Do you know what the human body’s most mobile joint is? The answer might surprise you: It’s the shoulder. But it makes sense when you consider all the ways and directions our shoulders let us move our arms.
Unfortunately, all of that mobility can strain this hardworking joint. Thus, shoulder pain is fairly common, and it rarely goes away on its own. However, with the help of our highly-skilled Tulsa chiropractors, we can get your shoulders feeling as good as new.
The Multifaceted Shoulder
For sure, the shoulder is a complex anatomical region. It includes a large ball-and-socket joint and three bones: the humerus, the clavicle, and the scapula.
A vital part of the shoulder is the rotator cuff. It’s a collection of tendons and muscles that hold the shoulder in place and allow for arm movements.
When Pain Strikes
Many different conditions and circumstances can lead to pain in the shoulders. Arthritis, car crashes, household accidents, sports injuries, bone spurs, and sleeping on your shoulder are just a few of them.
In addition, overuse and misuse of the shoulders — lifting too much weight, for instance, or doing repetitive movements over time — can be harmful. They can lead to a shoulder that’s broken, torn, sprained, strained, or dislocated.
Rotator cuff tendinitis also leads to pain. It occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get inflamed or otherwise irritated.
Shoulder pain can also be referred spinal pain. That is, you might have a spinal injury or misalignment, and your brain incorrectly believes the pain is coming from your shoulder.
When to Seek Help
Shoulder pain can be chronic and debilitating. The good news is that, with the right treatment, you could lessen or totally eliminate this pain. You could then proceed with your normal life.
Indeed, you should see a professional whenever your shoulder pain fits one of the following categories:
- It lasts for at least seven days.
- It’s recurring.
- It’s more intense later in the day.
- It interferes with your typical movements.
Likewise, get help if your shoulder makes noise when you move, if it’s discolored, or if it’s swollen.
How Chiropractors Treat Shoulder Pain
To treat shoulder issues, some doctors prescribe medications with harsh side effects or recommend surgical operations with lengthy recuperation periods. But a chiropractor can provide highly effective results without those major drawbacks.
Your chiropractor will begin by studying your condition. This evaluation will probably include an in-person checkup, an examination of your medical records, and a review of computerized images of your shoulder.
That information will help your chiropractor figure out the type and extent of your shoulder problem as well as its root causes. With this knowledge, your chiropractor can create a personalized course of treatment for you.
There are numerous restorative techniques from which to choose. They include physical adjustments and realignments, electronic stimulations, myofascial therapies, and ultrasound treatments.
On top of those methods, your chiropractor might teach you some stretches and exercises to do at home. They’ll strengthen your shoulder as it heals.
At Tulsa Spine and Rehab, we have extensive experience and a long record of success with treating shoulder pain. And, given how scary and life-changing this pain can be, there’s no reason to delay treatment. With our help, you could once again move your arms freely and resume your regular activities in complete comfort. Did the pain start during pregnancy? Learn more about our pre-natal chiropractic services.
