The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, comprised of three major bones: the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). The main joint in the shoulder, called the glenohumeral joint, is connected by a group of four muscles and tendon attachments known as the rotator cuff – a common source of pain and injury.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
Structures within the shoulder help us rotate and extend our arms, including the rotator cuff, which aids in shoulder mobility. Due to its functionality and vast range of motion, the shoulder is more prone to injury than other joints in the body.
The shoulder is often affected by overuse and muscle imbalance. In addition to these conditions, other disorders that can negatively impact the shoulder include:
- Bursitis – the fluid-filled sacs that cushion our bones become inflamed.
- Dislocation – the ball of the upper arm partially or fully pops out of the socket.
- Frozen Shoulder – connective tissue thickens and tightens around the joint, leading to pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
- Tendonitis – the rotator cuff becomes inflamed due to overuse.
While all these conditions should be treated right away, some can become chronic if ignored. In particular, bursitis can lead to the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder joint. Scar tissue is a fibrous material that replaces damaged tissue but can cause nerve pain.
Chiropractic for the Shoulder
Symptoms of a shoulder injury can range from minor to severe. You may feel numbness or tingling, experience decreased range of motion or unbearable pain when moving the joint.
When shoulder discomfort seems unexplained, misalignment could be the cause. Uneven shoulders can occur as a result of poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle or trauma to the joint.
Particularly in women, osteoporosis can also be a factor. This condition occurs when the cartilage and joint tissue deteriorate over time and exposed muscles and tendons come in contact with surrounding bone.
Another cause of shoulder pain is restricted nerve supply. Shoulder pain can originate in the cervical spine, where nerves travel to the shoulder muscles and tissues. Irritated nerves along this path can become tight or weak, leading to imbalance and dysfunction in the joint.
Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain
Contrary to popular belief, surgery is not always the answer! At The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury, we believe in a more conservative approach to health management. A chiropractor uses manual techniques to treat spinal misalignment and nerve irritation.
Our gentle, non-invasive approach to care is designed to reduce inflammation and improve function in the joint and central nervous system. Chiropractic care naturally increases range of motion and alleviates pesky shoulder pain, so you can get back to the activities you love.
To restore function in your shoulder joint, contact us to make an appointment today!
