Struggling with Shoulder Pain?
Do you have shoulder pain? The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and as a result, is subject to a wide range of injuries and conditions. Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of problems, but some of the most common reasons for pain in the shoulder include neck and upper back problems, arthritis, abnormal motion patterns, participation in athletic events, and automobile accidents.
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Due to the wide range of potential causes, shoulder pain or abnormal motion in the joint could either develop gradually or come on suddenly. Since the shoulder joint is used in almost every daily activity, any injury to the area should be taken seriously and treated appropriately. Even minor injuries could worsen and should be treated early to help prevent progression. Some symptoms of a shoulder injury are more pronounced than others so any issues with the shoulder should be monitored carefully.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Shoulder pain is usually localized in or around a small tunnel, called the rotator cuff, through which 4 tendons devoted to shoulder movement pass.
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Overuse/repetitive trauma
- Accident/acute trauma
- Degenerative change/arthritis
- Infection
Rotator cuff tendonitis can be achingly painful and greatly limit movement of the arm above shoulder height, also known as “frozen shoulder.” Frequently a patient may wake up with shoulder pain without any immediately known cause, which may suggest overuse tendonitis or something known as impingement syndrome, in which nerves and/or muscles involved in lifting the arm forward or to the side become pinched.
Relief from rotator cuff tendonitis includes appropriate adjustment of the upper vertebrae to release impinged nerves, physical therapy including ultrasound and ice, stretching and mobility exercises, and proper rest, along with new ergonomic practices to help prevent its recurrence.
Another common shoulder malady is bursitis, in which the tiny sacs that act as cushions between bones, muscles, and tendons, become inflamed due to quick, violent, or frequent motions, and can cause sharp or burning pain.
Shoulder pain can also be caused by a condition involving the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is vital in certain shoulder actions. When the AC joint’s components become enlarged due to degenerative arthritis, certain nerve paths and/or the rotator cuff can become pinched, causing distress.
Other shoulder injuries include muscle strain or sprain. Discovering unexplained shoulder pain may require specific diagnostic procedures to isolate its exact cause, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT or NCV scan, or diagnostic ultrasound. Once the source of your pain condition is determined in consultation with your doctor, you and he can work out a plan for treatment, rehabilitation, and effective preventive care.
Symptoms indicating the need for an immediate evaluation of the shoulder include:
- Pain that lasts for more than a week
- Shoulder pain that comes and goes frequently
- Difficulty raising your arm above your head
- Trouble or pain when carrying objects
- Pain that gets worse in the evening
- Obvious signs of injury, or an unusual snapping or clicking sensation in the joint during movement
As with most conditions, the most effective treatment depends on the source of the problem, so getting an accurate diagnosis is a crucial step in the evaluation process. Most chiropractors are fully equipped and trained on the various methods for diagnosing the cause of shoulder pain.
With the clinical information provided from your history, advanced imaging techniques, and orthopedic procedures, a chiropractor will be able to quickly determine the exact cause of your pain. With this diagnosis, you can then develop an individualized treatment plan.
Care for Shoulder Pain
The neck and upper back are the areas where all of the muscles and structures that control the shoulder joint originate. There is a wide variety of issues that could arise if there is a problem with the nerves and the structures due to spinal misalignment. Research has also shown that many cases of shoulder pain are actually due to referred pain from the neck region.
If the shoulder pain persists following the correction of spinal misalignment, alert your chiropractor immediately. Additional manual and passive therapies will often be used in conjunction with the main chiropractic care to help ensure a fast recovery.
At Etheredge Chiropractic, we use extremity manipulation, Class 4 Laser Therapy, and range of motion exercises as prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, take the next step toward relief and visit us at Etheredge Chiropractic today!
