Shoulder pain is a common medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a common source of discomfort and can be caused by a variety of factors. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, which consists of three bones. The humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone) are all connected in the shoulder joint. The humerus sits within a shallow socket located in the scapula called the glenoid cavity. This joint allows for a wide range of motion and also provides stability to the shoulder. Many people have shoulder pain at some point in their lives due to a variety of causes. Approximately 70% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point. Shoulder pain can be caused by an injury or degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. It can also be caused by muscular strains, overuse, or poor posture.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. This also means that it is prone to injury and can easily be strained or overused. Poor posture, inadequate warm-up before physical activities, and repetitive actions such as typing on a computer or carrying bags can all lead to shoulder pain. Several muscles attach to and move the shoulder joint, making it easy for muscle problems to develop. These include the rotator cuff muscles, the trapezius, and the deltoid muscles. Weakness or tightness in any of these muscles can lead to pain and decreased range of motion.
Shoulder pain can refer to the neck or other areas in the body, such as the chest, forearm, and elbow. Pain can also be referred from the shoulder to other areas, such as the forearm, elbow, or hand. This can be a sign of referred pain and should be discussed with a doctor. Shoulder pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term). Acute shoulder pain is usually caused by a traumatic event such as an injury, while chronic shoulder pain is usually caused by degenerative joint disease or muscle problems. Research shows that 50% of shoulder pain cases resolve within 8-12 weeks with conservative treatment, 40% become chronic for longer than one year and 10% become chronic for longer than two years. It is important to follow up with a doctor and seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term pain and disability. The duration of treatment will depend on the cause of the pain in the shoulder and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, injections, activities modification, and/or surgery.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
One of the major causes of pain in the shoulder is poor posture. Poor posture can cause muscles to become tight and strained, leading to inflammation and pain in the shoulder. Poor posture can also increase the risk of injury. Other causes of pain in the shoulder include repetitive movements, stress, osteoarthritis, and trauma. If joint misalignment is causing your shoulder pain, the problem may not go away until that misalignment is addressed. In this case, seeing a chiropractor can be beneficial. Chiropractors specialize in joint misalignment, and they may recommend stretches or exercises to help you gain a greater range of motion and reduce the pain. To properly treat and manage your shoulder pain, it is important to first find the root cause. This can involve a physical exam, imaging tests, and/or further investigation. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment based on the cause of your pain and your individual needs.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain
We have a variety of treatments for shoulder pain in our clinic. Our treatment protocols take a holistic approach to address the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. The following are some of the treatments we offer.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
We start with a comprehensive consultation and exam to determine the cause of your shoulder pain. A complete medical history, physical activity habits, and lifestyle are taken into account in determining the best course of treatment for your condition.
Digital X-rays
We use Digital X-rays in our clinic to assess the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature for any misalignment, fractures, or other changes that may be causing your pain. We are Therefore able to create a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Specific Chiropractic Care
We also provide specific Chiropractic care such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to restore proper joint movement and reduce inflammation. We find that this is often the most effective treatment for shoulder pain.
Massage Therapy and/or Soft Tissue Work
Massage therapy and/or soft tissue work can help relieve tension in the shoulder muscles, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. We offer both massage therapy and traditional Chinese medical techniques to best suit your individual needs. Most people who suffer from shoulder pain benefit greatly from massage therapy or soft tissue work. For instance, our massage therapists are experienced in treating shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, and general shoulder pain.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
We also provide a customized exercise program to help our patients maintain and improve their shoulder health. Our exercise plans are designed to strengthen the shoulder muscles as well as improve flexibility, range of motion, and coordination. We believe that strengthening exercises are key for long-term shoulder pain relief. This form of treatment has been proven to be very effective in reducing pain in the shoulder. It’s probably the cheapest and least intrusive treatment for shoulder pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. We use acupuncture in our clinic to relieve shoulder pain by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, increase circulation and relax tight muscles, all of which can help reduce pain in the shoulder. The only downside is that it may take multiple treatments to get the desired results.
Nutritional Supplementation
We also provide nutritional supplementation to support the body’s natural healing process. We offer supplements such as glucosamine, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy joint function. These supplements can be taken orally or applied topically depending on the specific needs of the patient. You can visit a different page to find out more about shoulder pain treatments .
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
There are many potential causes of shoulder pain. One of the most common causes is rotator cuff injuries, which can occur from strenuous physical activity or trauma. Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild to severe and may require physical therapy or even surgery to correct. This type of injury can be extremely painful and debilitating and is best treated as soon as possible by a qualified medical professional.
Bursitis
The other major cause of pain in the shoulder is bursitis. This occurs when the bursa, a small sac that helps cushion and protects the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. Bursitis can be caused by repetitive motions such as typing or throwing a ball but it can also occur due to an injury or infection. Treatment for bursitis usually involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, however, if these do not provide relief then surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another potential cause of pain in the shoulder. this type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically includes lifestyle modifications such as exercise and weight loss, however, if these do not provide relief then medications or even surgery may be necessary.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and swell in the shoulder joint. This type of arthritis is usually treated with medications such as anti-inflammatories or immunosuppressants to reduce the inflammation, however, if these do not provide enough relief then surgery may be necessary.
Sprain
Another possible cause of shoulder pain is a sprain. This occurs when the ligaments around the joint are stretched too far, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Treatment for a sprain typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications; however, if these do not provide relief then physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another common cause of pain in the shoulder. This occurs when the tendons that connect the muscles to bones become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. Treatment for tendonitis usually involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Frozen Shoulder
Finally, a frozen shoulder is another common cause of pain in the shoulder. A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues around the joint become unusually stiff and tight which restricts movement and causes pain. Treatment for this condition typically involves physical therapy along with medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, surgery may be the only option.
No matter what type of shoulder condition you are dealing with, it is important to speak with a qualified medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Our team is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain so that you can get back to living life without discomfort. Contact us today for more information on our comprehensive range of treatments for common shoulder conditions. We look forward to helping you find your way back to shoulder health.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, arthritis, and tendinitis. It is important to speak with a qualified medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. At our clinic, we understand that shoulder pain is a complex condition and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Our experienced team of chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and acupuncturists are here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain without surgery or medication. With an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you, we will work together to get your shoulder back to feeling its best. You can also visit different websites to learn more about shoulder pain. Contact us today to start your journey toward shoulder pain relief. We strive to provide comprehensive care for all types of shoulder conditions and injuries. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can be sure that we will do our best to help you find relief, restore your shoulder health and get back to being pain-free. In addition to these treatments, we may suggest lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques to help you better manage your shoulder pain and prevent future flare-ups. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may even recommend Surgery or referral to other specialists if necessary.
FAQs
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractors can help with pain in the shoulder. They specialize in adjusting the spine and joints to improve posture and reduce inflammation.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
It is best to speak with your doctor first if you are experiencing pain in the shoulder as they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. If the pain persists then it may be beneficial to see a chiropractor for further assistance.
Why is my shoulder pain not going away?
Pain in the shoulder can be caused by a variety of factors such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis. It is important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
What could shoulder pain be a sign of?
Pain in the shoulder can be caused by a variety of factors such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis. It is important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
How do I stop severe shoulder pain?
Severe pain in the shoulder should always be evaluated by a doctor or other healthcare providers to determine the cause and best treatment course. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include rest, physical therapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary for the relief of the pain.
What does a pinched nerve in the shoulder feel like?
Pinched nerves can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area. It is important to seek medical advice to diagnose and treat the condition properly.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
If you are experiencing pain in the shoulder it is best to sleep on your back or side instead of your stomach. You may also want to use a neck pillow for additional support, as well as an ice pack before going to bed. Consult with your doctor for more tips on how to get comfortable and alleviate pain while sleeping.
