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Chiropractic Treatment Relieves Shoulder Pain!
Introduction
The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to accomplish many different motions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three different bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected 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. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint. Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, but not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
The nerves in the cervical spine region animate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the origin of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are inflamed, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the normal mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, 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 often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost entire inability to use the shoulder. This painful problem is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict individuals of all ages.
Frozen Shoulder
Another common problem is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme irritation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to form practically sticking the joint together, thus producing incapacitation the shoulder. This results in intense pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Attention from a professional, such as your chiropractor is crucial because if left alone, frozen shoulder could take several years to heal if it heals at all. The disorders mentioned above are the most generally known of all shoulder disorders.
Treatment
The treatment of most symptoms of the shoulder is relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed 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 chiropractor are also crucial for a completeand speedy recovery.