Understanding Shoulder Pain and How Focus Chiropractic Can Help
“After 20+ years of neck, shoulder & lower back pain and trying various treatments that had only helped short term…
…I couldn't believe how much better I felt and 5/6 appointments in, I was sleeping better, able to work, relax and excersise with minimal if any pain at all.” - Karen Adamberry
Shoulder pain is a widespread issue, affecting millions across the globe and often leading to discomfort and limited mobility. Whether you're an athlete, an office worker, or someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, shoulder pain can significantly disrupt your daily routine. At Focus Chiropractic, a leading chiropractor in Abingdon, we recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy, functioning shoulder and are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the prevalence and causes of shoulder pain, offer self-help tips, discuss the benefits of chiropractic care, and provide an overview of common shoulder conditions.
Prevalence of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Studies indicate that up to 67% of people experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. This condition can result from various factors, including sports injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, or age-related degeneration. Given its widespread impact, understanding shoulder pain and the options available is crucial for maintaining a pain-free and active lifestyle.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to allow a wide range of movements. However, this complexity also makes the shoulder prone to injury and pain. Common causes of shoulder pain include:
Overuse and Repetitive Strain: Repeating the same shoulder movements can lead to strain and inflammation in the tendons and muscles.
Trauma or Injury: Falls, accidents, or direct impacts can cause acute shoulder injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or tears.
Posture: Slouching or maintaining improper posture for extended periods can contribute to shoulder discomfort.
Age Related Changes: With age, changes to the shoulder joint can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Impingement: This occurs when the tendons of the shoulder are pinched or compressed, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can manifest in various ways depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms that individuals with shoulder pain may experience include:
Pain or Discomfort: This can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, often exacerbated by movement.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving the shoulder or a feeling of tightness in the joint, especially after periods of inactivity.
Weakness: A noticeable reduction in strength in the affected shoulder, making it hard to lift or carry objects.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or performing everyday tasks due to restricted movement.
Swelling and Tenderness: The shoulder may be visibly swollen or feel tender to the touch, especially around the joint area.
Popping or Clicking Sounds: Some may experience a popping or clicking sensation when moving the shoulder, indicating possible joint or tendon issues.
Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, pain may be accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations, which could suggest nerve involvement.
Self-Help and Management for Shoulder Pain
While professional care from focus chiropractic is often highly beneficial for persistent shoulder pain, there are several self-help strategies you can employ to alleviate discomfort:
Rest and Avoid Overuse: Give your shoulder time to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain.
Apply Ice or Heat: Ice packs can reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat can help relax tense muscles.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Stretches and strengthening exercises can improve shoulder flexibility and provide support (please ask if you want a free copy on exercises)
Maintain Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day to reduce strain on your shoulder (please ask if you want a free copy on posture advice)
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain
Focus chiropractic offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to improving and managing shoulder pain. We focus on ensuring that the bones, muscles, and joints function optimally. Here are some key benefits of focus chiropractic for shoulder pain:
Holistic Assessment: We evaluate the entire body to identify the root cause of shoulder pain, not just the symptoms (e.g., your neck could be the cause).
Spinal and Shoulder Adjustments: Adjustments aim to restore the function of the spine and shoulder joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Personalised Care Plans: We tailor our plans to each individual, considering factors like age, occupation, lifestyle, and the specific shoulder condition.
Common Shoulder Conditions: A Brief Overview
Acromioclavicular Joint Disorders: The Acromioclavicular joint, located at the top of the shoulder, can become inflamed or injured due to trauma or repetitive stress. This often results in pain when lifting the arm or carrying heavy objects.
Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Overuse or repetitive overhead activities can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to become thickened and painful, leading to chronic pain and limited shoulder function.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition involves the gradual stiffening and restriction of the shoulder joint, often without an apparent cause. It leads to severe pain and significant loss of movement.
Internal Impingement of the Shoulder: Internal impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between the shoulder blade and the head of the humerus, commonly seen in athletes who engage in overhead throwing activities.
Shoulder Instability: This occurs when the shoulder joint is too loose and moves excessively within the socket, often due to previous dislocations or a congenital condition. It can cause pain, weakness, and a sensation of the shoulder "giving way."
Rotator Cuff Tears: A tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons can result from acute injury or degenerative changes. It often causes significant pain, weakness, and difficulty raising the arm.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Similar to chronic tendinopathy, this condition involves the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and reduced shoulder function.
Bicep Tendinopathy: The tendon that connects the bicep muscle to the shoulder can become inflamed due to overuse, causing pain in the front of the shoulder and weakness in lifting or rotating the arm.
Subacromial Pain Syndrome: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the space beneath the acromion (part of the shoulder blade), often due to overuse or impingement of the tendons.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Age related changes in the cartilage of the shoulder joint can lead to osteoarthritis, characterised by pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Shoulder Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, can cause pain, especially during movement.
Summary
Shoulder pain is a common yet debilitating condition that can stem from various causes and underlying issues. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important not to ignore it. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you return to your normal activities more quickly. At Focus Chiropractic, your trusted chiropractor, we are equipped to diagnose and help a wide range of shoulder conditions. We offer personalised care plans designed to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.
References
(1) Luime et al. (2004). Prevalence and incidence of shoulder pain in the general population; a systematic review.
(2) Windt et al. (2000). Occupational risk factors for shoulder pain: a systematic review.
(3) Mitchell et al. (2005). Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care.
(4) Pribicevic et al. (2009). An epidemiologic survey of shoulder pain in chiropractic practice in australia.
(5) Houweling et al. (2015). First-contact care with a medical vs chiropractic provider after consultation with a swiss telemedicine provider: comparison of outcomes, patient satisfaction, and health care costs in spinal, hip, and shoulder pain patients.