Shoulder Pain Treatment in Olney MD
Why do I get Shoulder Pain?
Your shoulder is the most flexible and movable joint in your body, consisting of several bones, muscles, joints and tendons. This means there are several ways the shoulder can become injured and cause pain. Your shoulders help you complete daily tasks big and small, whether at home or at work or anywhere else. For this reason, your shoulders are prone to injury – which almost always comes with pain.
What’s causing my shoulder pain?
Sometimes, a sudden injury causes shoulder pain. Other times, repetitive motions can gradually cause joints, tendons and muscles in the shoulder area to hurt.
Tendonitis
This is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder area. It is usually the result of repetitive use of the shoulder, such as in sports, working on a keyboard, and construction work.
Bursitis
An inflamed bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction as the bones in the shoulder move around, can also cause significant pain. When there is too much friction, the bursa can swell due to irritation, usually the result of an acute or repetitive-use injury of the shoulder.
Arthritis
There are two main forms of arthritis that affect the shoulder: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the result of “wear and tear,” typically due to joint alignment issues and excessive overuse over time. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and inflammation. Both of these cause pain, loss of motion, muscle shoulder weakness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder is usually brought on by an accident, such as breaking a fall with an outstretched hand, being injured in a car accident, or playing in contact sports, that results in the separation of the shoulder joint’s ball from the socket.
Frozen Shoulder
Often called a stiff or “frozen shoulder,” adhesive capsulitis occurs in about 2% to 5% of people. It is characterized by shoulder stiffness and chronic pain, and typically occurs when you have a pre-existing shoulder injury or condition in which you were not able to move your arm for an extended period, such as recovering from surgery.
Tendon Tears
Your shoulder tendons can tear partially or fully as a result of an injury or age-related degenerative disease. Tendon tears or rotator cuff tears usually cause severe pain, even while at rest. Range of motion is also affected. This type of shoulder injury requires medical attention. The earlier you have it treated, whether surgically or nonsurgically, the better the outcome and the faster it will heal.
What are the main signs and symptoms of Shoulder Pain I should look out for?
Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain you may experience:
- reduced movement, and pain when moving your shoulder
- weakness of the shoulder/upper arm. Depending on the condition, there may be a sensation of the joint slipping out and back in to the joint socket
- sensations of pins and needles (tingling) and burning pain. This is more likely to be associated with associated nerves from the neck than the shoulder joint itself
- lack of movement or weakness in moving the arm away from the body
What are the signs I should see a Chiropractor if I have shoulder pain?
Seeking chiropractic care in Olney is the best way to find out the cause and best treatment options for your shoulder pain.
Signs That You Need Treatment:
- Shoulder pain that persists for several days
- Difficulty carrying or lifting objects
- Shoulder pain that interrupts your sleep
- Difficulty in raising your arm
- Infection signs which include fever, swelling, warmth, and redness
- Significant bruising or swelling around your arm or joint
How can a chiropractor help my shoulder pain?
Proper treatment of shoulder pain depends on the proper diagnosis by the Moss Chiropractic team. We will first identify the cause of your shoulder pain before prescribing any treatment for you.
Your shoulders can move out of alignment, leading to issues such as inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. When this happens, gentle chiropractic adjustments to your shoulder, upper back and neck can restore normal alignment and treat your pain.
Treatment for posture issues
Poor posture from sitting for prolonged periods can lead to a condition known as postural syndrome. When your shoulders roll forward and down, toward your chest, while your head juts forward, centering over your chest you are putting a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care can help improve the effects of postural syndrome and teach you ways to maintain proper posture to avoid the pain.
What are the health benefits of chiropractic care for shoulder pain?
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced pain
- Improved flexibility
- Improved range of motion
- Increased muscle strength and tone
Working with us to treat and prevent your shoulder pain will also serve as preventive medicine, allowing you to maintain better posture and other benefits for the long term. For example, improvements in flexibility, motion, and muscle strength can also lower your chances of falls, fractures, and sprains.
Can I hear from other patients who got relief from shoulder pain?
Don’t see the answer to your question? Ask us. We want to help you find answers and pain relief today!
If ongoing shoulder pain is interfering with your ability to go about life normally, contact Moss Chiropractic to book your first session.
Helpful Resources
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Shoulder Injuries
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Shoulder Problems
