AC Joint Pain: Exploring Treatment Options for Relief

Joint pain can disrupt our daily lives, making even the simplest tasks seem challenging. One common area of discomfort is the AC joint, located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. If you’ve been experiencing AC joint pain, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of AC joint pain and its treatment options to help you find the relief you deserve.

Understanding AC Joint Pain

AC joint pain refers to discomfort or pain in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is a joint located at the top of the shoulder where the acromion (part of the scapula or shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collarbone) meet. This joint is essential for the proper function of the shoulder, allowing for a wide range of motion, especially when you lift your arm.

AC joint pain can result from various factors and conditions, including:

• Injury or Trauma: The AC joint can be injured due to falls, direct impact, or collisions. This is often referred to as a shoulder separation or AC joint sprain. In more severe cases, the ligaments connecting the acromion and clavicle may be partially or completely torn.
• Osteoarthritis: Over time, the AC joint can undergo wear and tear, leading to osteoarthritis. This condition involves the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Overuse or Strain: Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing, lifting, or reaching, can strain the AC joint and surrounding structures, causing pain and inflammation.
• Posture and Alignment Issues: Poor posture or imbalances in the muscles around the shoulder can contribute to AC joint pain. When the shoulder joint is not properly aligned, it can lead to increased stress on the AC joint.
• Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in certain muscles, such as the muscles of the rotator cuff or the deltoids, can impact the stability of the AC joint and lead to pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and damage to joints, including the AC joint.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the AC joint can lead to pain, especially during movement.

The Symptoms of AC joint pain can vary but often include:

• Pain or tenderness directly over the AC joint.
• Pain that worsens with shoulder movement, especially when raising the arm.
• Swelling or localized inflammation.
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder.
• Discomfort when lying on the affected side.

Diagnosing AC Joint Pain

Diagnosing AC joint pain typically involve a combination of a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and potential imaging tests. Here’s how the diagnosis process for AC joint pain generally works:

1. Medical History: Your healthcare provider will start by asking you about your symptoms when they started, and any events or activities that may have triggered the pain. They will also inquire about any previous injuries, medical conditions, or surgeries related to your shoulder.
2. Physical Examination: During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will carefully examine your shoulder and assess the range of motion, stability, and any signs of tenderness or swelling. They may ask you to perform certain movements to evaluate the joint’s function and identify areas of discomfort.
3. Palpation: Palpation involves touching and pressing the AC joint area to identify specific points of tenderness or pain.
4. Imaging Tests:

• X-rays: X-rays can provide clear images of the bones and joints. They can help identify any abnormalities, such as arthritis, joint separation, or structural issues within the AC joint.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI can provide detailed images of the soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It’s particularly useful for evaluating the extent of ligament or tendon damage and identifying issues like rotator cuff injuries or inflammation.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging can visualize soft tissues and can be used to assess areas of inflammation, tendinitis, and other soft tissue problems.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans can offer detailed cross-sectional images and are sometimes used to get a more comprehensive view of structures.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment options are often the first line of management for AC joint pain. These approaches aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the function of the shoulder joint without resorting to surgical interventions. Here are some common conservative treatment options for AC joint pain:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected shoulder and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can allow the joint to heal. Limiting overhead movements and heavy lifting is often recommended.
• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat therapy, such as warm compresses, can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
• Pain Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, improve joint stability, and enhance range of motion. Exercises may include stretches, strengthening exercises, and posture correction.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the AC joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. However, these injections are usually limited in frequency due to potential side effects.

Injection Therapies

For more targeted relief, injection therapies are gaining popularity. Corticosteroid injections can swiftly reduce inflammation and pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your body’s natural healing components to promote tissue epair.

Hyaluronic acid injections, similar to those used for knee osteoarthritis, can provide lubrication to the joint.

Surgical Interventions

Here are some surgical options that may be considered for AC joint pain:

• AC Joint Reconstruction: This procedure is often used for severe AC joint separations or injuries. It involves reconstructing the torn ligaments that connect the clavicle and acromion. This can be done using various techniques, such as using sutures or implants to stabilize the joint.
• Distal Clavicle Resection (Mumford Procedure): In cases of AC joint arthritis or persistent pain, a portion of the clavicle is surgically removed to create more space and reduce friction in the joint. This can alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
• Joint Stabilization Procedures: These surgeries aim to stabilize the AC joint by reconstructing or reinforcing the ligaments and surrounding structures. This is often considered for chronic instability or recurrent pain.
• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures may be used to visualize and treat AC joint issues. This can involve removing damaged tissue, addressing inflammation, or repairing ligament tears.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Your journey doesn’t end after treatment or surgery. Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program, which includes exercises to restore strength and flexibility, is essential for a full recovery. Gradually reintroducing activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can further expedite healing.

Preventing AC Joint Pain

Preventing AC joint pain involves adopting healthy habits and practices that promote shoulder health and reduce the risk of injury or inflammation in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Here are some tips to help prevent AC joint pain:

• Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture is crucial for reducing stress on the AC joint. Keep your shoulders back and down, and avoid slouching or hunching forward.
• Warm Up Before Exercise: Always warm up your shoulder and upper body before engaging in physical activities. Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help prepare the muscles and joints for movement.
• Strengthen Shoulder Muscles: Focus on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff muscles, deltoids, and upper back muscles. Strong muscles provide better support and stability to the AC joint.
• Gradual Progression: If you’re starting a new exercise routine or increasing the intensity of your workouts, do so gradually to allow your body to adapt and avoid overuse injuries.
• Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting objects, use your leg muscles and keep the object close to your body. Avoid lifting heavy objects with your arms and shoulders alone.
• Avoid Overhead Activities: Minimize excessive overhead movements, especially if they involve heavy weights or repetitive motions. If you do engage in overhead activities, ensure proper form and technique.
• Use Proper Equipment: If you’re involved in sports or activities that require equipment, ensure that your equipment fits well and is appropriate for your body type and activity level.
• Take Breaks: If you have a job or hobby that involves repetitive shoulder movements, take regular breaks to rest and stretch your shoulder muscles.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight can put additional stress on the shoulder joints. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of joint strain and inflammation.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports joint health by keeping cartilage lubricated. Drink enough water throughout the day.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re experiencing AC joint pain or any discomfort in your shoulder, seeking professional help is crucial to properly diagnose the issue, receive appropriate treatment, and prevent further complications. Here’s how you can go about seeking professional assistance:

• Primary Care Physician: Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. They can assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and ask about your medical history. They might provide initial recommendations, prescribe pain medications, or refer you to a specialist if needed.
• Orthopedic Specialist: If your primary care physician suspects a more complex issue or if your pain persists despite initial treatment, they might refer you to an orthopedic specialist. Orthopedic doctors specialize in musculoskeletal conditions, including those affecting the shoulder joint.
• Physical Therapist: If you’re referred to a physical therapist, they can assess your shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength. They will design a personalized exercise program to help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent future issues.

Conclusion

AC joint pain might be a common ailment, but it’s not one you have to endure indefinitely. With the right treatment plan and a commitment to your well-being, you can find relief and regain the freedom to move comfortably once again.

If you’re experiencing Shoulder pain, physical therapy for shoulder pain at PhysioMantra can help: Book an online physical therapy session.