Can osteophytes be massaged?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on November 01, 2024
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Osteophyte, or bone spur, symptoms such as localized pain can be alleviated through massage. However, massage only serves as a relief and does not aim to treat the bone spur itself. Clinically, the treatment for bone spurs also focuses merely on symptomatic relief; it is impossible to completely eliminate bone spurs through oral medications or other physical therapies. Besides massage, options such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, can be used to relieve pain. Additionally, local injections, such as block injections, can also provide relief. However, it is important to remember that the dosage and frequency of block injections are limited; generally, one to two injections per month is the maximum. Excessive use of block injections can damage local muscles and ligaments, worsening the symptoms of bone spurs. (Please consult your doctor before using any medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to eradicate cervical spondylosis?

First of all, it should be noted that once cervical spondylosis occurs, it is impossible to completely eradicate it. However, actively cooperating with treatment to alleviate the pain symptoms caused by cervical spondylosis in patients is entirely feasible. Usually, the methods of relief require the patient to minimize bending their head down, avoid keeping the neck in the same position for an extended period, and try to keep the neck muscles relaxed. It is crucial not to catch cold. Local treatments such as heat application, massage, and cupping can be used, and it is entirely possible to apply topical ointments that promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and drugs that combat bone proliferation.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What is bone hyperplasia?

Bone hyperplasia is primarily caused by degenerative changes in the joints or due to trauma, chronic strain, and other factors, leading to the destruction of cartilage and subsequently causing a reactive proliferation of cartilage. Bone hyperplasia is a physiological phenomenon, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly patients. When bone hyperplasia is asymptomatic, treatment is not required; however, when it irritates surrounding tissues, symptoms such as pain and restricted movement can occur, and treatment is necessary. Treatment mainly involves symptomatic medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, drugs that nourish the cartilage, and drugs that nourish the nerves, among others. Additionally, treatment can include hot compresses, physical therapy, or surgery, all of which can effectively improve symptoms. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor and do not use them indiscriminately on your own.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of bone hyperplasia?

Bone hyperplasia is mainly caused by degenerative joint changes. The symptoms vary depending on the affected area. For example, bone hyperplasia in the cervical spine can cause symptoms such as limb pain, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and nausea when it compresses and irritates vessels and nerves. Bone hyperplasia in the joints can lead to joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation, restricted movement, and even deformities. In the case of lumbar spine bone hyperplasia, when it stimulates the nerve roots, it can cause symptoms like back and leg pain, and numbness and weakness in the limbs. Thus, it is evident that the symptoms of bone hyperplasia differ depending on the location.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Causes of lumbar vertebral hyperostosis

The first reason is aging of the human body. As the body ages, the lumbar spine inevitably exhibits degenerative changes due to wear and tear from movement, and the majority of people over 60 show the formation of bone spurs in X-ray images. The second reason is injury caused by overexertion. Overexertion, due to excessive workload and excessive activity, aggravates the degeneration of the lumbar spine, leading to the formation of bone spurs. The third reason is a history of trauma. Trauma to the lumbar area during one's youth can lead to bone proliferation in the lumbar spine in middle and old age. The fourth reason is improper posture. Bone proliferation in the lumbar spine in young patients is mainly due to maintaining the same posture for long periods, improper posture, and sleeping on soft beds, all of which can lead to bone proliferation over time. These are the main reasons for bone proliferation in the lumbar spine currently observed in clinical settings.

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng
Orthopedics
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Can people with bone hyperplasia drink alcohol?

Bone hyperplasia is a protective response caused by the bones at joint areas being subjected to long-term muscle traction and wear. Bone hyperplasia itself is not a disease, nor does it affect drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol has neither therapeutic effects nor does it cause pain related to bone hyperplasia, so whether patients with bone hyperplasia drink alcohol is not very significant. For the treatment of bone hyperplasia, the most important things are rest, reducing heavy labor, and avoiding heavy physical work or extensive sports activities. Medications can include oral anti-inflammatory pain relievers, blood circulation-promoting drugs, and cartilage-protecting drugs for symptomatic treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)