Understanding Osteophytes (Bone Spurs): What They Are and How Osteopathy Can Help
If you've been told you have osteophytes, commonly known as bone spurs you might be wondering what that means, how they form, and what can be done to manage the discomfort they often bring. As osteopaths, we regularly support people dealing with joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis, where osteophytes are commonly found.
What Are Osteophytes?
Osteophytes are small bony outgrowths that develop along the edges of bones, typically in joints or where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. They often form as a response to joint degeneration, especially in osteoarthritis. Despite the term "spur", they aren't sharp though they can still cause pain or restrict movement depending on their location.
What Causes Osteophytes?
The most common causes of osteophyte formation include:
Osteoarthritis: As the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, the body tries to repair the damage by producing extra bone.
Spinal degeneration: Osteophytes often form in the spine as a response to disc thinning or joint inflammation.
Chronic joint stress: Repetitive movements or poor biomechanics can contribute to joint wear and tear.
Posture and mechanical loading: Poor posture or uneven loading across joints can increase joint stress over time.
Symptoms of Osteophytes
Not everyone with osteophytes experiences symptoms, but when they do, common issues include:
Joint stiffness (especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity)
Reduced range of motion
Pain during movement
Nerve compression symptoms if the osteophyte presses on nearby nerves (e.g., numbness, tingling, or radiating pain)
In the spine, cervical or lumbar osteophytes may also contribute to local pain or headaches.
Where Are Osteophytes Common?
You may develop osteophytes in:
The spine
The Hips
The Knees
The Shoulders
The Fingers & Toes
How Can Osteopathy Help?
While osteopathy cannot remove osteophytes, it can play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving function.
At Tugun Osteopathy, we take a whole-body approach to relieve pressure on affected joints, improve mobility, and support surrounding structures. Here's how:
Manual therapy to improve joint movement and reduce muscular tension
Postural assessment and correction to reduce uneven load on joints
Individualised exercises to strengthen and stabilise surrounding muscles
Advice on daily activities to help you move more efficiently and reduce joint strain
For some people, osteophytes are just a sign of natural ageing, and they may never cause issues. But for others, especially those with underlying osteoarthritis or biomechanical imbalances, early support can make a big difference in comfort and mobility.
When to Seek Help
If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms like nerve tingling or weakness, it’s worth getting a full assessment. An osteopath can help identify the contributing factors and work with you to relieve symptoms and improve function without relying solely on medications or invasive procedures.
If you would like to know more contact us on 0405 640 786.