Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Shoulder Pain?
Introduction
The performance of many different motions and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. The shoulder bones, i.e., the scapula, clavicle and humerus, are attached together by ligaments and nearly 20 different muscles. The principal 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 usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues around the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do occur in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
The nerves in the cervical spine region animate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the source of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overworks the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf, 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 often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and irritation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful condition is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict individuals of all ages.
Frozen Shoulder
“Frozen shoulder” is another common condition.Extreme inflamation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to oocur nearly sticking the joint together, thus producing incapacitation the shoulder. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to heal on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is vital. There are many other disorders of the shoulder however those mentioned above are by far the most common.
Treatment
The treatment of most problems of the shoulder is relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed 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 recommended by your Tampa chiropractor are also crucial for a thoroughand speedy recovery.
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