Shoulder pain is quite common affecting over 8 million individuals in the US. The shoulder consists of three bones surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Unlike what you may presume, the shoulder does not connect to your body’s skeleton but rather to your muscles, allowing it to be more flexible. Shoulder pain prevents any movement with your arm, which may interfere with your daily activities. The Westfield shoulder pain specialist Eric Whitehouse offers effective chiropractic care to restore your shoulder’s health and range of motion. Here is what to keep in mind concerning shoulder pain.
What causes shoulder pain?
Usually, your shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, called the glenohumeral. The humerus head, the upper arm bone, has a ball-like shape, located in the empty part of the shoulder blade bone or the socket. The structure and shape of your shoulder allow it to have an extended range of motion.
The shoulder is among the most versatile body joints, making it susceptible to degeneration and injuries. Health conditions may also lead to shoulder pain.
Typically, shoulder pain occurs due to the following.
Tendon inflammation or tears
Usually, a tendon tear occurs due to a sudden injury, tendon overuse during sports and physical activities, or from wearing out due to aging. The most common shoulder tendon tears include bicep tendon and rotator cuff injuries.
Fractures
A fracture or broken bone in your shoulder involves the shoulder blade, collarbone, and upper arm bone. Fractures may happen during physical activities, accidents, and sports.
Arthritis
There are different types of arthritis affecting various parts of the body. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the shoulder. It is associated with injuries from sport and work activity or degeneration.
Shoulder pain caused by osteoarthritis also causes swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Dislocation
It occurs when the top part of your upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. Dislocation results from overuse of your shoulder or sudden surgery.
What are the treatment options for shoulder pain?
Your provider at Eric Whitehouse DC performs a comprehensive medical evaluation to find an appropriate treatment for you. They review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to assess your shoulder pain. They also perform a physical exam to check your shoulder’s movement and determine the cause of pain.
Your treatment for shoulder pain depends on the reason behind your pain. In case of a dislocation, your provider conducts chiropractic adjustments to enhance your shoulder alignment. They may also modify your upper neck and back to reduce shoulder pain.
Dr. Whitehouse also offers therapeutic massage to relieve tension in your shoulders and neck. In addition, they offer therapeutic exercises to restore strength and mobility and stretches to stop the strain and tightness on your shoulders.
How to prevent shoulder pain?
Usually, shoulder pain results from straining your shoulders and neck. Daily exercises can help release tension in your shoulder muscles and improve range of motion and flexibility.
Your provider guides you on the most productive exercises to prevent injury or improve your symptoms.
Contact Eric Whitehouse, DC, today to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online.
