Shoulder Pain
What causes shoulder pain?
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body. The primary stabilizers of this joint are four muscles known as the “rotator cuff.” Due to the mobility, the shoulder is prone to many types of injury and pain syndromes.
From office workers to athletes, shoulder complaints are common and the causes are varied. A correct diagnosis is the key to gaining relief of shoulder pain.
Should you experience the following, a proper exam by a chiropractic physician should be conducted:
1. Unable to carry objects or pain when using the arm
2. Trauma that produces deformity of the joint
3. Shoulder pain that happens at night
4. Shoulder pain that lasts more than a few days
5. Inability or pain when attempting to raise the arm
6. Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or arm
Types of shoulder pain:
Bursitis: Bursa are fluid filled sacs that act as a cushion between tendons, joints and muscles. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa. Causes of bursitis include: trauma, poor posture, repetitive motion and poor body mechanics.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Tendonitis is when one of the tendons of the shoulder muscles becomes inflamed. This can be the result of generalized wear and tear, direct injury, poor posture, repetitive motions or sports injury.
Rotator Cuff Tear: A Rotator cuff tear is when one of the muscles of the rotator cuff develops a tear. These can be a partial to full tear.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Impingement syndrome is quite common and is when on of the muscle tendons is being “pinched” in the shoulder. Most commonly it is the supraspinatous (muscle which is across the top of the shoulder blade) tendon being pinched between the acromial clavicular (AC) joint and the upper arm bone (humerus). This syndrome is a result of many years of bad posture: sitting with the head forward and shoulders slumped forward while at a desk or computer.
Frozen Shoulder: Also called ‘adhesive capsuliitis,’ this is a common progression of the impingement syndrome. Due to the inflammation of the muscle tendons, adhesions develop that limit the normal joint motion. Left untreated it can lead to moderate to severe limitations in shoulder mobility.
Chiropractic And Shoulder Pain
The treatment of shoulder pain is dependent on a correct diagnosis. It is crucial seek the care of a chiropractic physician experienced in treating shoulder pain.
Dr. Schmaltz’ approach to shoulder pain is a comprehensive one. Not only will he look at your shoulder, but your overall body mechanics including the neck and midback. Further, evaluation of your work station, sports involvement and technique are crucial to your recovery.
Once a cause has been determined, Dr. Schmaltz will work with you to not only relieve your pain, but to stabilize the area and cause. The main form of treatment used by Dr. Schmaltz is adjustments and specific rehabilitative exercises.
Suffering from shoulder pain? Do you live in Hazelwood, Florissant, Spanish Lakes, Ferguson, Berkeley, Bridgeton or North County? If yes, you owe it to yourself to call Dr. Schmaltz at 314-731-4383. All you have to lose is your pain!