Can Chiropractic San Diego Style Help Shoulder Pain?

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:22:59 +0000

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to perform many different movements and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many connecting ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are commonly caused by problems with the rotator cuff. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often begin in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak creating dysfunction in the normal mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overuses the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too long in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

No matter what the reason, if the imbalances and irritation to the shoulder are not changed, pain and limitation of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost complete inability to use the shoulder. This painful problem is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict patients of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme inflamation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to develop nearly sticking the joint together, thus producing debilitation the shoulder. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Attention from a professional, such as your San Diego chiropractor is very important because if left alone, frozen shoulder could take several years to clear up if it heals at all. There are many other disorders of the shoulder but those mentioned above are by far the most common.

Treatment

The treatment of most conditions of the shoulder is generally the same. Muscle imbalances can be corrected with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises suggested by your San Diego chiropractor are also vital for a thoroughand speedy recovery.

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Can Chiropractic San Diego Style Help Shoulder Pain?