Tampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to accomplish many different actions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many fastening ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues around the joint. Arthritic changes do take place in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often begin in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar problem can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too much in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Pain and restricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and aggravation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. patients of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme inflamation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to oocur practically sticking the joint together, thus producing  incapacitation the shoulder. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is extremely important. There are many other afflictions of the shoulder although those mentioned above are by far the most common.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be resolved with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises offered by your Tampa chiropractor are also essential for a thoroughand fast recovery.