Shoulder pain can disrupt the quality of your daily life. This is especially true if you are experiencing a dull ache, tingling sensation, or sharp pain that radiates down your arm. Unfortunately, shoulder pain is common. That said, it is a condition you do not want to have. You should visit a chiropractor if you feel pain in the shoulder region. Treatment will help you ease the discomfort and reduce the pain.
Causes Of Shoulder Pain
The joints around your shoulders are quite complex. Due to this complexity, shoulder pain is a result of a variety of causes.
Here are the most common causes of shoulder pain:
Frozen shoulders: A frozen shoulder is also called adhesive capsulitis. It is a condition you may develop when the connective tissue of the shoulder thickens and tightens around the joint of the shoulder. A frozen shoulder is common after suffering an injury that restricts the movement of the shoulders for some time.
Dislocated shoulder: Dislocated shoulder is an injury common in sports. When it happens, the humerus pops away from the glenoid cavity. There is an initial pain when this happens. The nerves can become numb and are affected as well. There is the risk of repeated dislocation for a shoulder that dislocates once.
Pinched nerve: Mechanical issues with your shoulder joint may result in impinged or pinched nerves. This pressure on either the smaller nerves or the main branching nerve can cause numbness, pain, and tingling in your shoulder, arms and hands.
Rotator cuff injury: This is one of the most common types of shoulder pain. This injury can be a result of the slow deterioration of the muscles. It can also happen due to sudden trauma.
Arthritis: Arthritis can be a wear and tear condition such as osteoarthritis. It may also be related to rheumatoid, an autoimmune disorder. Regardless of the cause of your arthritis, it may cause pain and inflammation in your shoulders. Arthritis can restrict the range of movement of your shoulders.
Shoulder bursitis: You may develop shoulder bursitis when the fluid-filled capsule of your shoulder becomes inflamed or irritated. Shoulder bursitis frequently occurs where the glenoid cavity connects with the humerus. This condition can cause pain to the extent that it becomes nearly impossible for you to move your shoulders.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis in the shoulders is a type of irritation and inflammation in either the rotator cuff or bicep tendons. It is often experienced by people who perform repetitive movements with their shoulders. Tendon injuries can be very painful and are also slow in healing.
Should You See A Chiropractor For Shoulder Pain?
Yes, you should see a chiropractor if you are suffering from shoulder pain. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve the pain on your shoulders and even your back and neck. Shoulder pain is mostly caused by irritation in your nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Chiropractic care offers many benefits to treating shoulder pain as well as for your overall wellness. The treatment administered by a chiropractor is client-oriented, natural, and specific. The cause of your shoulder pain will be examined by a chiropractor through pain tests, physical assessments, and/or imaging technology. Once the assessment is complete, a shoulder treatment plan will be tailor-made for you to ensure an efficient healing process.
A recovery plan from shoulder pain may include chiropractic massage therapy, rehabilitative therapy, and chiropractic adjustments. Hands-on adjustments are meant to address the cause of your shoulder pain.
The most common types of adjustments for shoulder injuries may include:
1. Articulatory
In the case of shoulder pain, the articulatory technique is aimed at improving the range of motion of the shoulder joint. In the cause of treatment, the chiropractor will move the joint through the possible range of motion.
Articulatory is also done by applying force to improve the mobility of your shoulder. Your shoulder pain will reduce with time when you can achieve a full range of motion.
2. Myofascial release
Myofascial release is another technique used by chiropractors to treat shoulder pain. This treatment method focuses on releasing any tight connective tissues around the shoulder joint. Tight connective tissues could even be a contributing factor or cause of frozen shoulder and other painful conditions. Myofascial release will help improve your shoulder’s range of motion and provide relief for shoulder pain.
3. Cervical spinal manipulation
An imbalance in the cervical spine region may result in shoulder pain. Fortunately, cervical manipulation is a technique that may be used by a chiropractor to treat shoulder pain. The focus of this manipulation is to balance the cervical vertebrae. When balanced, pain from the pinched nerves is reduced.
4. Functional technique
The functional technique is used by chiropractors to decrease stiffness and improve the range of motion of your shoulder. What the chiropractor will do is move your shoulder to the extreme of its range of motion. The chiropractor holds it in that position until the person feels a release.
With time, the gentle pressure being applied will help loosen the joint capsule and relieve the stiffness of your shoulder joint. As a result, the pain you feel from shoulder pain will be reduced.
5. Direct thrust technique
The chiropractor may also use the direct thrust technique in addition to other techniques. Although not aimed specifically at shoulder injury, this treatment option makes use of a short and swift movement. The movement is to help realign the spine.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain can cause discomfort. You should visit a chiropractor to assess the cause of your shoulder pain. Generally, a chiropractor will help you treat the cause of your shoulder pain, which, in turn, leads to a significant reduction in pain. Consider making an appointment at Thrive Health Center for some pain relief; Call 904-683-9397 for more info.
