Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Shoulder Pain?
Introduction
The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to perform many different motions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many fastening ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The principal articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are generally caused by problems with the rotator cuff. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues encompassing the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region innervate all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are inflamed, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overuses 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. Many persons are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too much in a hunched position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
No matter what the reason, if the imbalances and inflammation to the shoulder are not rectified, 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. Individuals of all ages are afflicted by this painful problem known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Frozen Shoulder
Another common predicament is ” frozen shoulder. “This often crippling condition arises when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint become so aggravated that adhesions form making the joint practically stuck together. 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 extremely important. The disorders mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders.
Treatment
Most shoulder treatments are relatively 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 recommended by your Tampa chiropractor are also essential for a fulland fast recovery.
