Shoulder pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. While occasional discomfort might be dismissed as a temporary inconvenience, chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life, limiting daily activities and causing persistent distress. But can chiropractic care help with chronic shoulder pain?
In this article, we review common types of shoulder pain and how chiropractic care can help, even in chronic cases.
Common Types of Shoulder Pain
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause has been treated. In the context of shoulder pain, chronic conditions can result from a variety of factors and may manifest in different ways.
Common types of chronic shoulder pain include:
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, often caused by overuse or injury. This can lead to persistent pain, especially when lifting or lowering the arm.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which typically worsens over time. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but it often occurs after a period of immobility or as a result of certain medical conditions.
- Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is defined as a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down over time, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. This type of shoulder pain tends to develop gradually and worsen with age.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This condition occurs when the top of the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility in the shoulder.
- Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles. This can lead to pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, chronic shoulder pain can be referred pain from other areas of the body. Issues in the neck or upper back can manifest as pain in the shoulder region, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing chronic shoulder pain. While many people associate chiropractic treatment primarily with the spine, chiropractors are trained to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including those affecting the shoulder.
The first step in chiropractic care for chronic shoulder pain is a comprehensive assessment. Your chiropractor will perform a detailed examination, which may include orthopedic tests, range of motion assessments, and possibly imaging studies if necessary. This thorough evaluation helps identify the underlying cause of your shoulder pain, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
One of the primary ways chiropractic care can help with chronic shoulder pain is through joint manipulation or adjustment. These techniques involve applying controlled force to joints that have become restricted in their movement. In the case of shoulder pain, a chiropractor may perform adjustments not only to the shoulder joint itself but also to the spine, particularly the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions. These adjustments can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper function to the shoulder area.
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain often extends beyond the shoulder itself. Many cases of shoulder pain are related to issues in the neck or upper back. Misalignments in the spine can affect the nerves that control the shoulder, leading to pain and dysfunction. By addressing these spinal issues, chiropractors can often provide relief for shoulder pain that may not respond to treatments focused solely on the shoulder joint.
It’s worth noting, however, that chiropractic care for chronic shoulder pain is typically not a one-time fix but rather an ongoing process. The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on the severity and chronicity of your condition, as well as how your body responds to care. Many patients find that regular chiropractic sessions help manage their pain and maintain shoulder function over the long term.
Chiropractic care can be particularly effective when integrated with other forms of treatment recommended by your healthcare team. Your chiropractor can work in conjunction with your primary care physician, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing your chronic shoulder pain.
With your Bessemer chiropractor, you can finally overcome chronic shoulder pain and get back to the activities you love! At Premier Chiropractic Center, we’re here to help. Book your appointment today!
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