A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a bony projection that forms along the edges of bones, most frequently at the joints. When a person seeks chiropractic care for a bone spur, the goal is not to physically remove the excess bone growth, which is not possible without surgery. Instead, the focus is on managing the associated symptoms, improving joint function, and reducing the mechanical stress and inflammation contributing to the pain. Chiropractic treatment offers a non-invasive approach aimed at reducing discomfort and increasing mobility, even though the bony projection itself remains present.
Understanding Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Bone spurs (osteophytes) are extra growths of bone tissue that develop on the outsides of bones, often near joints. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which involves the long-term wear and tear of joint cartilage. As the protective cartilage breaks down, the body attempts to stabilize the compromised joint by creating new bone tissue.
This bony overgrowth is the body’s natural response to instability or chronic stress in a joint. They are a common age-related change, often seen on X-rays in people over 50. While many people have bone spurs without symptoms, they can cause pain and restricted movement if they rub against nerves, soft tissues, or other bones. Common locations include the spine, heels, shoulders, hips, and knees.
The Chiropractic Approach to Joint Stress
Chiropractic care addresses the underlying biomechanical dysfunction that often contributes to bone spur symptoms, rather than targeting the spur itself. The philosophy centers on reducing mechanical stress and inflammation in the surrounding tissues and joints. By improving the alignment and mobility of adjacent joints, treatment aims to decrease the irritation that makes the bone spur painful.
A primary focus is restoring optimal function to restricted joints, which reduces friction and abnormal pressure on nerves and soft tissues. When joint movement is compromised, it can lead to muscle tension and inflammation, exacerbating pain. By addressing these restrictions, chiropractic adjustments help stabilize the area and alleviate symptoms, even though the bony growth remains unchanged.
Treatment Modalities Used in Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors employ a variety of non-invasive tools and techniques designed for pain relief and improved function. Spinal manipulation, or adjustments, is a core method used to restore motion to restricted joints. This action reduces joint friction and decreases the pressure that restricted joints place on surrounding nerves, which may be aggravated by a bone spur.
Soft tissue therapies, such as massage and specialized stretching, address muscle tension and spasm that typically accompany joint stress. These techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing localized inflammation. For spinal bone spurs, spinal decompression may be used to gently stretch the spine and reduce pressure on compressed nerves.
Rehabilitative exercises are a significant component of care, focusing on strengthening the muscles that support the affected joint. These routines help stabilize the joint long-term and prevent the recurrence of mechanical stress. Chiropractors may also utilize adjunctive modalities such as ultrasound, cold laser therapy, or heat therapy to manage localized pain and inflammation and stimulate tissue healing.
Limitations and When Medical Referral is Necessary
Chiropractic care has specific limitations regarding advanced structural changes like bone spurs. No non-surgical intervention can dissolve the bone tissue of an osteophyte; therefore, treatment focuses purely on symptom management and improving biomechanics.
Before treatment begins, diagnostic imaging, typically X-rays, is needed to confirm the location and severity of the bone spur. Chiropractic manipulation is inappropriate or requires co-management with a medical doctor if severe neurological symptoms are present, such as sudden muscle weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function. These red flag symptoms suggest advanced nerve root or spinal cord compression, which may require immediate surgical assessment. If symptoms do not improve after a defined course of conservative care, or if the spur causes severe structural deformity, a referral to a specialist is warranted.