Can A Chiropractor Help With Shoulder Pain? Effective Strategies Revealed
How can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain? Learn how McMahon Chiropractic shares the benefits of a chiropractor and treatments to manage shoulder pain.
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on treating musculoskeletal and nervous system problems. It involves manual manipulation of the joints and spine as well as therapeutic exercises to alleviate pain or discomfort. Chiropractors are skilled at identifying and treating a variety of conditions that cause shoulder pain. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, they can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their range of motion.
Explore here the various strategies used by chiropractors to provide effective relief for shoulder pain. We’ll discuss the benefits of chiropractic care, how to find an experienced practitioner, and the different techniques commonly used in chiropractic treatment. By following these steps, you can find the right solution for managing your shoulder pain effectively.
Common Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Every case of shoulder pain is unique and has different causes. It’s important to understand the underlying cause of your shoulder pain in order to find an effective treatment plan. Possible causes of shoulder pain include:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can cause pain and functional limitations, depending on the severity. For instance, injuries involving tears in the rotator cuff muscles can cause severe pain that radiates to other parts of the arm or shoulder. Additionally, these tears can lead to limited range of motion and weakened strength in the arm and shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes incredibly stiff and restricted, leading to decreased range of motion and increased discomfort. An autoimmune disorder or an injury to the joint capsule can cause stiffness. The decreased range of motion can also cause chronic pain throughout the joint and surrounding area due to prolonged stretching of muscles and tendons that are unable to move easily.
Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder is a condition in which the arm bone (humerus) slips out of its socket, resulting in the shoulder joint being misaligned. In this state, the humerus and shoulder capsule can become damaged, leading to further pain and restricted movement of the joint. Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder can include severe pain also radiating to other parts of the arm or shoulder, an obviously deformed shape in that area, and extreme weakness or numbness in the arm. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if a dislocated shoulder occurs, as it can cause lasting damage if not treated quickly.
Pinched Nerve
Muscle, ligament, or tendon inflammation and irritation are frequent causes of a pinched nerve in the shoulder. This can cause nerve compression, which occurs when the nerve gets stuck between two structures such as the humerus and shoulder blade, or impingement, which happens when a tendon or other tissue rubs on the nerve. Poor posture over long periods of time can also lead to a pinched nerve in the shoulder by putting pressure on specific nerves as muscles are used repetitively.
Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It is related to inflammation or joint degeneration that can lead to the destruction of joint cartilage and bone. Joint degeneration occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away due to age-related wear and tear or injury. The resulting friction between two surfaces of bone can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursae in the shoulder joint is what causes shoulder bursitis. Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that cushion and protect the bones, tendons, muscles and other tissues in the joint from friction as they move against each other. When the bursae become inflamed, they can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move it. Treatment for shoulder bursitis typically includes rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce inflammation or pain.
Injury (Strains and Sprains)
Strains and sprains are common causes of shoulder pain, but they are two very different types of injuries. Strains occur when the tendons or muscles in the shoulder become overstretched or torn, causing pain, swelling and tenderness. Sprains occur when the ligaments connecting bones become stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling and instability in the joint. Treatment of strains and sprains typically includes rest, compression, and physical therapy such as range-of-motion exercises or strengthening exercises to improve stability in the joint.
Tendinitis
The tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the bone can become inflamed and irritated over time, leading to pain and decreased range of motion. Repetitive overhead motions or other activities that put a lot of stress on the shoulder joint frequently result in tendinitis. Treatment of tendinitis typically includes rest, icing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
Symptoms Associated With Shoulder Pain
Pain location can vary depending on the cause of shoulder pain, and pain may be localized around the joint or radiate to other areas. For instance, if an individual has a rotator cuff tear, they may experience sharp pain at the outer tip of their shoulder that radiates down into their upper arm, while someone with tendinitis may feel more diffuse tenderness all around the joint. Pain intensity can range from mild to severe, and radiation of pain is common. In some cases, individuals with shoulder pain may also experience associated sensations like numbness or tingling in their arm or fingers. Stiffness in the affected joint is also a common symptom of many causes of shoulder pain.
Impact Of Shoulder Pain On Daily Life And Function
The degree to which shoulder pain inhibits an individual’s daily activities depends on the severity of the condition. In minor cases, difficulty with everyday tasks such as reaching for objects on high shelves or combing one’s hair can be irritating but manageable. However, more severe forms of shoulder pain can be debilitating and interfere significantly with daily responsibilities. Due to the pain and limited range of motion that those with shoulder pain experience, activities like driving a car, lifting and carrying heavy objects, playing sports, or performing physical labor can become impossible. In addition, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to the discomfort of shoulder pain can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness during the day, further limiting an individual’s ability to complete their regular routine.
How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Chiropractic care is based on the idea that the body is capable of healing itself through a combination of spinal alignment, proper nervous system function, and healthy lifestyle practices. The premise of chiropractic care is that spinal misalignment, or subluxations, can impede the flow of information from our brain to our body. When this occurs, the body’s natural healing process cannot take place. Through chiropractic adjustments to correct these subluxations and restore proper alignment, nerve signals can travel freely throughout the body and allow the body to heal itself naturally.
In terms of shoulder pain specifically, a chiropractor will typically focus on reducing muscular tension in the shoulders as well as manipulating joints along with muscle work to improve range of motion and reduce inflammation. By realigning spinal vertebrae and releasing muscles from tension points, areas such as those associated with shoulder pain are able to relax and improve their ability to heal properly without drugs or surgery.
The goal of chiropractic care for shoulder pain is twofold: firstly, to provide relief from physical discomfort caused by subluxations; and secondly, to promote long-term wellness through improved nervous system function and reduced stress on joints in affected areas like the shoulders. By restoring natural balance within the body through chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation techniques and targeted exercises, many find long lasting relief from shoulder pain without needing more invasive treatment options.
Chiropractic Techniques For Shoulder Pain
The most common types of adjustments or techniques for shoulder pain and injuries may include:
Articulatory Adjustment Technique
The articulatory adjustment technique is a manual method of realigning the vertebrae by applying gentle pressure to the affected joint. This technique can help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder area, as well as provide assistance with restoring range of motion. Additionally, this technique may also be used to gently restore balance between muscle groups and move restricted joints into more functional positions. All of these effects combined can help provide relief from shoulder injuries.
Myofascial Release Technique
The myofascial release technique is a type of soft tissue therapy that helps to alleviate pain and improve flexibility in the affected area. It involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissues that surround the muscles and bones of the shoulder, which helps to reduce adhesions, inflammation, and tension in the area. This technique can help restore mobility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder joint while also relieving pain.
Spinal Adjustments For Shoulder Pain
Spinal adjustments may improve shoulder pain and function by targeting areas of the spine that are causing misalignment. When the vertebrae in the spine remain out of alignment due to trauma or conditions like scoliosis, it can cause tension and pressure on the muscles and joints around the shoulder. This can lead to pain, tightness, and a reduced range of motion in the affected area. Spinal adjustments work by manipulating specific areas of the spine in order to reduce this tension, allowing for proper alignment of the vertebrae and a more functional shoulder joint.
Stretching Technique
Stretching helps increase flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder joint while also relieving pain. It’s important to find stretches that specifically target the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder, as these are often the areas where tension builds up due to improper alignment or injury. Chiroprators can provide guidance on how to properly perform stretches in order to achieve maximum benefit.
Corrective Exercises
Carrying out corrective exercises can help realign the shoulder joint and reduce tension. This can be done through strengthening exercises that target the deltoids, rotator cuffs, and trapezius muscles. When performed properly, these exercises can help restore strength to the area, which supports proper alignment of the shoulder joint.
Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?
Many people have misconceptions or concerns about chiropractic care when it comes to potential pain or discomfort. These fears are mainly due to patient anxiety as well as unfamiliarity with the experience. It’s important for patients to understand that chiropractic adjustments are usually not painful and any discomfort experienced is temporary. Chiropractors often use specialized techniques such as spinal manipulation and massage therapy in order to help relieve tension and provide comfort during treatment. In some cases, chiropractors may also advise using ice or heat therapy on the affected area afterwards for further relief.
Potential Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Shoulder Pain
Having chiropractic care for shoulder pain can provide many benefits to those suffering from this condition.
Improved Range Of Motion And Flexibility
Chiropractors typically focus on specific techniques and exercises that can help improve range of motion and flexibility in the shoulder joint. These techniques may include gentle stretching, manipulation, and massage therapy. Additionally, chiropractors may recommend specific exercises such as shoulder rolls or shoulder presses as a way to reduce tightness in the muscles around the joint. These simple exercises can help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and increase flexibility in the shoulder.
No Surgery Or Medication
Chiropractic care can be a great alternative to surgery and medical treatments for those looking for non-invasive options for shoulder pain. For instance, manual manipulation of the shoulder joint can help to improve alignment and lessen inflammation brought on by misalignment. Additionally, chiropractors can develop custom treatment plans based on the individual’s needs that incorporate massage therapy, exercises, stretching and other techniques to strengthen the muscles around the joint and reduce discomfort.
Addressing The Root Cause
Chiropractors view shoulder pain as a symptom rather than a condition and aim to find and treat its root cause. This often means looking beyond the physical causes of the pain, such as misalignment or muscle spasms. It is all about finding natural solutions to health issues, which also often involves providing patients with education on their condition and how to best manage it during day-to-day life.
Get Your Appointment Today With The Best Chiropractor For Pain Relief
At McMahon Chiropractic, we offer a comprehensive approach to shoulder pain management that goes beyond simply treating the symptom. By utilizing techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint manipulation and spinal decompression, McMahon chiropractors can help restore proper alignment and reduce discomfort in the affected area. Furthermore, we will also provide lifestyle advice to help strengthen muscles around the shoulder and neck joint, helping prevent further damage from occurring. With our knowledge on how best to manage shoulder pain during day-to-day life, we are an invaluable resource for anyone looking for long-term relief. Book an appointment today and let our team of chiropractors provide the best care for your shoulder pain.
