Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?

Q: Can Laser Treatment Effectively Address Bone Spurs?

Hello： Essentially, lasers cannot remove bone spurs, as bone spurs are actually excess bone growth and are as hard as regular bone. <br>Lasers are used to remove soft tissue that compresses nerves, such as intervertebral discs. <br>Although laser treatment has been proven effecti

Can bone spurs be treated with laser therapy?

Hello Doctor, my mother has been suffering from spinal bone spurs for a long time, experiencing frequent numbness and weakness in both legs.
Despite regular rehabilitation and swimming, her symptoms have not improved.
Recently, through a friend's recommendation, she is considering undergoing laser treatment at the Wenhe Orthopedic Clinic in Taoyuan.
Questions and answers regarding laser treatment were raised over two years ago; please refer to the attached document.
I would like to ask, after two years, has there been significant progress in laser treatment? Can it provide greater improvement for my mother's symptoms? Thank you very much! Mr.
Chuang
----------------------------Attachment------------------------------------------
Can bone spurs be treated with laser?
Question:
Asker: Xiao Ting / Female / 25 / 2001/11/03
Hello Doctor, my father has been troubled by bone spurs for a long time, and it has become increasingly severe to the point where he experiences numbness while walking.
Recently, a friend recommended that he undergo laser treatment, which is said to be very effective but quite expensive (over 40,000 NTD per session).
However, I have never heard of laser treatment for bone spurs.
Is it really possible to treat bone spurs this way? I am quite confused! Are bone spurs something that everyone will have, just to varying degrees? Can bone spurs be completely cured?
Response:
Doctor: Dr.
Shih Kuo-Cheng
Ms.
Xiao Ting: Regarding your question about whether bone spurs can be treated with laser, it may refer to the treatment of herniated discs causing sciatica.
Medically, this can be done, but it is also a type of surgery and must meet specific indications to be effective.
In fact, laser treatment does not remove the bone spur itself; rather, it can remove a portion of the protruding cartilage or intervertebral disc to alleviate nerve pain symptoms.
If there are many bone spurs on the spine causing nerve compression and symptoms, treatment is necessary.
However, not all bone spurs need to be removed upon discovery; it is common for older individuals to develop bone spurs, just to varying degrees.
The presence of bone spurs can be considered part of the aging process.
For example, bone spurs in the knee may not cause pain and therefore do not require treatment unless symptoms arise.

Wishing you well,
Dr.
Shih Kuo-Cheng, Deputy Director, Hsinchu Hospital
November 5

Zhuang Xiansheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/08

Dr. Luo Zhaozhong reply Orthopedics

Hello: Essentially, lasers cannot remove bone spurs, as bone spurs are actually excess bone growth and are as hard as regular bone.
Lasers are used to remove soft tissue that compresses nerves, such as intervertebral discs.
Although laser treatment has been proven effective for spinal surgeries, there are still many limitations, and the range of indications is quite narrow.
Laser targeting is also not very easy, so laser treatment for bone spurs should be approached with caution.
Sincerely, Dr.
Luo Zhao-Chung, Orthopedic Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2004/03/08

More Info

Laser treatment for bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, has been a topic of interest in the medical community, particularly for patients suffering from chronic pain and discomfort associated with these bony growths. Bone spurs are often a result of osteoarthritis or degenerative changes in the spine and joints, and they can lead to nerve compression, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.

To address your question, it is important to clarify that while laser treatment can be utilized in certain contexts, it is not a guaranteed solution for bone spurs. The effectiveness of laser therapy largely depends on the specific condition being treated, the location of the bone spurs, and the overall health of the patient.
Laser therapy is primarily used to target soft tissue rather than hard tissue like bone. In cases where bone spurs are causing nerve compression, the laser may be used to remove or reduce the size of protruding soft tissue, such as herniated discs or bulging intervertebral discs, which can alleviate pressure on nearby nerves. However, the laser itself does not directly remove bone spurs. Instead, it may help to relieve symptoms by addressing associated soft tissue issues.

Regarding advancements in laser technology over the past two years, there have been improvements in the precision and effectiveness of laser treatments. Newer laser systems can provide more targeted therapy, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. However, it is crucial to understand that the underlying issue of bone spurs may still persist, and laser treatment may not provide a permanent solution.

For your mother, who has been experiencing persistent symptoms despite rehabilitation and swimming, it is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified orthopedic specialist. They can assess the severity of her condition, including the extent of the bone spurs and any associated soft tissue issues. Based on this evaluation, the physician can recommend the most appropriate treatment options, which may include physical therapy, medication, or, in some cases, surgical intervention.

In addition to laser therapy, other treatment modalities such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications may be beneficial. For instance, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function, which may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with bone spurs.

In summary, while laser treatment may offer some benefits in managing symptoms related to bone spurs, it is not a definitive cure. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of action for your mother's specific condition. It is also important to manage expectations regarding the outcomes of any treatment, as bone spurs are often a chronic condition that may require ongoing management rather than a one-time fix.

Similar Q&A

Are Laser Treatments Effective for Bone Spurs? Can They Cure Them?

Is laser treatment really effective for bone spurs? Can it provide a complete cure?

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Laser treatment for bone spurs may not always be effective. While lasers can damage cartilage or soft tissue, they may not necessarily affect the bone itself. Furthermore, the effectiveness can depend on the specific location of the bone spur.

Can Laser Treatment Cure Ankle Bone Spurs? Expert Insights

Hello, Doctor Shi. Is there a laser treatment available for bone spurs on the ankle?

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
As far as I understand, there is currently no such treatment. If there are bone spurs on the ankle without symptoms of arthritis, there is no need to remove the bone spurs.

Laser Treatment for Bone Spurs: Is It Safe for Elderly Patients?

Dr. Li: Good day. My father is 81 years old and has suffered several falls recently, resulting in a coccyx injury and the formation of bone spurs (which have swollen). He needs to use a cane to walk. The doctor has suggested laser treatment for a permanent solution. However, my f...

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics
Hello, it is uncommon for a coccyx injury to result in bone spurs that require laser treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with other physicians for their opinions before making a decision.

Effective Solutions for Managing Pain from Bone Spurs in the Spine

My mother has bone spurs at the L4-L5 level of her lumbar spine. How can we address her pain? What options are available to resolve the issue of bone spurs? Is surgery necessary? What are the risks associated with surgery? Is laser treatment better than traditional surgery? If we...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
Bone spurs compressing the sciatic nerve can lead to pain. Generally, conservative treatment is the first approach, which includes avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining proper sitting posture, and taking pain relievers. Surgery is only necessary under the following conditions: 1. S...