What is subacromial bursitis?
It is a painful localised inflammatory reaction within the subacromial bursa and/or the tendinous attachments of the shoulder.

There are 6 bursae (fluid filled sac that acts as a shock absorber over the bone) in the shoulder region. The commonly affected one is the subacromial bursa. This is a large bursa at the tip of the shoulder. It helps with smooth movement when the arm is lifted above the head. 

What are the symptoms and who does it affect?

Subacromial bursitis typically presents with lateral or anterior shoulder pain, especially during overhead and reaching activities. Limited movement of the shoulder is also noted. A common feature of bursitis is pain at night, and it may be difficult to lie on the affected side leading to interrupted sleep.

Although this is commonly seen in patients over 30 years old with greater incidence in females, it also affects younger and middle-aged patients, especially those who are involved in activities that involve shoulder usage such as tennis and badminton. People with an increased inflammatory profile (auto-immune disorders, challenged immune system). 

What is the cause?

Spinal subluxation or misalignment (Common)- misalignments in the spine may cause abnormal tone of surrounding shoulder muscles which may result in direct or indirect irritation to the bursa. Activities such as lifting and reaching overhead can often lead to frictional irritation of the bursa and one other structure in the shoulder (bone, tendon, ligament).

Inflammatory reaction– the bursa can also be affected if there is an increased inflammatory profile such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes etc. 

Direct trauma (Rare)– falling on the outside of the shoulder on any hard surface can cause traumatic bursitis.

How can chiropractic help?

Gonstead Chiropractors deliver adjustments to the misaligned vertebrae and shoulder joints to restore normal joint mechanics. This restores normal weight bearing to the spine and reduces irritation to the bursa and surrounding structures allowing proper healing to occur. The sooner the adjustment is made the better. Ergonomic advice and exercise are also given to help prevent future recurrences. Talk to your Gonstead Chiropractor today