There is much more to bursitis than pain and the shoulder.  Any joint in the body can develop bursitis, the most common being the shoulder, elbow, and the hip.

The bursa is a lubricating sack over which tendons slide.  If the bursa is irritated as a result of abrasion and muscle imbalance, it becomes inflamed.  Seemingly minor incidents precipitate a bursitis attack.  Lifting improperly, lying in an awkward position, washing the family car, etc. are among many common activities which can aggravate or activate bursitis.  Except for direct injury to the joint, there is almost always another underlying cause.  Several nerves that originate in the neck pass-through the shoulder and elbow and wrist.  Likewise, several nerves that originate in the low back pass-through the hip, the knee, and the ankle.  Pressure upon these nerves due to minor displacements of vertebra, (bones in your spie) can usually be the cause of bursitis pain.

Last modified: 09/27/06