shoulder pain

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. The joint includes four tendons that hold muscle to bone. Together, these four "rotator cuff" tendons stabilize the upper arm bone to the shoulder socket and allow a wide range of motion in the shoulder.

Shoulder pain is an extremely common complaint, and there are many common causes of this problem. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. If you are unsure of the cause of your shoulder pain, or if you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should seek attention. Treatment of these conditions must be directed at the specific cause of your problem.

You should see a doctor if you experience the following:

1. Inability to carry objects or use the arm

2. Injury that causes deformity of the joint

3. Shoulder pain that occurs at night or while resting

4. Shoulder pain that persists beyond a few days

5. Inability to raise the arm

6. Swelling or significant bruising around the joint or arm

7. Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth

8. Any other unusual symptoms

Types of shoulder pain:

Bursitis: The most common diagnosis in patients with shoulder pain is bursitis or tendonitis of the rotator cuff. Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, that lies between tendon and skin or between tendon and bone. Normally a bursa protects the joint and helps make movement more fluid.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Tendonitis is when tendons become compressed under the rigid bony arch of the shoulder. The compressed tendons become inflamed or damaged and cause pain. This can occur from general wear and tear, as you get older, an activity that requires constant shoulder use like baseball pitching, or an injury.

Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis is less common than knee and hip arthritis, but when severe may require a joint replacement surgery. Arthritis is a gradual narrowing of the joints and loss of protective cartilage in the joints about the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tear: A Rotator cuff tear occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff separate from the bone. Surgery is sometimes necessary for this condition.

Frozen Shoulder: Also called 'adhesive capsuliitis,' this is a common condition that leads to stiffness of the joint. At EFSC, we take a different approach, utilizing new treatments different from conventional treatments to help our patients.

Calcific Tendonitis: Calcific tendonitis is a condition of calcium deposits within a tendon -- most commonly within the rotator cuff tendons. Treatment of calcific tendonitis depends on the extent of symptoms.

Labral Tear: A Bankart lesion is a type of labral tear most commonly due to dislocation of the joint. Bankart lesions cause problems of persistent instability.

Shoulder Instability: Instability is a problem that causes a loose joint. Instability can be caused by a traumatic injury (dislocation), or may be a developed condition.
At EFSC, we have the most advanced techniques, braces and tapes to keep the shoulder stable.

Shoulder Dislocation: A dislocation is an injury that occurs when the top of the arm bone becomes disconnected from the scapula. We have the most effective and gentle techniques to correct sshoulder dislocation.

Shoulder Separation: Also called an AC separation, these injuries are the result of a disruption of the acromioclavicular joint. This is a very different injury from a dislocation! There are three grades of an AC and separation and at EFSC we will diagnose for our patients and manipulate the AC joint and if necessary, tape a brace the AC joint to keep it stable.

SLAP Lesion: The SLAP lesion is also a type of labral tear. The most common cause is a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Biceps Tendon Rupture : A proximal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon of the biceps muscle ruptures near the joint. If the bicep is not ruptured it may be misaligned. For example, if you are performing a bicep curl at the gym or throwing a baseball and feel numbness, it may be a misaligned bicep tendon. At EFSC we can treat bicep misalignments.

How can chiropractic help my shoulder pain?

The treatment of shoulder pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment.

We look at your overall health, focusing not only on your shoulder, but also on your lifestyle, such as diet and amount of daily exercise. This integrated approach helps determine the best treatment for your shoulder pain. To help identify the cause of your problem, we will discuss your symptoms and previous injuries, your family health history, and your lifestyle, including recreational and work related physical activities.

We are uniquely qualified to restore the health of your spine neck extremities. Special chiropractic techniques may relieve the pressure that is causing your shoulder pain.

We may recommend other types of treatment for relieving your shoulder pain. These may include moist heat, ice packs, massage, taping, bracing, or stretching and strengthening exercises.