Bone spurs, technically known as osteophytes, are smooth, bony outgrowths that typically form near joints or on the spine. They are common, especially as the body ages, and often cause no symptoms until discovered on an X-ray. When a bone spur causes discomfort, people often seek non-surgical relief. This article explores the role of massage therapy in managing the associated symptoms.
What Causes Pain from Bone Spurs
The rigid bone spur itself is generally not the direct source of pain. Discomfort arises from secondary issues when the spur interacts with neighboring soft tissues. A bone spur can cause friction as it rubs against tendons, ligaments, muscles, or bursae during movement. This constant irritation leads to inflammation and tenderness in the surrounding area.
The growth can also cause mechanical problems by encroaching upon nearby nerves. If the spur impinges on a nerve, it can result in radiating pain, numbness, or tingling away from the joint. In response to this irritation, the body develops chronic tension in local muscles, known as muscle guarding. This protective reflex attempts to stabilize the joint and prevent painful movement, but it ultimately contributes to stiffness and increased discomfort.
How Massage Influences Surrounding Tissue
Massage therapy targets the soft tissue reactions that cause the majority of bone spur pain. A primary mechanism is the reduction of muscle guarding and chronic tension around the affected joint. Applying pressure and movement to tight muscle fibers helps them relax, which improves range of motion and decreases stiffness.
The physical manipulation of soft tissue also stimulates local circulation. Increased blood flow helps flush out metabolic waste products that build up in tense, inflamed tissues. Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue repair, supporting the body’s healing process.
Massage also helps modulate the perception of pain through the neurological gate control theory. This theory suggests that non-painful input, such as the pressure and touch from massage, travels along faster nerve fibers. This faster input effectively “closes a gate” in the spinal cord, blocking the transmission of slower pain signals from reaching the brain. By activating these pathways, massage provides a temporary interruption of the pain cycle, offering symptomatic relief.
When Massage Is and Is Not Effective
Massage therapy can be effective for managing the pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility resulting from soft tissue involvement near a bone spur. Techniques focusing on reducing muscle guarding and releasing trigger points in compensating muscles are beneficial. Therapists may use gentler techniques directly over the spur to avoid irritation while applying deeper work to surrounding, tighter muscles.
Massage cannot physically shrink, dissolve, or remove the bone spur itself. Since the spur is a bony structure, soft tissue work will not change its size or location. If the spur causes severe mechanical problems, such as joint locking or significant nerve compression leading to weakness or numbness, massage will likely be insufficient.
In cases of severe nerve involvement or worsening symptoms, professional medical intervention is necessary for a comprehensive evaluation. Massage serves as a supportive, non-pharmacological treatment option best suited for managing soft tissue pain and inflammation. It works best as part of a complete treatment plan that may also include stretching, physical therapy, or other medical management.