Crack the Code to Healing Shoulder Pain

Crack the Code to Healing Shoulder Pain

Your shoulders are crucial. From reaching for the top shelf to hugging a loved one, they’re always there for you. But with all that heavy lifting, they can get worn out and prone to injury, especially with age. There are a few ways to treat these aches and pains, and chiropractic is one of them.

“As people get older, shoulder pain becomes more common, lowering the quality of life and making it harder to move around. Chiropractic care is a very important option because it helps retrain shoulder muscles and ease pain,” said Dr. Christophe Dean,  D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic), and a Michigan Chiropractors Association’s Public Education Committee member.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Let’s define what the shoulder is: A ball-and-socket joint consisting of the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the clavicle.

According to Penn Medicine, shoulder pain is caused by various factors, such as rotator cuff issues, bursitis, arthritis, injuries, or referred pain from other areas like the neck.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain or Injuries

Shoulders have an amazing, wide range of motion. According to WebMD this is why they’re so vulnerable to pain and injury. If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely a DIY type of person. So, here’s a check list from WebMD for you to self-assess if you have a shoulder injury:

  • Can you move your arm normally, or is your shoulder too stiff or painful?
  • Do you feel like your shoulder could pop out of the socket?
  • Is your shoulder strong enough for things you normally do?

Common Shoulder Problems

According to Ortho Info, the majority of shoulder disorders fall into four basic categories:

  • Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear
  • Instability
  • Arthritis
  • Fracture (broken bone)

Some of the main shoulder problems are listed below in detail:

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in joints, often due to excessive shoulder use.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons connecting muscles to bones, can be acute from overuse or chronic from age-related wear.
  • Tendon Tear: Can result from injury or degeneration.
  • Impingement: Occurs when the shoulder blade rubs against soft tissues, causing pain and limited movement.
  • Instability: The upper arm bone dislocates from the shoulder socket, potentially leading to recurring dislocations.
  • Arthritis: Particularly osteoarthritis, can cause shoulder pain and stiffness, worsening over time.
  • Fracture: This occurs in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade and can occur from falls or high-energy injuries, causing severe pain, swelling, and bruising.

Medical News Today Explains How a Chiropractor Can Relieve Shoulder Pain

Medical News Today says a medical doctor can perform a physical exam and take a medical history. They may also order an X-ray or other imaging test to check for fractures. After a person has visited a medical doctor, a chiropractor may support healing from a shoulder dislocation.

The article also states chiropractic treatment alleviates shoulder pain and aids injury prevention and healing. What’s it like to visit a chiropractor? Click here to learn more about it.

Research published in PubMed Central highlights the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in restoring mobility and reducing pain for individuals with shoulder issues. By helping muscles and nerves heal, chiropractors can increase neuroplasticity for quicker healing.

For those with a pinched nerve in the shoulder, chiropractic treatment helps to reduce pain and increase joint mobility.

To learn more about how a chiropractor can help relieve aches and pains, visit https://www.mymacwellness.com/50-health-and-wellness/.

Sources: Penn Medicine, Ortho Info and WebMD, Medical News Today, PubMed Central