New: All About Shoulder Pain

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chiropractic Augusta shoulder pain

Why does my shoulder hurt?

As you get older, your chances of experiencing shoulder pain are higher due to common conditions. The pain can start gradually or abruptly and be severe to unbearable. According to chiropractors in Augusta, shoulder problems are common.

The shoulder, as it is commonly called, is a collection of joints that work together with tendons and muscles to give the arm a wide range of motion. This allows you to do everything from scratching your back to pitching the perfect pitch.

Mobility does have its downsides. It can lead to instability, impingement or pain in the soft tissue and bony structures of your shoulder. Sometimes, you may feel the pain only when your shoulder moves or all day. You may feel a temporary pain or you may need medical treatment.

Poor posture and bad work habits such as slouching at the desk can lead to shoulder problems.

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It is important that you know that most studies that show changes to your shoulder are due to the passage time, even at 45 years of age, and not to your shoulder. You can get help from a chiropractor to determine the difference.

This article will cover both home and professional remedies. You’ll find that this is often all you require, as we’ll show you when we get into home remedies.

Shoulder pain: What should I do?

You should immediately call 911 if you feel any pain in your shoulder with a tight feeling around the chest and are having trouble breathing.

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Sudden left-sided pain in the shoulder can be a sign that you have a heart attack. If you feel sudden pressure or crushing pain in the shoulder, call 911 immediately. This is especially true if it runs from your chest down to your left arm, neck, jaw, or neck, and if it causes shortness of breath or dizziness.

Sometimes, pain in the shoulder can be caused by conditions such as cancer or affecting your lungs. If you smoke or are over 40, cancer is more likely to occur.

If you haven’t felt any pain for three weeks or more, your doctor may recommend that you get a chest radiograph. Also, inform your doctor if you experience night sweating or unexplained loss of weight.

Specific shoulder conditions

Nerve conduction studies can be used to diagnose if nerves in your arm are pinched or irritated.

They measure electrical activity in the nerves, muscles and brain. The test is quick and doesn’t cause any discomfort.

Calcium crystals, which form within tendon tendons, can sometimes cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving your shoulders. Tendons attach bones and muscles together with strong cords called tendons.

A frozen shoulder means that the capsule around the joint is too tight. This can prevent you from moving your arm. Although we don’t know the exact reason, this can be caused by an injury, a stroke, heart attack, or other factors. It is more common in diabetics who cannot produce insulin properly.

The pain can be intense and may cause muscle spasms (especially at night). To help, you may need painkillers.

The rotator cuff is a combination of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keeps the upper arm bone within the socket of the shoulder blade.

Shoulder impingement” refers to pain from a rotator-cuff problem. The condition results in swelling, pain, or injury to the tendons. This can make your arm painful and difficult to move.

Your arm may feel awkward or painful if it is trying to lift your arm off your head. You may feel a weakness in your arm or feel a dull, lingering pain in the upper arm.

How to deal with shoulder pain

This is where your chiropractor will help….

Finding the problem

For the diagnosis of shoulder pain, your doctor will need to perform a comprehensive exam. Your doctor will inspect your shoulder for deformities, swelling, muscle weakness, or other abnormalities. They will also examine your shoulder strength and range.

Ultrasounds are commonly used to evaluate the rotator Cuff tendon for any inflammation, tears or rupture. Ultrasounds can be an aid in diagnosing your pain.

X-rays give images of bones and joints. X-rays can be used to show changes in the bones and joints, such as bone spurs or narrowed space. However, xrays cannot show any soft tissue changes such as muscles or tendons.

MRI and magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI) are not always the first tests used for diagnosing shoulder pain. They may be used if there is a possibility of a fracture, or if an accident has occurred. These scans will determine the extent and need for further treatment.

You will need to rest and alter your activities in order to get better shoulder strength and flexibility.

Chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain-causing bursitis

Ultrasound reduces inflammation and chiropractic massage therapy decreases pain and scar tissue. After inflammation has been controlled, chiropractic manipulation can be used to reduce friction and pressure in the bursa. One study revealed that subjects who were treated with ultrasound and chiropractic care felt no pain after a month. They also returned to their regular activities.

Your chiropractor may also recommend herbal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation faster. Bursitis is similar to tendonitis. Regular chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and prevent it from recurring.

Rotator Cuff Issues: Chiropractic Treatment

Surgery is rarely the only option for a rotator cuff injury. But, many people are wrong in believing it is. Rotator Cuff Syndrome refers to inflammation of the muscles that support your shoulder. Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, or even weakness that can spread down to the neck. A rotator-cuff injury can be diagnosed if you are unable or unwilling to raise your arm(s), scratch your back, or sleep on the affected side.

Chiropractic massage therapy is recommended for patients with damaged rotator cuffs. It helps to release trigger points, relax tight muscles and loosen the muscles around the anterior shoulder and armpit. Ultrasound can also reduce inflammation. Your chiropractor may use a laser cold to speed up healing from micro-tears.

Once you have reduced the pain and your shoulder is flexible again, you can do rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the shoulder and stabilize it. Surgery will only be required if the treatments fail within six months. This is rare.

Chiropractor Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic care is a great option for treating a frozen shoulder. It eliminates the need for pain medication, steroids injections, and surgery.

A majority of people will find chiropractic massage therapy and low-force instrument adjustments beneficial. A chiropractor may also recommend an ultrasound or cold laser, as well as a series of exercises to restore motion to the shoulder.

When the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, the shoulder may become “frozen in place” or it may not be possible to move the shoulder. Frozen shoulders affect about 2% of all adults. They are most common among those between 40-60. Although the cause of this condition is not known, it is more common in women than in men.

When the connective tissue of the shoulder joint becomes extremely thick and tight, it causes a condition called “frozen shoulder”. These adhesions are rough bands of tissue. This is unknown. While most doctors would recommend surgery to remove the adhesions and chiropractic care has been proven highly effective in treating this painful problem.

Tendonitis or Shoulder Injuries: Chiropractic treatment

Tendonitis is when the tissues connecting the bone and muscle become inflamed. Inflammation can cause intense pain. Sometimes tendonitis can become so severe that the shoulder becomes immobile. Trying to move it causes severe pain. You can’t let the tendonitis heal by itself. Tenonitis will affect more than 4 million Americans.

Tendonitis usually affects those over 40. However this can also happen to those who have been in accidents or are engaged in repetitive movements such as carpentry. Most doctors will recommend steroids injections to stop inflammation. The side effects of corticosteroids, however, can be so severe that only two or three injections are allowed before they cause more tissue damage than the inflammation.

After your chiropractor completes an exam and has examined any imaging tests (such as xrays), they will develop a custom treatment plan. The doctor will recommend ice and TENS therapy to reduce inflammation.

The doctor will use a combination or adjustments to the joints, stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce inflammation and pain. This involves changing the way that the patient performs certain tasks.

Some shoulder problems may require surgery. Patients with shoulder pain are most likely to respond to simple treatments such as rest, exercise and medication.

What Are Some Shoulder Home Remedies

There are usually no complications to your shoulder pain, unless you’ve suffered a severe injury or have been in continuous pain.

It’s best to continue with your usual activities, but not too much.

Common sense solutions, such as avoiding excessive exertion or participating in activities you do not normally enjoy, can prevent shoulder pain.

You might have to slow down and do more each day.

Avoid hurtful movements. Moving your arm up above your shoulders or holding it off your body can cause pain.

If your shoulder hurts from minor injuries or is swollen, an ice pack might be helpful.

Keep it cool

To protect your skin, wrap a bag of frozen beans in a damp towel. It is best to leave the bag in place for 20 minutes.

It’s time to warm it

Heat packs are another option. They can be used to relieve most types of shoulder pain, especially if the muscles feel tight and sore. Reusable heat pads are available at sports shops and chemists. You can also use a microwaveable wheat bag, a hot water bottle, or a towel to wrap the area. This will allow you to heat the area for up 20 minutes.

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen tablets or gels can help.

If the pain doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment, see a professional such as your doctor or chiropractor.

Tips to avoid and reduce recurrence

  • Avoid leaning forward or resting on your arms when you sit down.
  • Relaxe your shoulders. Do not hold your arms tightly in your hands, especially if you feel pain from the neck.
  • It is important to change your position regularly.
  • Sit upright.
  • You can improve your upper body posture by supporting your lower back with a pillow or cushion, or a chair that has lumbar support.
  • You can support your arm with a pillow or cushion on your lap if it’s really sore.
  • Mirrors can be used to help you practice lowering your shoulder blades.
  • Place a pillow on your back and lie down on your stomach.
  • You can support your arm with a folded pillow by placing it in front of your body.
  • You can place another pillow behind you to prevent yourself from rolling onto the side of your pain.
  • For support, you can use one or more pillows underneath your pain arm if you prefer to rest on your back.
  • Vacuuming should be done with your upper body up, the vacuum closer to your body, and you should use quick, clean movements.
  • Iron only essential items and ensure that the ironing board is at your waist height
  • To transport shopping, you can use a trolley or backpack. You could also divide the weight and carry one bag in each hand. You can also carry long strap bags that have long straps across your body. You need to spread out the load you wish to carry.
  • Ask your friends driving cars if it would be possible to help you add any heavy items to their shopping lists.
  • For heavy or bulky items, use a delivery service.
  • Be mindful of how long you spend looking down at your tablet or phone. Use a tabletop stand to reduce neck strain.
  • You should allow yourself enough time to complete tasks that require you to raise your arms or move in sweeping motions. If this is the case, ask for help. Take frequent breaks, and consider switching between tasks.
  • When standing or sitting, maintain a good posture. Do not hold your neck in a fixed or twisted position.
  • Sitting or standing at a computer desk, or at a workbench, is not a good idea. Get up and move. You can move your neck and shoulders through all of their motions regularly to prevent them from getting stiff.
  • When using a computer, make sure you have the keyboard and monitor at your fingertips. You won’t need to twist your head or turn your head. To make it easier to find the mouse, you can keep it close at hand.
  • A chair that is comfortable and adapts to your needs can help you maintain a great working position.
  • Use the phone with the receiver at your side. You can use a telephone headset if your phone is used a lot.
  • Avoid manual labor that can cause pain while you do it.

What does the shoulder do?

Your shoulder is comprised of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), scapula (shoulder blade), and collarbone (clavicle).

Your upper arm bone’s head fits into the socket at your shoulder blade. This socket is known as the glenoid. Your arm bone stays centered in your shoulder socket thanks to a combination muscles and tendons. These tissues are the rotator sleeves. They cover the upper arm bone head and attach it to the shoulder blade.

Bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs, are found in every joint of the body, including the shoulders. They act as cushion between bones and overlying soft tissue and reduce friction between the bone and the gliding muscle.

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