Alternative treatments are practices outside of mainstream medicine but are still sought out by patients for many different reasons. If you are suffering from pain and other symptoms related to a spinal bone spur, alternative treatments and therapies may be your next option, either because you want to take a more holistic approach to care or maybe someone you know has recommended them. Some people do report finding pain relief and improved mobility from options such as yoga, chiropractic care and therapeutic massage.

It’s highly recommended to discuss all of your treatment options — both conventional and alternative — with your doctor to develop a plan that works for your specific situation. The following information can help you gain a better understanding of some of the more common alternative treatments to help you get the best chance of returning to the quality of life you deserve.

Acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care for bone spurs

Three of the most popular alternative therapies for bone spurs and other spine conditions include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care. Here is what these treatments involve:

• Acupuncture. This is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of small needles at specific points on the body. This is believed to stimulate blood flow and potentially release painkilling endorphins.
• Massage therapy. Therapeutic massage can help relax tense muscles and relieve pain for some patients.
• Chiropractic care. A chiropractor can perform manual adjustments on the spine to improve alignment and potentially take pressure off of a compressed nerve.

Other alternative therapies

In addition to the alternative treatments listed above, you might also consider yoga and herbal remedies in an attempt to manage symptoms related to your bone spur. A regular yoga practice can strengthen core and back muscles to better support the spine. Herbal remedies — such as ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and valerian root, a natural pain reliever — may help decrease your need for traditional pain medications.

While alternative treatments can be beneficial for some individuals, you should always discuss your options with your doctor or specialist before adding them to your treatment plan. He or she should have the medical knowledge required to tell you if a particular alternative therapy is compatible with your existing treatments. They may also be able to refer you to reputable practitioners in your area.

When surgery is the next step

Although alternative and conservative treatments provide relief for many patients, they aren’t always able to reduce the symptoms of a spinal bone spur enough for a return to normal activities. When this is the case, surgical treatment may be necessary.

At USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive spine surgery that is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine procedures, offering our patients an outpatient setting with a shorter recovery time.^{^} If you’ve been attempting the full range conservative of bone spur treatments with no success, contact USA Spine Care today for more information about our minimally invasive surgeries, and whether they may be right for you.

We offer a no-cost MRI review* to help you find out if you may be a candidate for one of our procedures.