Bone Spurs in the Shoulder: Symptoms, Treatment & When to Seek Care (Canada)

Bone spurs in the shoulder often form due to osteoarthritis, natural age-related wear, repetitive strain or previous injuries. These bony growths form as the body attempts to stabilize or protect the joint. While some individuals experience no symptoms, larger spurs may compress nerves, irritate soft tissues or reduce joint space—leading to pain and mobility limitations.

For Canadians who rely on physical activity for work or recreation, untreated shoulder issues can lead to prolonged disability, reduced strength and missed work time. Early assessment can prevent long-term joint damage and functional decline.

Common Symptoms

1. Pain

Pain is the most frequent sign. Discomfort often worsens during activity requiring overhead motion or lifting and may also flare after periods of inactivity (such as first thing in the morning).

The discomfort may feel:

Dull or aching at rest
Sharp or stabbing during movement
Radiating toward the arm or shoulder blade in some cases

Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold therapy and rest can offer short-term relief, but persistent pain warrants medical assessment.

2. Reduced Mobility

Bone spurs may mechanically block movement or irritate the rotator cuff, limiting the ability to reach overhead, behind the back or lift objects.

Limited shoulder mobility can affect:

Workplace tasks (lifting, pushing, repetitive work)
Sports (swimming, tennis, weight training, martial arts)
Daily activities (dressing, grooming, carrying bags)

If mobility is deeply affected, orthopedic consultation and imaging may be required. Surgical removal is reserved for more advanced cases.

3. Swelling & Inflammation

Bone-on-bone contact or soft tissue irritation activates inflammatory responses. Signs include:

Visible swelling
Warmth to the touch
Redness
Joint stiffness

Elevating the shoulder above heart level and applying cold packs can temporarily reduce swelling. However, persistent swelling should be investigated to rule out infection or advanced arthritis.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options in Canada

A physician may order:

X-ray
Ultrasound
CT or MRI (for soft-tissue involvement)

Common treatments include:
✔ Rest & activity modification
✔ Physiotherapy for range of motion & rotator cuff support
✔ Anti-inflammatory medications
✔ Corticosteroid injections (in selected cases)

Surgery may be recommended when:

Pain is severe
Mobility is significantly limited
Conservative treatments fail
Rotator cuff tears are present

First Aid & Workplace Relevance

While bone spurs are not a first aid emergency, first aid-trained workers (including Canadian Workplace First Aid certification) learn to identify when musculoskeletal issues require medical referral—not emergency intervention. Workers in physically demanding jobs may benefit from early physiotherapy to prevent worsening injuries.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a healthcare provider if shoulder pain is accompanied by:

Progressive weakness
Significant swelling
Reduced mobility affecting work or sports
Night pain disrupting sleep
History of trauma (e.g., fall or impact)

Seek immediate care for:

Sudden severe pain
Suspected fracture
Signs of infection (fever, intense redness, heat)

Training Resources (Internal Linking Suggestions)

Standard First Aid & CPR Training (Canada)
Canadian Workplace First Aid Training
Recognizing Musculoskeletal Injuries in First Aid

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and not a substitute for medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about symptoms, consult a licensed healthcare provider in your province.