The shoulder is a complex part of the body. It is also the most flexible joint that gives your arm the ability to rotate in almost any direction. Its complexity makes it vulnerable to various kinds of injuries.
Anatomy
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the humerus fits into the scapula. The shoulder’s wide rant of motion is due to the all-important rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder. The labrum is the cup-like cartilage that the humerus fits into. The tendons are protected by the bursa, a fluid-filled sac. Because all of these complicated parts fit together loosely so the arm can move easily, the shoulder is susceptible to many different injuries.
Common Shoulder Problems
Frozen Shoulder
This occurs when inflammation develops that can cause pain and stiffness and loss of full range of motion.
Osteoarthritis
Caused by aging, this type of arthritis only affects joints and can occur within the shoulder as well as hands, lower back, neck, knees, hips, and feet.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that can occur in the shoulder. It affects mainly joints but can also affect skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, or nerves. What makes rheumatoid arthritis different is that it occurs when the immune system attacks an area because it thinks that the area is being attacked by a bacteria or virus.
Rotator Cuff Tear
This happens when a muscle or tendon is torn at the top of the humerus. It can be a result of a sudden injury or can happen with overuse or as our bodies age.
Dislocation
The bones in the shoulder can be knocked out of place. It can be very painful until the bones are moved back into position.
Shoulder Tendonitis
This is when inflammation occurs in the tendons in the rotator cuff.
Shoulder Bursitis
This happens when the bursa becomes inflamed.
Shoulder pain can be extremely painful and a decreased range of motion can make even the smallest everyday activities difficult. Chiropractic treatments can relieve pain and increase your range of motion often quickly and without the need for addictive, invasive pain killers. Muscle imbalances are corrected with soft tissue massage or electrotherapy modalities while restoring proper mobility to the joint itself. Also, any subluxation of the spine should be corrected which not only helps relieve pain but also improves the function of the nervous system which allows your immune system to work properly. Along with this treatment, special rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a chiropractor are essential for a rapid and full recovery.
If you are suffering from shoulder problems, give North County Pain Relief a call at (314) 731-4201 to schedule a consultation and examination. North County Pain Relief is a full-service chiropractic care facility located in St. Louis that treats patients young and old. Our caring staff will guide you through the process as we determine the best treatment for you so you can get back to a life without shoulder pain.
