What Are the Causes of Bone Spurs in the Shoulder?
Bone spurs, which are referred to by doctors as osteophytes, can develop in joints where bones meet other bones or can grow where bones join up with muscles, including the spine, neck, shoulders and heels. In some people, bone spurs can exist for years without causing any symptoms, while other people may experience symptoms such as mild to severe pain, swelling and difficulty with movement.
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Aging
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Normal processes of aging may be a cause of bone spurs in the shoulder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bone spurs in the shoulder that are caused by age are usually located close to the joint where the arm and shoulder meet. Elderly people may develop bone spurs in the shoulder even if their bones are otherwise healthy and strong.
Arthritis
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According to the Mayo Clinic, arthritis of the bones is a common cause of bone spurs in the shoulder. The bones in the shoulder can wear down due to arthritis, and bone spurs may develop as a result of the body trying to protect itself from further damage. Bone spurs caused by arthritis may be accompanied by symptoms including pain or swelling in the shoulder.
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Injuries
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Injuries to the upper back, neck or shoulder may increase the risk of developing disorders such as bone spurs, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. A fall on the arm, hand or shoulder could cause dislocation of the bones of the shoulder, which can increase the chance of getting a bone spur. A fracture in the bones of the shoulder could also increase the risk of a bone spur developing as the bones heal.
Shoulder Disorders
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Disorders of the ligaments, tendons and muscles in the shoulder may be a cause of bone spurs, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Wearing or degeneration of the tendon of the rotator cuff can cause inflammation or irritations of the humerus bone of the upper arm and can result in the development of a bone spur at the shoulder. A tear in a muscle of the upper arm or inflammation of a bursa in the shoulder joint can also be a cause of spurs in the shoulder.
Spinal Disorders
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Disorders of the spine may be a cause of bone spurs in the neck and shoulder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a progressive spinal disorder can cause bone spurs along the spine, neck and shoulder. A herniated or bulging disk in the neck or upper spine may also cause bone spurs to develop in the neck, upper back or shoulder.
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