—Aching

Age may increase the likelihood of some health concerns, but it's not a guarantee.  Bursae are small, closed, fluid-filled sacs that protect muscles and tendons from irritation produced from contact with bones or skin.  Their normal function is to keep the movement of muscles and tendons smooth and painless.  If too much friction occurs from over-exercising, repetitive movements, or direct trauma, the bursae get inflamed - thus, bursitis. Certain infections, arthritis, and gout can also cause bursitis. The variety of potential bursitis causes suggests that age alone can't be used to determine if this is what's happening for you.

In general, bursitis is characterized by a dull, persistent ache that increases with movement. Bursitis of the shoulder is usually caused by injury to the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that attaches the arm to the shoulder joint and allows the joint to rotate.  An injury to the rotator cuff can be caused by poor posture, repetitive movements that involve raising the arm above the head, and/or overhead lifting.  Shoulder bursitis causes pain while lifting or reaching overhead, decreased range of motion, and more pain at night.

While bursitis is most common in adults over 40 years of age, it is still possible that younger people can develop this painful condition. Much of this may depend on the person as well as the exact cause of bursitis.

If the pain is disabling or doesn't go away after three or four days, you may want to make an appointment to see a health care provider.  If you do in fact have bursitis, the following may help:

• Rest the affected part of your body as soon as you feel any pain. 
• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. (Acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation.) If you have a history of stomach ulcers or are taking blood-thinning medications, tell your health care provider. Also talk with her/him about whether taking ibuprofen every time the pain flares up is appropriate for you.
• Apply ice packs for about ten minutes at least twice-a-day to the swollen area.
• Resume exercise after you heal, but begin slowly and with gentle activities.
• Improve flexibility and strengthen muscles through rehabilitative exercises or physical therapy.

Whenever you have pain that lasts for more than a couple of days it's a good idea to contact your provider.  There is terrific information online, but it's no substitute for a proper visit (and any needed tests). If you are a member of the Columbia community, you can make an appointment with Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS) by logging into Open Commuicator or by calling x4-2284.  If you're not at Columbia, contact your health care provide for an evalution. 

Here's hoping for a pain free solution!

Alice

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