Bone spurs develop in the shoulder in response to chronic stress over a period of time. According to MayoClinic.com, bones spurs are often asymptomatic and undiscovered until another injury reveals them through x-ray evaluation. Bone spurs in the shoulder generally occur in an area where they impinge the rotator cuff tendons, causing inflammation, pain and decreased range of motion.
Anti-inflammatory Measures
Rubbing or impinging of the rotator cuff tendons is known as impingement syndrome. The first course of treatment for bone spurs in the shoulder includes using ice for 20 minutes, after activity, to decrease or prevent any inflammation. The physician may recommend a short course of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or may prescribe a stronger alternative. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, many patients can benefit from an injection of an anti-inflammatory drug, such as cortisone. Cortisone injections generally are not recommended more than three times in any given body part.
Physical Therapy
If anti-inflammatory measures alone prove to be ineffective, a physician may prescribe a course of physical therapy for six to eight weeks. Physical therapists use modalities such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, heat and ice to reduce inflammation. Massage and stretching may be used to increase the patient's range of motion and flexibility. The final phase of physical therapy includes strengthening exercises designed to increase the stability of the shoulder joint.
Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the goal of surgery is to decrease the impingement on the rotator cuff. By removing the spur and creating more space, the patient becomes able to move the shoulder more freely and with less pain. Generally, this surgery is performed arthroscopically--through small incisions--to decrease the amount of secondary trauma. The bone spurs and some of the surrounding bone are removed to create a larger space for the rotator cuff tendons. The patient wears a sling for a short period of time following surgery and needs to attend physical therapy for six to eight weeks. Once the patient has regained full range of motion and strength, he may be allowed to return to normal activity.
