About Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can have a number of different causes, ranging from an injury like a car accident, to a chronic problem like arthritis. Patients who experience shoulder pain may be surprised by the intensity and duration of the pain. The shoulder area is so essential for completing daily activities that it makes sense that the shoulder pain injury should be taken seriously and treated to avoid worsening your condition.
Symptoms
Some signs that shoulder pain needs immediate attention may include a decreased ability to hold objects, decreased functioning of the arm, shoulder pain that persists even while at rest, shoulder pain that lasts more than a day or two, and unusual twinges or aches in the shoulder area.
Diagnosis
Chiropractic care can be an extremely effective treatment for shoulder pain regardless of its cause. A chiropractor will often begin with an examination of the patient’s neck area since shoulder pain can frequently be the result of “referred” pain from the neck. Whether the shoulder pain is connected to the neck or is limited to the lower part of the shoulder, it can generally be treated with non-invasive methods of natural healing such as chiropractic care.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Situation: The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles that provide stability to the shoulder joint and assist with elevation and rotation movements of the shoulder. The muscles extend from the shoulder blade and are attached to the upper arm bone by the rotator cuff tendons. During contraction of the rotator cuff muscles, tension is placed through the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. When this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, damage to the rotator cuff, called a rotator cuff tear, may occur.
Causes: Rotator cuff tears often occur suddenly due to an excessively high force going through the muscle and tendon. This may occur during activities like heavy or awkward lifting, bracing yourself with an outstretched hand while falling, heavy pushing or pulling, or throwing too hard. Rotator cuffs also tear over time due to repetitive or prolonged activities placing strain on the rotator cuff.
Symptoms: People suffering from a rotator cuff tear will often experience a sudden pain or tearing sensation in the shoulder during the activity that results in the tear. People with a rotator cuff tear usually experience pain that is localized to the shoulder. Occasionally, pain may radiate into the upper arm, shoulder blade, upper back, or neck.
Treatment: Treatment options can include chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. The chiropractor will diagnose your condition and determine what type of treatments and modalities are appropriate for you.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Situation: The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles that provide stability to the shoulder joint and assist with elevation and rotation movements of the shoulder. The muscles extend from the shoulder blade and are attached to the upper arm bone by the rotator cuff tendons. During contraction of the rotator cuff muscles, tension is placed through the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a condition that occurs with damage, inflammation, and degeneration of one or more of the rotator cuff tendons.
Causes: Rotator cuff tendonitis most commonly occurs due to repetitive or prolonged activities placing strain on the rotator cuff. This typically occurs as a result of excessive lifting, overhead activities, lying on the affected side, pushing, pulling, or prolonged use of the arm in front of the body. Occasionally, the condition may occur traumatically when excessive high force stresses the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis may also occur following a rotator cuff tear. In athletes, rotator cuff tendonitis is frequently seen in throwing sports, swimming, racquet sports, weight lifting, and paddling sports.
Symptoms: The symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis usually develop gradually over a period of time. Often, the pain associated with this condition is experienced as an ache in the shoulder that increases to a sharper pain with certain activities. Occasionally, pain may also be experienced in the upper arm, shoulder blade, upper back or neck. Patients with rotator cuff tendonitis will usually experience pain or difficulty when lifting heavy objects.
Treatment: Treatment options can include chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. The chiropractor will diagnose your condition and determine what type of treatments and modalities are appropriate for you.