Shoulder pain is a common ailment that affects many different people, significantly impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Chiropractic care is increasingly sought after for non-invasive, drug-free management of shoulder pain.
In this article, we explore how chiropractors address the various causes of shoulder pain and describe the specific treatments they offer.
The shoulder is formed around the shoulder girdle (or pectoral girdle), an incomplete bony ring formed by the clavicle and scapula. The shoulder girdle connects the upper arm bone (specifically the proximal humerus) to the axial skeleton via the sternoclavicular joint (Shoulder Anatomy).
This is just one of four joints in each shoulder:
The joint between the glenoid cavity on the scapula and the head of the humerus (the glenohumeral joint) is especially mobile, making the shoulder one of the most freely moveable areas in the body (Anatomy, Shoulder).
This high mobility comes at the expense of decreased stability of the joint. Hence, this structurally and functionally complex joint is prone to dislocation and injury.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint across all age groups (Shoulder Pain Prevalence). It can originate from several different conditions, each requiring a tailored approach for effective management.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when scar tissues develop in the shoulder joint. As the tissue surrounding the joint becomes bulkier, it becomes more difficult for the shoulder joint to rotate. Hence, common symptoms of a Frozen shoulder include swelling, pain, and stiffness.
This condition typically develops over time, with individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 more likely to report this condition (Frozen Shoulder). As the Frozen shoulder develops, the range of motion of the shoulder joint can become severely limited, and routine activities may become difficult to perform.
This injury occurs when the head of the humerus pops out of its socket. This can cause intense pain and instability in the shoulder.
A pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder can cause pain that radiates down the arm. This may be accompanied by tingling or weakness.
The “Rotator Cuff” refers to a group of four muscles in the shoulder joint (Rotator Cuff). These muscles are essential for full movement of the shoulder joint and for maintaining its stability.
The rotator cuff is especially susceptible to strains, tears, and tendinitis (Rotator Cuff Injury). Typically, these common injuries are associated with repetitive overhead motions.
Some rotator cuff injuries may also be degenerative. In such cases, symptoms (including the associated pain) may only appear months after the rotator cuff was initially damaged.
Common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:
Arthritis (including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis) may affect the shoulder joint, causing swelling, pain, and restricted movement.
In addition to causing inflammation of the shoulder joint, arthritis breaks down the cartilage that cushions the bones. These changes cause the characteristic pain and stiffness of arthritis.
Because the different types of arthritis develop differently, they all require different medical treatments. However, certain workouts can help relieve general arthritis symptoms (Arthritis).
Inside each shoulder joint is a small, fluid-filled sac known as a bursa (plural, bursae). Bursae are common in joints and their function is to reduce friction between the bones. However, if a bursa in the shoulder becomes inflamed, it can lead to a condition known as shoulder bursitis (Shoulder Bursitis).
In this condition, even simple shoulder movements can cause persistent pain. The main causes include injury, overuse, and conditions that cause inflammation (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis).
A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, can arise when the muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs because of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in any muscle, but they are very common in your lower back, neck, and shoulder (Muscle Strain).
Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons, the strong, flexible tissues that attach bones to muscles. In the shoulder, tendonitis frequently affects the rotator cuff tendons (Rotator Cuff Tendonitis) and the bicep tendon (Biceps Tendonitis).
In general, rotator cuff tendonitis develops gradually over time. It is typically caused by maintaining the same shoulder position for too long, or by repetitive activities that require lifting your arm over your head.
Certain athletes are prone to rotator cuff tendinitis, including swimmers (“swimmer’s shoulder”) and tennis players (“tennis shoulder”). Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis are able to regain full function of the shoulder following rest and the appropriate treatment.
Biceps tendinitis is caused by inflammation of the biceps tendon. Both overuse and repetitive motion can induce tears in the biceps tendon that eventually cause inflammation.
Overuse occurs when the biceps tendon is challenged by too large a load. The repetitive motions associated with particular sporting activities can also lead to the development of biceps tendonitis.
Chiropractors use various techniques to address and relieve shoulder pain, depending on the underlying cause.
Evidence for the effectiveness of these techniques is available in the medical literature.
For example, manual and manipulative therapy of the shoulder joint was shown to be effective for the treatment of a variety of conditions (Manipulative Therapy For Shoulder Pain), including adhesive capsulitis, problems with the rotator cuff, and soft tissue injuries.
Likewise, myofascial release has also been reported to reduce the symptoms of chronic shoulder pain (Myofascial Triggerpoint Release).
This technique involves gently moving the joint through its range of motion to increase mobility and the range in which it can move pain-free.
This soft tissue therapy is used to relieve pain and tightness in the myofascial tissues surrounding the muscles and bones of the shoulder.
Manipulations or adjustments of the neck can affect the nerves that run to the shoulder, reducing pain and improving function.
Here, the chiropractor applies gentle force to the joint at the end of its range of motion. The patient is then encouraged to move the joint through a specific motion, ultimately improving its function.
This classic chiropractic technique involves a quick, direct force applied to a specific part of the spine or joint to realign the bones and reduce pain.
Several proactive strategies for the prevention of shoulder pain are listed below (Treating And Managing Shoulder Pain). These can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
Allow your shoulder to rest and avoid activities that might exacerbate the pain. This is especially important after an acute injury.
Always perform a proper warm-up routine before engaging in physical activities. This helps prepare the muscles and joints for the stress of exercise.
Increase the intensity and duration of your exercises gradually to avoid overloading the shoulder joint.
Try to sleep in a position that does not put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders. For example, try sleeping on your back instead of on your side.
Strengthening exercises for the shoulder and surrounding muscles can help maintain stability and prevent injuries.
Newer therapeutic approaches such as laser therapy and ultrasound can also promote tissue healing in the shoulder joint and reduce inflammation.
Chiropractic care provides effective therapies for the treatment of shoulder pain. By employing a combination of diagnostic expertise and specialised adjustments, chiropractors address the root cause of pain and work towards restoring function and mobility.
For those seeking a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option, chiropractic care offers a promising solution.
Whether it’s an acute injury or a chronic condition, chiropractic techniques are tailored to meet individual needs, and they can significantly alleviate discomfort while improving life quality.
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