What You Need to Know About Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is caused by disease or injury of the joint of the shoulder. Injury can damage any part of the bursae, tendons or ligaments around the shoulder joint. An injury can also damage the cartilage, ligaments, meniscus or bones of the shoulder joint.
The shoulder joint is a mobile joint that plays a major role in most body movements. Thus, the shoulder itself is at risk for injuries. Injuries to the shoulder can result in bursitis or inflammation of the bursae or tendonitis and will result in frozen shoulder, rotator cuff dysfunction, and instability.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is caused by one or more of the following:
- Poor sitting posture
- Overhead activities
- Strains from overexertion
- Shoulder joint instability
- Tendonitis from overuse
- Dislocation
- Frozen shoulder
- Collar or upper arm bone fractures
- Pinched nerves (also called radiculopathy)
How Can Chiropractic Help?
An appointment with your Denver chiropractor is helpful in evaluating and treating your shoulder pain. Your treatment program will begin with an initial assessment. During the initial evaluation, the doctor will ask a number of questions on the nature of the pain, as well as the aggravating and relieving factors. Your chiropractor may use a goniometer, which will take measurements of the shoulder‘s strength and range of motion, and also monitor the quality of the range of motion of your shoulder. After which special tests may be performed to aid in determining which part of the shoulder is causing the pain to help in designing a specific treatment program.
After the first assessment, treatment can start. Your chiropractor may opt to use therapeutic modalities on controlling inflammation or pain. He or she may instruct you to do a home exercise program to aid develop the mobility and strength of your shoulder. It is vital to follow your chiropractor’s directions and advice closely. And don‘t forget to ask questions if you have any concerns.