Subacromial Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Subacromial bursitis is a common condition that causes shoulder pain. Understanding subacromial bursitis is crucial for effective management and relief. Let's dive into what it is, what causes it, how to recognize it, and what you can do about it.

What is Subacromial Bursitis?

Guys, let’s break down subacromial bursitis. In simple terms, a bursa is a small, slippery sac that sits between your bones and soft tissues like tendons and muscles. Think of it as a cushion that helps reduce friction when you move. The subacromial bursa is located in your shoulder, specifically under the acromion (the bony tip of your shoulder blade). When this bursa becomes inflamed, it leads to subacromial bursitis.

The inflammation in the subacromial bursa can result from a variety of factors, most commonly overuse or repetitive motions. Imagine painting a ceiling for hours or continuously lifting heavy objects. These activities can irritate the bursa, causing it to swell and become painful. This swelling then reduces the space available for the tendons, primarily the rotator cuff tendons, to move freely, leading to further irritation and pain. Over time, this can develop into a chronic issue if not addressed properly.

Subacromial bursitis often occurs in conjunction with other shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tendinitis or impingement syndrome. In rotator cuff tendinitis, the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become inflamed, adding to the overall discomfort and limited mobility in the shoulder. Impingement syndrome, on the other hand, involves the squeezing of the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa between the bones in the shoulder joint. These conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of subacromial bursitis, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to identify all contributing factors and create an effective management plan.

The role of the bursa is to facilitate smooth, gliding movements between the bone and soft tissue, thus reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. When the bursa becomes inflamed, this cushioning effect is lost, and the tissues rub directly against each other, causing pain and further irritation. This is why activities that were once painless can become excruciating when bursitis is present. Recognizing the early signs of subacromial bursitis and taking proactive steps to address the inflammation can help prevent the condition from worsening and becoming a chronic problem. Early intervention often involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to rule out other underlying issues and receive personalized treatment recommendations.

Causes of Subacromial Bursitis

So, what causes subacromial bursitis? There are several potential culprits. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:

Repetitive Motions: Doing the same movements over and over, like throwing a ball or reaching overhead repeatedly, can irritate the bursa. This is a frequent issue for athletes, construction workers, and anyone whose job involves repetitive arm movements.
Overuse: Pushing your shoulder too hard, too soon, can also lead to bursitis. This is especially true if you’re not used to the activity or if you don’t warm up properly beforehand. Overuse injuries are common among weekend warriors who suddenly increase their activity levels without adequate preparation.
Trauma: A direct blow to the shoulder, such as from a fall or car accident, can cause the bursa to become inflamed. Trauma-induced bursitis often presents with sudden, intense pain and may require immediate medical attention to rule out other injuries, such as fractures or dislocations.
Underlying Conditions: Sometimes, bursitis is a symptom of another problem, like arthritis, gout, or infection. These underlying conditions can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the bursae. If you have a history of these conditions, you may be more prone to developing bursitis.
Poor Posture: Slouching or having poor posture can put extra stress on your shoulder joint, leading to bursitis. Maintaining good posture and using ergonomic principles in your daily activities can help reduce the risk of developing this condition. Strengthening the muscles that support proper posture, such as the back and core muscles, can also be beneficial.
Bone Spurs: The development of bone spurs, or bony growths, around the shoulder joint can irritate the bursa and lead to inflammation. Bone spurs often develop over time due to wear and tear or as a result of arthritis. They can rub against the bursa, causing friction and irritation with movement.
Muscle Imbalances: Imbalances in the muscles around the shoulder can also contribute to bursitis. For example, if the muscles in the front of your shoulder are stronger than those in the back, it can lead to improper mechanics and increased stress on the bursa. Addressing these imbalances through targeted exercises and stretching can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Symptoms of Subacromial Bursitis

How do you know if you have it? Recognizing the symptoms of subacromial bursitis is the first step toward getting the right treatment. Here are some common signs:

Pain: The most common symptom is pain in the shoulder. This pain may be sharp and intense, especially with movement, or it may be a dull ache that’s always present. The pain often worsens with activities that involve lifting your arm or reaching overhead.
Stiffness: Your shoulder may feel stiff, making it difficult to move your arm through its full range of motion. This stiffness can be particularly noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Over time, the stiffness can lead to a decrease in your ability to perform everyday tasks that require shoulder movement.
Tenderness: The area around your shoulder may be tender to the touch. Pressing on the affected area can elicit pain and discomfort. This tenderness is often localized to the area around the subacromial bursa but can also radiate to other parts of the shoulder.
Weakness: You might notice weakness in your shoulder muscles, making it difficult to lift or carry objects. This weakness can be due to pain inhibiting muscle function or, in some cases, due to nerve involvement. Strengthening exercises, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, can help improve muscle strength and function.
Limited Range of Motion: You may not be able to move your arm as far as you normally would. This limited range of motion can affect your ability to perform daily activities, such as reaching for objects on a high shelf or putting on a jacket. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore and improve your range of motion.
Clicking or Popping: Some people experience a clicking or popping sensation in their shoulder when they move it. This can be due to the inflamed bursa rubbing against the surrounding structures. While not always painful, this sensation can be a sign of underlying shoulder pathology.
Pain at Night: The pain may be worse at night, especially if you sleep on the affected shoulder. This can disrupt your sleep and make it difficult to get comfortable. Using a supportive pillow and avoiding sleeping on the affected side can help alleviate nighttime pain.

Diagnosing Subacromial Bursitis

To diagnose subacromial bursitis, your doctor will typically start with a physical exam. They’ll check your range of motion, look for tenderness, and assess your pain levels. Here are some things they might do:

Physical Examination: Your doctor will move your arm in different directions to see which movements cause pain. They’ll also feel for tenderness around the shoulder joint. This physical assessment helps the doctor identify the specific areas of inflammation and assess the severity of your condition.
Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any previous injuries or conditions that might be contributing to your shoulder pain. They’ll also inquire about your activities and lifestyle to identify potential risk factors for bursitis.
Imaging Tests: In some cases, your doctor may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. X-rays can help identify bone spurs or arthritis, while MRI scans can provide detailed images of the soft tissues, including the bursa and rotator cuff tendons. Ultrasound is another imaging option that can visualize the bursa and detect inflammation.
Injection Test: Sometimes, your doctor may inject a local anesthetic into the bursa to see if it relieves your pain. If the injection provides temporary relief, it can help confirm that the bursa is the source of your pain. This test can also help guide treatment decisions, such as whether a cortisone injection might be beneficial.

Treatment Options for Subacromial Bursitis

Okay, so what can you do to treat subacromial bursitis? The goal of treating subacromial bursitis is to reduce pain and inflammation, and restore normal shoulder function. Here are some common approaches:

Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your shoulder. Give your shoulder a break to allow the inflammation to subside. This might mean temporarily modifying your work or recreational activities to avoid repetitive or overhead movements.
Ice: Apply ice packs to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin from frostbite.
Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications. However, it’s important to use pain medications as directed and to be aware of potential side effects.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your shoulder muscles and improve your range of motion. They can also use techniques like manual therapy and ultrasound to help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is a crucial component of treatment, as it helps restore normal shoulder function and prevent recurrence.
Corticosteroid Injections: Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the bursa to reduce inflammation. This can provide significant pain relief, but the effects are usually temporary. Corticosteroid injections are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa or address underlying problems like bone spurs. Surgery is typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments. Arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used to treat subacromial bursitis.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Making changes to your daily activities and posture can help prevent recurrence of bursitis. This might involve modifying your work setup, using proper lifting techniques, and maintaining good posture. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for long-term management of the condition.

Prevention Tips

Preventing subacromial bursitis is always better than treating it. Here are some tips to help keep your shoulders healthy:

Warm-Up: Always warm up your shoulder muscles before engaging in strenuous activities. This helps prepare your muscles for activity and reduces the risk of injury.
Proper Technique: Use proper technique when performing activities that involve repetitive arm movements. This can help reduce stress on your shoulder joint.
Strengthen Muscles: Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder to provide support and stability. This can help prevent overuse injuries.
Stretch Regularly: Stretch your shoulder muscles regularly to maintain flexibility and range of motion. This can help prevent stiffness and pain.
Good Posture: Maintain good posture to reduce stress on your shoulder joint. This can help prevent bursitis and other shoulder problems.
Avoid Overuse: Avoid overusing your shoulder muscles. If you’re not used to an activity, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for subacromial bursitis, you can take steps to manage your condition and keep your shoulders healthy. If you think you might have bursitis, talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Take care, guys!