Acromion Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is acromion pain, and how is it treated?

Topic at a Glance

Acromion pain refers to discomfort in the top part of the shoulder where the acromion and collarbone meet at the AC joint.
The acromion is part of the shoulder blade that helps stabilize the shoulder and support arm movement.
Common causes include shoulder injuries, shoulder impingement syndrome, osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff tears.
Treatment may involve medication, physical therapy, joint injections, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, comprising bones, muscles, and connective tissues that enable a wide range of motion. When issues arise in the AC joint, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort.

If you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, consider scheduling an appointment with the expert shoulder specialists at OrthoNeuro. We provide comprehensive care for shoulder pain and AC joint issues in multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio.

What is the Acromion?

The acromion is a critical part of your shoulder anatomy. It forms the top outer edge of the scapula, or shoulder blade, and connects with the clavicle (collarbone) to form the AC joint. This joint plays a significant role in stabilizing the shoulder joint, enabling smooth movement, and facilitating the transfer of force from the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Without a healthy acromion, your shoulder’s range of motion and ability to bear weight can be significantly reduced.

It helps stabilize your shoulder joint. It also enables your shoulders’ wide range of motion and helps transfer force from your arm to your collarbone and shoulder blade.

What Causes AC Pain?

Several conditions and injuries can lead to AC joint pain, often called acromion pain. Below are some of the most common causes:

Shoulder Injuries

Trauma, such as falling onto your shoulder or an outstretched arm, can lead to injuries that cause pain in the AC joint. These injuries can include sprains of the ligaments that connect the acromion to the collarbone or collarbone fractures. In some cases, these injuries may also result in a dislocated collarbone, leading to further discomfort and mobility issues.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

One of the leading causes of acromion pain is shoulder impingement syndrome, which occurs when the acromion rubs against the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. This repetitive friction causes inflammation in the subacromial space, limiting shoulder mobility and leading to sharp pain during arm movements. Over time, this condition can worsen, leading to more severe complications such as a rotator cuff tear.

Osteoarthritis

As we age, the cartilage that covers and protects our joints gradually wears down. In the AC joint, this degeneration can lead to osteoarthritis, causing stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis in the AC joint is particularly common in individuals who frequently engage in repetitive shoulder movements, such as athletes, weightlifters, or manual laborers.

Rotator Cuff Tears

When the acromion continuously presses against the rotator cuff tendons, it can cause significant tissue damage. Over time, this leads to a rotator cuff tear, a severe injury that can severely limit the shoulder’s function and cause intense pain. This type of tear can be partial or complete, and surgical intervention may be required in severe cases.

Symptoms of Acromion Pain

Pain in the AC joint typically presents with several distinctive symptoms, including:

Sharp or aching pain at the top of the shoulder
Swelling or tenderness around the AC joint
Limited range of motion in the shoulder
Weakness in the shoulder or arm
Pain that worsens when lifting the arm or during overhead activities

If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly after an injury or during repetitive arm movements, seeking medical evaluation is crucial.

Before You See the Doctor

Before visiting a doctor, it’s helpful to take note of your symptoms and any potential triggers, such as recent injuries or changes in physical activity. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate some of the discomfort. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may also temporarily relieve pain.

Diagnosis and Examination

The shoulder specialists at OrthoNeuro begin with a comprehensive exam to identify the specific condition causing your symptoms. This typically involves:

A physical examination of the shoulder joint to assess tenderness, swelling, or deformities
Evaluating your range of motion by gently lifting or rotating your arm
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to check for fractures, ligament damage, or inflammation in the AC joint

Your doctor may also use an ultrasound to visualize soft tissue damage in the shoulder, including rotator cuff tears or inflamed bursae.

How is Shoulder Pain in the AC Joint Treated?

Treatment for AC joint pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. The specialists at OrthoNeuro offer a variety of both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to help you recover and regain function in your shoulder.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Your doctor may begin with nonsurgical treatment to treat acromion pain. This may include the following:

Medication Management

Anti-inflammatory medications, combined with rest and activity modification, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.

Joint Injections

Corticosteroid injections directly into the AC joint can provide immediate relief by reducing inflammation and numbing pain. These injections are often used for severe impingement syndrome or osteoarthritis.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist is an integral part of treating shoulder conditions. You will practice exercises and stretches to strengthen your shoulder and improve flexibility in the muscles and connective tissue around your joint, collarbone, humeral head, and shoulder blades.

Surgical Treatment

In cases where nonsurgical treatments are ineffective or the damage to the AC joint is severe, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include:

Shoulder impingement surgery, which may involve trimming part of the acromion to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons.
Rotator cuff repair, if a tear has occurred.
In cases of arthritis, the end of the clavicle (collarbone) can be excised to prevent bone-on-bone contact
In extreme cases, a total shoulder replacement might be required to restore functionality.

The shoulder specialists at OrthoNeuro use advanced surgical techniques, including arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures, to minimize recovery time and optimize patient outcomes.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re experiencing pain or stiffness in your AC joint, schedule an appointment with one of the board-certified shoulder specialists at OrthoNeuro today. With seven convenient locations throughout the Columbus, OH, area, we provide prompt, personalized care to help you quickly get back to your normal activities.

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith, MD, FAAOS

FAQs About Acromion Pain

What is the acromion, and why can it cause shoulder pain?

The acromion is the outer portion of the shoulder blade that forms the top of the shoulder and connects with the collarbone to create the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This joint helps stabilize the shoulder and allows for a wide range of arm movement.

Pain can occur when this area becomes injured, inflamed, or affected by joint degeneration, which can interfere with normal shoulder function.

What causes acromion or AC joint pain?

Several conditions can lead to pain in the acromion or AC joint, including:

Shoulder injuries, such as ligament sprains
Shoulder impingement syndrome, where the acromion presses on the rotator cuff tendons
Osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage breakdown in the joint
Rotator cuff tears, resulting from long-term irritation or trauma

Repetitive overhead activities, sports, or manual labor can also increase the risk of AC joint problems.

What are the symptoms of acromion pain?

People with acromion or AC joint pain may experience:

Sharp or aching pain at the top of the shoulder
Swelling or tenderness near the AC joint
Limited range of motion in the shoulder
Weakness in the shoulder or arm
Pain that worsens when lifting the arm or reaching overhead

These symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as lifting objects or reaching above the head.

How is acromion pain diagnosed?

Doctors typically diagnose acromion-related shoulder pain through a physical examination and imaging tests. During the exam, the doctor may check:

Shoulder tenderness and swelling
Range of motion and strength
Pain triggered by certain movements

Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be used to detect joint damage, inflammation, rotator cuff injuries, or bone abnormalities.

What treatments are available for acromion pain?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Common options include:

Anti-inflammatory medications and rest
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility
Activity modification to prevent further irritation

If nonsurgical treatments are not effective, surgical procedures such as rotator cuff repair, acromion trimming, or joint repair may be recommended to restore shoulder function.

Sources

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.