Shoulder Bursitis: Causes, Treatments, and How Medications Help

When you feel a sharp or aching pain on the side or front of your shoulder, especially when lifting your arm, you might be dealing with shoulder bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa—a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Also known as subacromial bursitis, it’s one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults, especially those who repeat overhead motions like painting, lifting, or throwing. The bursa gets irritated from overuse, injury, or even infection, swelling up and pressing on nearby nerves and tendons. It doesn’t just hurt—it makes everyday tasks like putting on a shirt or reaching for a cup on a high shelf feel impossible.

What makes shoulder bursitis tricky is that it often shows up alongside other problems, like tendonitis, inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, or even impingement syndrome, when the bursa and tendons get pinched between bones during movement. That’s why treating just the pain isn’t enough—you need to address what’s causing the pressure. For many people, the fix starts with anti-inflammatory drugs, medications like ibuprofen or naproxen that reduce swelling and block pain signals. These aren’t magic pills, but they give your body time to heal by lowering the inflammation that’s making things worse.

When over-the-counter pills don’t cut it, doctors often turn to corticosteroid injections, direct shots of powerful anti-inflammatory medicine into the bursa. Studies show these can cut pain by half within days for most patients. But they’re not a long-term fix—repeated shots can weaken tendons over time. That’s why they’re usually paired with physical therapy, rest, and activity changes. If you’re someone who works with your arms overhead, you’ll need to adjust how you move, not just pop pills. Even small changes—like switching from a heavy backpack to a wheeled bag or avoiding sleeping on the affected side—can make a big difference.

Some people wonder if shoulder bursitis will go away on its own. The answer? Sometimes, yes—if you give it time and avoid the triggers. But if you keep pushing through the pain, it can turn chronic, leading to stiffness, muscle weakness, or even a frozen shoulder. That’s why early action matters. The posts below cover everything from how to tell if your shoulder pain is bursitis or something else, to which medications work best, what to avoid mixing with them, and how to protect your joints long-term. You’ll find real advice on managing side effects, saving on prescriptions, and knowing when to push back on a treatment that’s not working. No fluff. Just what helps—and what doesn’t.