Pain when reaching overhead can be due to bone spurs in the shoulder. Bony outgrowths or spurs develop where bones touch each other or ligaments attached to bones. In the shoulder, bone spurs develop where the acromion and collarbone come together. Bone spurs can irritate the bursa and rotator cuff that pass under the acromion. Bones spurs in the shoulder are common.
Physical Therapy
Half the time, rotator cuff injuries heal with exercise therapy and self care, according to MayoClinic.com. Exercises are directed at stretching muscles and strengthening muscles in the back and shoulder. Poor posture and weak shoulder muscles make irritation worse. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon recommends limiting activities that worsen the pain, such as sports that require overhead motions.
Reduction of Inflammation
When bone spurs cause pain, the bursa and rotator cuff are inflamed. MayoClinic.com and AAOS recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In addition to medication, cold packs applied for 20 minutes at a time reduce pain and inflammation in the first few days. In later days, some people feel better using heat packs to relax tight muscles
Injections
When shoulder pain is severe, a physician may inject a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. The AAOS notes that a local anesthetic is used to reduce pain.
Surgery
If shoulder pain persists after several months of therapy and medication, surgery may recommended. Arthroscopic subacromial depression is done through two or three small incisions. In some patients, an open surgery may be done through one larger incision. A small shaver is used to trim the bone spurs and some of the acromion. A portion of the clavicle may also be removed. Patients need to continue shoulder exercises after surgery.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Rotator Cuff Injury
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Your Orthopaedic Connection: Shoulder Impingement
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review: Lieberman, J, ed.; 2009
