Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body.  It includes four rotator cuff tendons that hold the muscle to the bone and allow a wide range of motion.

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many causes of injury.  Consult your chiropractor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Inability to use your arm or carry objects
• Inability to raise your arm
• Swelling or bruising
• Shoulder pain that lasts for more than a few days
• Shoulder pain that happens at night or while resting

Here are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain.  This list is not all inclusive, and you should consult your chiropractor to find out the specific cause of your shoulder pain:

• Bursitis:  this is the most common diagnosis for patients who experience shoulder pain.  Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid filled sac - or bursa - that lies between the tendon and skin or tendon and bone in your shoulder joint.  The bursa protects the joint and make movement more fluid.
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: this occurs when tendons become compressed under the bony arch of the shoulder.  The compressed tendons become inflamed or damaged thus causing pain.  The tendonitis can occur from general wear and tear, age, repetitive motion, or an injury.
• Rotator Cuff Tear: a tear occurs when the tendons separate from the bone.  Surgery may be necessary to treat this condition.
• Frozen Shoulder: this condition leads to stiffness of the joint and is also called adhesive capsulitis.  Typical treatment involves stretching and physical therapy.

Your chiropractor will treat your shoulder pain by first discovering the cause of your pain.  Your current activities, previous injuries, and symptoms along with a thorough examination will help determine why your are having shoulder pain.

Treatment may involve chiropractic adjustment, heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, light therapy, physical therapy or exercise.  If your pain is the result of a more serious condition, your chiropractor will refer you to the proper medical professional for further care.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful nerve problem that interferes with the use of your hand.  It occurs when tissue or bone puts pressure on the nerve that runs from your neck through your wrist to your fingers.  At first, you may have numbness, tingling, or burning in your hand.  Shooting pain in your wrist or forearm may follow, and your grip may become week.
What causes CTS?

• Repetitive hand movements - such as working on an assembly line, at a computer, or with power tools - can cause the tendons to become inflamed and press the nerve against the carpal tunnel.
• An injury to the wrist or arthritis in the wrist joint can cause a bone to protrude into the carpal tunnel.  The tunnel becomes narrower, putting pressure on the nerve.  An injury to the neck can also cause the nerve to swell and press against the tunnel.
• Fluid retention can cause the tissue in the carpal tunnel to swell and press on the nerve.

What can Chiropractic do to help?

• To reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerve, your chiropractor may manipulate your thumb, fingers, or wrist.  He or she may also massage your forearm or press on joints in your neck and upper spine.
• Your chiropractor may suggest other types of treatment to reduce pain and restore range of motion.  These may include using a splint or brace, electrical stimulation, ice, ultrasound, trigger point therapy, or exercises.

Information from Krames Communications.