There can be many reasons and causes of shoulder pain. The shoulder is a very dynamic joint in that it has the most range of motion of any extremity, therefore making it more susceptible to injury, pain, discomfort or general problems. The shoulder, commonly referred to as the glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket configuration consisting of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). There are many soft tissue structures that either attach to or surround the glenohumeral joint including ligaments, tendons, muscles (mainly rotator cuff muscles), fascia and cartilage.
Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint that has many causes. As a matter fact, much shoulder pain and discomfort is not due to an underlying disease at all. Some common examples of shoulder pain discomfort include overuse, disuse, sprain, strain, postural imbalances, improper biomechanics, subluxation, side sleeping, and referred pain from the neck or upper back.
Some other conditions that could produce shoulder pain would include rotator cuff syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), swimmers shoulder, dislocation, referred pain from the neck or midback, arthritis, labral tear or a pinched nerve. Less common and thankfully rare would be angina, heart attack or lung cancer amongst a few. This is why it is important to not ignore your shoulder pain or take prescription drugs to just alleviate, mask or reduce the symptoms! Most painful shoulder problems can avoid surgical intervention if caught early and given the correct treatment. Chiropractors are trained in the problematic causes of shoulder pain as well as the most efficient, non-surgical treatments that are most effective. Some chiropractors like myself specialize in extremity injuries and treatment that can be related to general dysfunction, sports injury, trauma, arthritic conditions and all musculoskeletal influences including of spinal origin.
So what are some common signs and symptoms associated with shoulder problems? The obvious would would pain, be it minor or severe. Although, shoulder pain can come in many forms ranging from sharp, stabbing and severe to a dull, aching throb depending on the underlying cause! You may experience redness or inflammation around the area that worsens with use. Limited flexibility and range of motion is very common not just due to the pain but because of internal joint dysfunction. Patients may experience weakness in the shoulder, elbow or hand with loss of strength. Stiffness can take hold in and around the shoulder joint, neck and mid-back areas. Numbness and tingling may be felt down the arm or into the hand and fingers.
It is of utmost importance to have your shoulder pain properly examined and diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional such as a chiropractor! Diagnosis can sometimes be tricky as there many conditions that could be producing or contributing to your shoulder pain. A thorough history should be obtained first and foremost to try and determine the onset mechanism or root cause of shoulder problem. Next, a comprehensive examination of the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and surrounding anatomical structures should occur. The examination should include inspection, palpation, range of motion, muscle motor strength, neurological evaluation, orthopedic testing, and pain type as well as severity. After that, the clinician may or may not want to order a radiological evaluation, CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Along with all the above physical testing and examining, a doctor’s experience plays a major role in treating shoulder pain conditions or any other health problem for that matter. Building a rapport, having trust and an open relationship with your physician should ensure for a good doctor-patient experience and the very best possible results.
Who or what type of doctor should you see to evaluate and treat your shoulder pain? While their are several options available, no single doctor or clinician can offer as many treatment options as a chiropractor. Why a chiropractor you might say, I thought they just treated spinal conditions? Chiropractors are versed in all musculoskeletal disorders, that means they are experts in dysfunctional conditions pertaining to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot as well as spinal pain disorders. Seeking treatment in a chiropractic office is not only effective but efficient by saving you time and money. Chiropractors can adjust and correct the joint dysfunction, relieve the muscle spasm, release myofascial restrictions, reduce inflammation, alleviate the pain and promote long term healing relief. This can all be done in a pain-free, timely manner without the use of damaging or addictive drugs, painful injections, or invasive surgery. Chiropractors can also make recommendations that a patient can perform at home like stretches and exercises which will save time and money as well and enhance the doctors in-office treatment.
