1. Not All Bone Spurs in the Shoulder Cause Symptoms
Many people have bone spurs in the shoulder and never know it because they cause no symptoms. For others, the formations do cause symptoms. The bone spurs themselves, also known as osteophytes, are not painful. But if they rub against surrounding bone, nerves or soft tissue, they can cause symptoms. Among the symptoms are a reduced range of motion in the arm and problems with the rotator cuff, which is comprised of a bundle of tendons. Shoulder bone spurs can cause swelling and/or tearing in the rotator cuff.
2. Causes of Bone Spurs: Helpful or Hurtful?
As the body ages, changes take place, and bone spurs may simply be a part of the aging process. They also can occur in conjunction with conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, it's possible that bone spurs actually help the body make up for areas of joint instability. The spurs may protect joints in which the cartilage is breaking down, in which case a person does not have any problems or know that they have bone spurs.
3. When to See the Doctor
If you're experiencing pain or other limited mobility in your arm, make an appointment with your doctor. He will consider your medical history and possibly rule out other causes of your symptoms. The doctor can physically exam you and sometimes feel bone spurs in the shoulder. In addition, your doctor may want you to have x-rays, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging test. These tests help him see the bones and any changes that are occurring in order to make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan.
4. Customized Treatment for Shoulder Bone Spurs
The goal of treatment is relief from pain and restored range of motion. Cortisone injections are temporarily effective, but you may need to repeat them. However, too many cortisone injections may damage bone and tissue. You and your doctor might discuss medications for pain and inflammation, as well as muscle relaxants. Physical therapy can increase range of motion by increasing flexibility, and exercises will strengthen the area. Surgery is also a possibility in severe cases of pain or loss of range of motion.
5. The Rotator Cuff and Surgery
If your shoulder pain is a symptom of a shoulder bone spur, most doctors will try conservative treatments first. But if the rotator cuff is torn or weakness is a symptom, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. The surgeon will determine which of three surgeries to perform based on your case: open repair, mini-open repair or all-arthroscopic repair. The surgeon can remove the shoulder bone spur while repairing the rotator cuff. While complications exist with all surgeries, between 80 and 95 percent of patients report satisfactory restoration of movement and reduction of pain following rotator cuff surgery.
