Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and therefore the majority of its stability has to come from muscles and ligaments. The common group of muscles called the “rotator cuff” is responsible for this stability, while still allowing the normal range of motion. The muscles that make up the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.

Therefore we have to sacrifice stability to gain this mobility. If there are any issues with the rotator cuff or the “stability” team, biomechanical and functional issues may occur that can then lead to pain. Shoulder pain is a common complaint due to the number and sensititivity of the structures in this fragile balancing act.

Some potential causes of shoulder pain include:

Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, that lies between tendon and skin or between tendon and bone. Normally a bursa protects the joint and helps make movement more fluid.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Tendonitis is when tendons become compressed under the rigid bony arch of the shoulder. The compressed tendons become inflamed or damaged and cause pain.

  

Rotator Cuff Tear: A rotator cuff tear occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff separate from the bone. This can either be a partial or a complete tear, and in the case of a complete tear, surgery is sometimes necessary.

Frozen Shoulder: Also called 'adhesive capsuliitis,' this is a common condition that leads to stiffness of the joint. Physical therapy and stretching are extremely important aspects for treatment.

  

Shoulder Dislocation: A dislocation is an injury that occurs when the arm itself dislocated from the socket, usually after a forceful trauma.

AC Separation: This is a disruption of the joint that connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade.

Arthritis: Arthritis is a gradual narrowing of the joints and loss of protective cartilage in the joints about the shoulder. This is less common than hip or knee arthritis because it is not a weight bearing joint. However, in cases of trauma or chronic conditions, shoulder arthritis is still a viable diagnosis.

Chiropractic can help with one of the most important aspects of shoulder pain, and that is diagnosing it. Once we have completed a history and physical exam, a tissue-specific diagnosis of the condition is determined. Treatment of these conditions depends wholly on what the problem is. Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, mobilizations, exercises, and acupuncture are all possible treatment options. If the condition requires a referral to another healthcare practitioner or for imaging, that is also an option.