Shoulder Pain
A proper shoulder diagnosis is needed to help determine the nature
(where the pain is coming from) and the degree of involvement of the
shoulder condition. An examination and history aid the doctor in
determining a proper diagnosis. In addition, x-rays of the shoulder may
be helpful to determine alignment, check for fractures, visualize bone
damage (arthritic changes or bone loss), or find other osseous (bony)
abnormalities.
The way your shoulder moves with and without pain can play a key role
in determining the type of shoulder problem you have. For instance,
tendonitis conditions generally are exacerbated (hurt more) when the
muscle that attaches to the tendon is forcibly contracted. On the other
hand, bursitis conditions generally hurt more at rest, after a period
of shoulder use. Additionally, the ability to have your arm passively
moved (moved by someone else) through a motion you cannot duplicate
actively (move by yourself) generally indicates a muscle weakness.
Whereas an inability to move your shoulder or have your shoulder moved
usually indicates a bony obstruction or soft tissue swelling.
In some cases of chronic shoulder dislocation, chiropractic treatment
care can be a welcome non-surgical alternative. Shoulder joint
manipulation, localized therapy, and muscle-strengthening exercises may
reduce the chances of future dislocations. A chiropractor can also
order a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging – A way to see soft
tissue on a x-ray-like film) to help determine the integrity of the
shoulder joint. Your chiropractor may also work with an orthopedist if
needed.
Older patients that have loss of motion due to degenerative arthritis
may benefit form chiropractic care, too. Often improvement can be made
gradually in the shoulder joint through careful and patient stretching,
relaxation, and passive motion therapy. Although many older patients
will suffer from bursitis or arthritic shoulder conditions, there is
one complaint about the inability to raise the arms out to the side
above the level of the shoulders. In many of these complaints, the
problem really isn’t in the shoulder at all. The reason why
the
arms cannot be raised above the level of the shoulders is because the
spine has become kyphotic (bent over forward.) Even a child cannot
raise his arms above his shoulders if his back is bent over.
Chiropractors treat thousand of shoulder problems each year. Once your
shoulder problem has been diagnosed by your chiropractor, a course of
treatment can be discussed. Most shoulder problems respond well to
manipulation. In addition, other therapies can be applied if needed.
The goal is always to reduce pain and swelling while improving the
shoulder joint motion. In addition to restoring motion, strengthening
the muscles that support the shoulder joint will also help to prevent
future re-injury.
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DISCLAIMER:
Articles posted on this site are for informational purposes only.
Articles are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. Users of
this site should consult with their doctors before making any decisions
regarding their health care.
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