that chiropractic care resulted in significant improvements in pain and function for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, a common cause of bone spurs.
While chiropractic therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for bone spurs, it’s important to seek professional medical advice to determine the best course of action. For many patients, non-surgical treatment options such as chiropractic therapy can be an effective way to manage pain and inflammation. It’s also worth noting that chiropractic therapy is a holistic approach that considers the whole person and their overall health, and can be beneficial for patients beyond just managing their bone spur symptoms.
Osteophytectomy is a surgical treatment for bone spurs that involves the removal of the bony growth causing pain and limited mobility. This procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the location and size of the bone spur. While osteophytectomy can be an effective treatment option for patients with bone spurs, it is typically considered a last resort after non-surgical treatments have failed. In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary to fully restore mobility and quality of life for patients with severe bone spur symptoms.
Despite the benefits of osteophytectomy, there are potential risks associated with any surgical procedure, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of osteophytectomy with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific case. However, for many patients, non-surgical treatment options can be effective in managing pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs and may be the best first-line treatment option.
Foraminotomy is a surgical treatment option for bone spurs that involves the removal of bone or tissue to enlarge the space where nerve roots exit the spinal cord. This procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the location and size of the bone spur. Foraminotomy can be effective in reducing nerve compression and associated symptoms such as pain, tingling, and weakness. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with foraminotomy, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of foraminotomy with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific case.
Non-surgical treatment options should be explored before considering foraminotomy. In many cases, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections can be effective in managing pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs.
Laminectomy is a surgical treatment option for bone spurs that involves the removal of a portion of the vertebrae, known as the lamina, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the location and size of the bone spur. Laminectomy can be effective in reducing spinal cord or nerve root compression and associated symptoms such as pain, weakness, and numbness.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with laminectomy, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of laminectomy with their healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific case.
Bone spurs can be a painful and limiting condition, but there are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options available to manage symptoms and restore mobility. Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections can be effective in managing pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs, while surgical options such as rhizotomy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, osteophytectomy, foraminotomy, and laminectomy may be necessary for patients with severe symptoms or nerve compression. Ultimately, the best course of action for each patient will depend on their individual circumstances, including the location and size of the bone spur, the severity of their symptoms, and their overall health. With proper care and treatment, patients can manage bone spur symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Chen is a highly skilled Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals achieve their full potential! Based at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Chen is a specialist in the non-surgical treatment of bone spurs and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
With a passion for sports and medicine, Dr. Chen has a remarkable background. He graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers). Then, he honed his skills further by completing a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the country. During his time there, Dr. Chen provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH).
Dr. Chen’s love for sports has not faded since completing his training. He continues to give back by volunteering at the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek.
At The Center for Sports Medicine, Dr. Chen is surrounded by a highly skilled and multidisciplinary team of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists. With quick access to this team of experts, Dr. Chen is committed to getting you back to your best self as quickly and safely as possible. If you’re looking for a dedicated and experienced doctor to help you with your musculoskeletal issues, look no further than Dr. Chen! Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
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