If your shoulders are hurting, chances are that you feel pain on different parts of the upper back or lower neck area as well. Shoulder pain may be caused by muscle tightness as well as inflammation in joints but there are other causes including arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. Whatever form of shoulder joint degeneration you may have, your symptoms likely include weakness and difficulty manipulating objects with one or both hands.
In this article, we take a look at two types of chiropractic treatments that exist for shoulder pain. One is a manipulation of the shoulder which is done through a hands-on approach in order to restore a proper range of motion. The second type of chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain is to treat it with the use of therapeutic exercises. This type of treatment includes specific exercises that will help with mobility, strength and help restore normal function.
In general, manual manipulation treatments may involve specific movements and motions that help reduce any irritation to the spinal cord by correcting any misalignments or subluxations. In some cases, this type of treatment can also result in instant pain relief.
If your shoulder pain is severe enough to disrupt daily activities then using either manual or instrument-assisted chiropractic treatment should help relieve some discomfort by reducing stress in certain areas. These areas include the upper back, neck area and shoulders where muscle tightness and inflammation are common.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
A person may suffer from shoulder pain as a result of bad posture, which may lead to muscle strain. Other causes of shoulder pain include injury to the shoulder, neck and arm, arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. Some people may develop neck pain as a result of a traumatic injury. Such accidents may also damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in nerve irritation that can lead to pain throughout the shoulder.
The following are some common symptoms that indicate that you may need to seek treatment for your shoulder:
- Blocked movement of arm;
- Pain while raising arms above head level;
- Irritated muscle that does not heal even after resting;
- Tingling sensation when moving arms around;
- Inability to hold up weight for extended period;
- Tiredness and pain after sleeping at night;
- Pain during periods of stress.
If the pain is caused by an injury, you should take some time off from any activities that may aggravate your shoulder. You could even use an ice or cold pack in order to reduce inflammation and swelling of the shoulder.
When Shoulder Pain Needs Special Treatment
In some cases, your chiropractor may refer you to a specialist in order to be treated for your shoulder pain. If you have sharp discomfort at the back of your shoulders, you should get evaluated by your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain
The chiropractor will help a patient by identifying the underlying cause of shoulder pain, which may also be due to misalignment of the cervical vertebrae. This condition can cause discomfort within the arms and shoulders, potentially resulting in swelling and muscle spasms. After an X-Ray examination is done on your neck area, the doctor will determine if there are signs of subluxation within the spine.
Therapeutic exercises are encouraged by chiropractors, as these exercises can help alleviate any stress or tension in the neck and shoulder area. A patient who suffers from a pinched nerve on the spinal cord may also be referred for back massages and stretches to release some of the pressure that is being experienced within the shoulder blades. A pinched nerve can also potentially be a serious condition that may require an Orthopedic referral.
Chiropractor Tips
If you want to prevent shoulder pain, it’s advised to avoid activities that put strain on your arms and shoulders.
Avoiding the following activities may help prevent shoulder pain:
- Swimming in cold water
- Carrying heavy and/or awkward objects
- Exercising without warming up first
- Sitting on uncomfortable chairs at work all day long
Two Main Types of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain: Manipulation vs Therapeutic Exercises
Manipulation Method of Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain
A chiropractor will either use a hands-on approach or possibly a manual adjusting instrument to restore normal range of motion of the shoulder. One of the biggest benefits to this type of chiropractic care for shoulder pain is that it can be performed on a consistent basis in order to prevent any future pain or injuries. Many patients who have had success with this type of treatment for shoulder pain will continue to visit their chiropractor in order to maintain the corrections that have been made.
Doctors often encourage patients suffering from shoulder pain to do exercises since they can help alleviate some stress or tension experienced within the neck and shoulder area.
Therapeutic Exercises for Shoulder Pain
Sometimes your chiropractor will prescribe specific exercises for your shoulder that will help with mobility, strength and help restore normal function.
When choosing a chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain, it is important to find a competent and experienced practitioner. Shoulder pain can cause serious problems in the body and proper management of the condition is essential to avoid any further damage as well as improving existing issues. If you need help finding a good chiropractor, visit our locations page to see which one of The Accident and Injury Team’s offices are nearby and don’t hesitate to give them a call!