Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are painful bony growths that occur in joints. They are more common as you age and are most often associated with osteoarthritis. Bone spur shoulder pain and other symptoms can limit mobility and activities, which can be frustrating for active adults, but management and treatment options are available.
What Is a Shoulder Bone Spur?
A bone spur, or osteophyte, is a bony lump growing on bone tissue in a joint or spine. It is excessive growth of bone tissue that results in a projection of the bone, or a lump. A shoulder bone spur develops in the shoulder joint. Spurs grow due to the body’s attempt to replace or repair damaged tissue.
What Causes Bone Spurs in the Shoulder?
Bone spurs occur in areas of the body that take a lot of stress and get damaged over time or with injuries. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spurs. As the cartilage in the shoulder breaks down and bones rub against each other, the body responds by growing more bone tissue. Other possible causes of bone spurs are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Degenerative disk disease
- Shoulder impingement
- Overuse injuries
- Traumatic injuries, such as from a sports injury or car accident
Risk factors for developing shoulder bone spurs include age, lack of exercise, and being overweight or obese. Older adults are more likely to have osteoarthritis and resulting bone spurs. Exercise strengthens joints and reduces the risk of injury, while being overweight puts additional stress on joints.
Symptoms of a Bone Spur in the Shoulder
You may not have any symptoms of a bone spur. They are often first detected in an X-ray for another issue. Bone spurs cause symptoms as they get larger or put pressure on nerve endings. Early symptoms of a spur in the shoulder include swelling, numbness, tenderness, or a visible lump on the shoulder.
Symptoms worsen as spurs grow. Ultimately, they can significantly impact your mobility and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. You may be unable to engage in regular activities, such as sports that use an overhand motion, or even daily tasks such as reaching for items on a shelf.
Treatment Options for Bone Spurs in the Shoulder
Fortunately, there are many good ways to treat bone spurs, usually beginning with nonsurgical management strategies. An orthopedist specializing in shoulder conditions can evaluate your joints and suggest appropriate options.
Nonsurgical Management
Bone spurs do not necessarily need surgical treatment. Your orthopedist will first suggest several nonsurgical strategies you can try to remain active or to restore mobility and reduce pain:
- Physical therapy and strategic exercises
- Resting or changing activity types
- Hot and cold therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Corticosteroid injections
Surgical Treatment
When nonsurgical therapies and lifestyle modifications fail to provide adequate relief or help you get active again, your orthopedist may suggest surgery.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes small incisions to access the shoulder joint. They can then shave the bone spurs to make them less prominent or to remove them.
Less commonly, a surgeon may suggest shoulder joint replacement. This procedure, also called arthroplasty, removes some or all of the joint tissue, replacing it with artificial components. This is rarely used for bone spurs alone, but if you have an injury or severe arthritis, it may be a good option.
Shoulder Bone Spur FAQ
What Causes Bone Spurs in the Shoulder?
Bone spurs in the shoulder are usually caused by osteoarthritis. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis and shoulder injuries.
How Are Shoulder Bone Spurs Treated?
Shoulder bone spurs can often be treated with nonsurgical management, including physical therapy, exercise, pain medications, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery is a treatment option to remove the spurs or to replace damaged tissue with artificial joint components.
What Is the Recovery Time for Shoulder Bone Spur Surgery?
Recovery times vary depending on the individual patient and the surgery type. Shoulder arthroscopy without joint replacement is minimally invasive and may only require 6 to 8 weeks of rehabilitation. Shoulder arthroplasty, or joint replacement, requires a longer rehabilitation time, up to 6 months or 1 year for complete recovery.
To learn more about your treatment options for shoulder pain and bone spurs, schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists.
