About 1 in 3 older adults have bone spurs in their shoulders. These spurs are extra bone growths that can make moving hard and hurt. They often come from joint wear and tear or injuries.
Not all bone spurs hurt, but big ones can press on nerves. This can cause pain, weakness, and tingling in the shoulder.
It’s important to know about bone spurs in the shoulder. This guide will help you understand them better. It will also show ways to ease the pain and improve movement.
Key Takeaways
- Bone spurs in the shoulder are common in older adults.
- They can happen from arthritis, injuries, or using the joint a lot.
- Symptoms include pain, less movement, and nerve issues like tingling or numbness.
- First, try treatments like medicine, physical therapy, and steroid shots.
- Surgery might be needed if other treatments don’t work well.
Understanding Bone Spurs in the Shoulder
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that grow along bones’ edges. They often form after injury or inflammation. In the shoulder, these growths usually appear under the acromion, the outer edge of the shoulder blade.
What are Bone Spurs?
Bone spurs are abnormal bone growths that happen when the body tries to fix itself. This can be due to injury, stress, or inflammation. They can make bones misshapen or bigger. In the shoulder, these spurs often cause pain.
Prevalence and Locations of Shoulder Bone Spurs
About 80% of men and 60% of women over 50 have bone spurs. By 70, almost all men and women might have them. The shoulder is a common spot for these growths, often under the acromion.
Genetics, age, and certain activities can make getting shoulder bone spurs more likely.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of men over 50 with bone spurs | 80% |
| Percentage of women over 50 with bone spurs | 60% |
| Percentage of people over 70 with bone spurs | 95% |
| Common location of shoulder bone spurs | Under the acromion, the tip of the shoulder blade |
Bone spurs can happen in many body parts, like the knee, spine, hip, or shoulder. Running, dancing, or jobs that involve heavy lifting can lead to these growths. Aging and genetics also play a part in getting bone spurs.
Symptoms of Shoulder Bone Spurs
Shoulder bone spurs can cause mild to severe pain and limit how you move. It’s important to know the early signs and how they get worse. This helps you get medical help fast and manage the condition better.
Early Signs and Indicators
In the early stages, you might notice:
- Visible swelling or a noticeable lump around the affected area
- Numbness or tenderness in the shoulder
- Mild, intermittent pain that worsens with movement
Severe Symptoms and Impacts on Daily Life
As it gets worse, you might feel:
- Gradually worsening, persistent pain in the shoulder, sometimes radiating across the back or down the affected arm
- Sharp, stabbing pains that can interfere with daily activities
- Tingling sensations or muscle spasms in the shoulder and arm
- Decreased range of motion, making it difficult to perform tasks like reaching overhead or combing hair
These severe symptoms can really affect your life. They make it hard to do sports, drive, or even simple tasks. It’s important to see a doctor and find ways to treat shoulder bone spurs. This helps you stay active and pain-free.
| Early Symptoms | Severe Symptoms |
|---|---|
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“Bone spurs in the shoulder can disrupt everyday activities like reaching overhead or combing hair.”
It’s key to spot the early signs and know how bad shoulder bone spurs can get. This helps you get medical help fast and find good treatments. It keeps you active and free from pain.
bone spurs in shoulder
Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are abnormal growths that can happen in the shoulder joint. They often form when the joint is damaged or degenerating. This can make it hard to do everyday tasks.
Shoulder bone spurs can be very painful and make moving hard. It’s important to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for these growths.
Causes of Shoulder Bone Spurs
The main reason for bone spurs in the shoulder is joint damage. This is often due to osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis. The body tries to fix the damaged cartilage by making these growths.
Shoulder instability, from injuries or overuse, can also cause bone spurs. These growths try to stabilize the joint but can actually make it worse.
Symptoms of Shoulder Bone Spurs
Bone spurs in the shoulder might not cause symptoms at first. But as they get worse, people may feel:
- Pain in the shoulder joint
- Stiffness and less movement
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms and joint locking
In bad cases, bone spurs can really affect daily life.
Treating Shoulder Bone Spurs
Treatment for shoulder bone spurs depends on how bad it is and how well it responds to treatment. First, treatments might include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Steroid injections to lessen inflammation
- Physical therapy and exercises
If it’s very bad, surgery might be needed. This could be removing the bone spur or replacing the shoulder.
To prevent bone spurs, it’s good to stay healthy, exercise regularly, and get help for any joint problems early.
“The challenge in treating bone spurs in the shoulder lies in the focus on removing tissue rather than repairing, often resulting in persistent pain and limited mobility.”
Knowing about bone spurs in the shoulder helps people take steps to manage them. This can help keep their quality of life good.
Causes of Bone Spurs in the Shoulder
Shoulder bone spurs, or osteophytes, can happen for many reasons. The main causes are usually arthritis and joint wear. Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis can lead to these bony growths. This happens as the body tries to fix damaged joint tissues.
Arthritis and Joint Degeneration
Arthritis is a top reason for shoulder bone spurs. When the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down, bones start rubbing together. This makes new bone grow to help stabilize the joint. But, this can lead to painful bone spurs that make moving harder and worsen arthritis.
Injuries and Overuse
Shoulder injuries or doing the same action too much can also cause bone spurs. Sports like swimming, tennis, baseball, or jobs that involve lifting and working overhead can increase this risk. These activities can lead to bone growths and shoulder impingement syndrome.
Being inactive, being overweight, or having a family history can also raise the chance of getting shoulder bone spurs. Bone spurs in the shoulder can cause a lot of pain, stiffness, and limited movement if not treated.
“Bone spurs in the shoulder increase the likelihood of impingement by narrowing the subacromial space. This often occurs in patients with more prominent acromion bones due to repeated rubbing or pressure.”
Diagnosing Shoulder Bone Spurs
Diagnosing bone spurs in the shoulder is a step-by-step process. It uses both physical checks and imaging tests. Doctors are key in spotting and checking these bone growths. They help make a treatment plan.
Physical Examination
The first step is a detailed physical check. The doctor looks at how much you can move your shoulder. They check for any tenderness or swelling. They also look for a bone spur by touching the area.
They will ask about your health history. This includes any past injuries or activities that might have caused the problem.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are key to confirm bone spurs in the shoulder. The main tests used are:
- X-rays: These scans show if there are bone spurs and how big they are.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans give a detailed look at the shoulder. They show soft tissue damage or impingement from the spur.
- CT (Computed Tomography) scans: CT scans give clear, three-dimensional images of the shoulder. They help find the exact spot and size of the spur.
Doctors use the info from physical checks and imaging tests to diagnose shoulder bone spurs. They can then make a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Healthcare providers often choose non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate shoulder bone spurs. These methods aim to lessen pain, reduce swelling, and boost shoulder function. They do not require surgery.
Medications and Pain Management
Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are key in easing shoulder bone spur pain. They cut down on swelling and offer temporary relief. This lets patients keep up with their daily tasks with less pain.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy and specific exercises are great for treating shoulder bone spurs. Patients work with physical therapists to create a plan. This plan includes stretching, strengthening, and increasing the shoulder’s range of motion. These exercises lessen the pressure on the bone spur and enhance shoulder function.
In some cases, doctors might suggest corticosteroid injections for temporary relief and to reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint. This can be a helpful addition to non-surgical treatments.
“Physical therapy and exercise are essential in managing shoulder bone spurs. By improving mobility and strength, we can alleviate pressure on the affected area and help patients regain their daily function.”
The aim of non-surgical treatments is to ease symptoms and enhance the patient’s life quality without surgery. By using medication, physical therapy, and other conservative methods, many people with shoulder bone spurs can manage their symptoms well. This helps them avoid surgery.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If you have shoulder bone spurs and non-surgical treatments haven’t helped, you might want to consider minimally invasive procedures. Arthroscopic surgery is one option. It uses small cuts around the shoulder and a camera to see and remove the spur.
This method helps make more room in the shoulder joint. It reduces pressure on bones, ligaments, and tissues. It’s less painful and has fewer risks than traditional surgery.
Studies show that most people can go home the same day after this surgery. The cuts are tiny, about 5 cm, unlike the 17 cm cuts for traditional surgery.
These procedures have many benefits. They cause less damage to tissues and muscles. This means less pain, a smaller scar, and quicker recovery. There’s also less blood loss and fewer complications.
Choosing between traditional and minimally invasive surgery depends on your condition and the surgeon’s skills. The new method is best for certain cases like arthritis, some fractures, and avascular necrosis.
Even with these procedures, risks like infection and nerve damage can happen. It’s key to follow up with your surgeon to keep your shoulder healthy and working well.
Surgical Treatments for Severe Cases
If shoulder bone spurs are really hurting your life and other treatments didn’t work, surgery might be needed. Doctors often suggest arthroscopic surgery to remove the spur and fix damaged tissue. For really tough cases, they might do open surgery like subacromial decompression or shoulder replacement for bone spurs. This helps fix the deep problem and brings lasting relief.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Shoulder bone spur surgery using arthroscopy is a less invasive method. It makes small cuts around the shoulder. A tiny camera and tools help the surgeon see and remove the spur and fix other joint problems, like a torn rotator cuff. This way, you heal faster and feel less pain after surgery compared to open surgery.
Open Surgery and Shoulder Replacement
Sometimes, arthroscopic shoulder surgery for bone spurs isn’t enough. Then, open surgery might be needed. This could mean reshaping the acromion to give more room for the tendons. If the damage is really bad or you have arthritis, a full shoulder replacement might be the best choice. This helps fix the shoulder and ease the pain.
| Surgical Procedure | Description | Typical Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arthroscopic Bone Spur Removal | Minimally invasive procedure to remove the bone spur | 2-4 weeks |
| Subacromial Decompression | Open surgery to reshape the acromion and create more space for the rotator cuff | 4-6 weeks |
| Shoulder Replacement | Replacement of the entire shoulder joint to address severe arthritis or damage | 3-6 months |
The type of surgery you need depends on how bad the shoulder bone spur is, the joint damage, and your health and goals. A detailed check-up with an orthopedic expert is key to picking the best treatment.
Preventing Shoulder Bone Spurs
It’s hard to stop shoulder bone spurs from forming, but you can lower your risk. Keeping a healthy weight and doing regular exercises can help. Avoiding repetitive movements that put strain on your shoulder is also key.
A study by Yoon et al. found that keeping the rotator cuff strong and avoiding impingement can help. This means not letting bone spurs get worse over time. Sometimes, not having surgery can be enough to manage the problem.
Physical therapy is a great way to deal with shoulder bone spurs. It helps improve how the joint moves and makes the muscles stronger. Techniques like soft tissue and joint mobilization can also ease pain and help with movement.
Making changes in your daily life is crucial too. Adjusting how you do things and using heat or ice can help. These steps can lessen pain and make healing easier.
It’s important to slowly increase the difficulty of exercises in physical therapy. Changing the treatment plan as needed is key. This way, it keeps up with your progress and needs.
By focusing on keeping your shoulders healthy, you can lower your chances of getting bone spurs. This approach can greatly improve your life quality.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Getting better after shoulder bone spur treatment is key to getting back your full function and movement. If you had surgery or used non-surgical treatments, you need a good rehab plan. This plan helps you heal well.
Rehab starts right after your treatment and is made just for you. Physical therapy is a big part. It helps bring back strength, flexibility, and movement to your shoulder.
- Range of motion exercises: These gentle movements help keep and slowly get better the mobility of your shoulder joint.
- Strengthening exercises: These exercises make the muscles around the shoulder stronger. They give support and stability.
- Stretching and flexibility routines: Stretching makes the muscles and connective tissues longer. It lowers the chance of stiffness and makes the shoulder work better.
How long and how hard your rehab will be depends on how bad your condition is and the treatment you got. Your doctor will help make a rehab plan just for you. This plan helps you safely get back to doing what you normally do.
“Rehabilitation is key to getting your shoulder to work right again and stopping future problems. People who stick to their rehab plans usually do the best.”
Along with physical therapy, you might use pain management techniques. This could be over-the-counter drugs, ice, or cortisone shots. The aim is to ease pain and help healing.
As you get better, pay attention to what your body tells you and work with your healthcare team. They will tell you when it’s safe to start doing your usual activities and sports again. With hard work and patience, you can get your shoulder strong, flexible, and working well again.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you have ongoing or getting worse shoulder pain, stiffness, or trouble moving your shoulder, see a doctor. Getting help early can really help with your symptoms and stop things from getting worse.
Shoulder pain is common and can come from many things like arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, or bone spurs. Things like getting older, family history, injuries, bad eating, and bad posture can lead to bone spurs. Over 40% of people over 60 need medical help because of bone spurs.
Your doctor will check you out fully. This might mean physical exams, x-rays or MRI scans, and maybe even special tests. These tests help figure out what’s causing your pain and if you have bone spurs.
Don’t wait to get medical help if you notice these signs:
- Persistent or getting worse shoulder pain
- Stiffness or hard time moving the shoulder
- Feeling weak or having trouble moving the shoulder
- Swelling or tenderness in the shoulder area
Getting help early is key. Mild to moderate cases might just need painkillers, physical therapy, or joint work. But if it’s worse, you might need a small surgery or a bigger one to fix the problem.
If you’re having ongoing or worrying shoulder problems, don’t wait to see a doctor. The right treatment can help you manage your bone spurs and improve your life.
Living with Shoulder Bone Spurs
Living with shoulder bone spurs can be tough due to the pain and limited movement. But, with the right steps, people can manage their symptoms. They can keep living an active and happy life. Working with doctors, following treatment plans, and changing daily habits helps a lot.
Adapting Daily Routines
Adjusting daily routines is key when you have shoulder bone spurs. Avoid doing things that make the shoulder hurt, like reaching up or lifting heavy things. Instead, use tools or devices to make tasks easier.
Prioritizing Pain Management
Managing pain is very important for those with shoulder bone spurs. This means taking medicines, using ice or heat, and doing gentle exercises with a physical therapist’s help. By managing pain well, you can keep enjoying life and doing things you love.
Staying Active and Adapting Exercise Routines
- Try low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical to stay fit without hurting your shoulder.
- Work with a physical therapist to create an exercise plan that strengthens your shoulder muscles safely.
- Look into doing yoga or Tai Chi to improve flexibility and balance without hurting your shoulder.
By making these changes, people with shoulder bone spurs can keep living an active and happy life. They can manage their condition well.
“With the right treatment plan and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals with shoulder bone spurs can find ways to manage their symptoms and enjoy their daily activities.”
To live well with shoulder bone spurs, work closely with doctors and manage your pain. Be ready to change your lifestyle as needed. By taking a full approach to your health, you can deal with this condition and keep enjoying life.
Conclusion
Bone spurs in the shoulder can be tough, but there are ways to feel better and stay active. Knowing what causes them and how to treat them helps. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best way to help.
First, treatments like medicines, physical therapy, and small surgeries are often tried first. But, if the problem is severe, surgery might be needed. Thanks to new medical tech and surgery methods, treating shoulder bone spurs in shoulder is getting better and easier.
Getting better from shoulder bone spur treatment starts with catching it early and getting the right care. Working with a healthcare team helps. This way, people can fight the problems of shoulder bone spurs. They can keep living well and doing what they love.
