What causes acromion bone pain?

Answered by Edward Huber

Acromion bone pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, overuse, and underlying medical conditions. Injuries are one of the most common causes of acromion pain. When you experience a fall and land on your shoulder or outstretched arm, you are at risk of spraining the ligaments that connect your acromion to the other bones in your shoulder.

Spraining these ligaments can cause significant pain and discomfort in the acromion area. The coracoclavicular ligaments, in particular, play a crucial role in stabilizing the acromion and can be affected by a fall or trauma. The severity of the sprain can vary, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury.

Overuse is another common cause of acromion bone pain. Activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing, swimming, or weightlifting, can put strain on the acromion and surrounding structures. This can lead to inflammation, tendonitis, or even small tears in the tendons that attach to the acromion, resulting in pain.

Underlying medical conditions can also contribute to acromion pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis can cause inflammation and degeneration of the acromion joint, leading to pain. Additionally, conditions like rotator cuff tears or impingement syndrome can cause compression or irritation of the acromion, resulting in pain and restricted movement.

It’s worth mentioning that poor posture and muscle imbalances can also contribute to acromion pain. Slouching or hunching forward can put stress on the acromion and surrounding structures, leading to discomfort. Weak or imbalanced muscles in the shoulder and upper back can further exacerbate these issues, causing pain and dysfunction.

In my personal experience, I have encountered acromion pain due to overuse and poor posture. As a frequent gym-goer, I often perform exercises that involve overhead movements, such as shoulder presses and pull-ups. Over time, this repetitive stress on the acromion area can lead to discomfort and inflammation. Additionally, spending long hours sitting at a desk with poor posture can aggravate the acromion and surrounding structures, causing pain.

To summarize, acromion bone pain can be caused by injuries, overuse, underlying medical conditions, poor posture, and muscle imbalances. It is important to identify the root cause of the pain in order to effectively treat and manage the condition. Seeking medical advice and proper diagnosis is recommended to determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.