How does traditional Chinese medicine treat bone spurs, and can they be completely eliminated?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) generally cannot completely eliminate bone hyperplasia, but it can help improve symptoms and quality of life. The core principles involve regulating qi and blood, unblocking meridians, and softening hardness and dispersing nodules. Commonly used methods include oral herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tuina), topical applications, and TCM physical therapies. If symptoms progressively worsen or limb numbness and restricted movement occur, prompt medical evaluation at a qualified healthcare facility is necessary.

1. Oral Herbal Medicine: Based on pattern differentiation, herbs that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, dispel wind and dampness, or tonify the kidneys and strengthen bones are selected. These help regulate organ function, relieve pain and swelling, improve local blood circulation, and slow the progression of bone hyperplasia.

2. Acupuncture Therapy: Needles are inserted into affected areas and related acupoints to unblock the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, reduce inflammatory responses, relieve muscle spasms, and alleviate discomfort such as numbness and pain in limbs.

3. Massage and Manipulation (Tuina): Techniques such as kneading, pressing, pushing, and traction are applied to relax muscles and fascia, correct joint misalignments, reduce compression of bone spurs on surrounding tissues, relieve pain, and improve joint mobility.

4. Topical Applications: Herbal plasters or patches are applied directly to the affected area. Through skin absorption, they exert effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain—directly targeting the lesion site to alleviate local discomfort.

5. TCM Physical Therapies: Methods such as moxibustion, cupping, and herbal steam therapy are used to warm and unblock meridians, dispel cold and dampness, enhance local blood circulation, reduce inflammatory irritation, and assist in symptom relief.

Daily care should focus on avoiding overexertion, minimizing weight-bearing on affected areas, performing appropriate gentle functional exercises, maintaining warmth to prevent cold exposure, eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins, and protecting joint function.