Shoulder Pain in Madison, OH

Recurring or persistent pain in the shoulder, limited range of motion, difficulty holding objects and swelling may be signs of injury and damage to the soft tissue and joint of the shoulder. The residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding towns in Ohio rely on French Chiropractic and Wellness Center for treatments to alleviate shoulder pain and other symptoms.

What is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain includes any pain arising in or around your shoulder. It may originate in the joint itself or from the many muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding it. This pain often worsens with the movements or activities of the shoulder. Certain diseases or conditions affecting the structures in the abdomen or chest may also cause shoulder pain. Shoulder pain originating from other structures is known as “referred pain.” Referred pain does not get worse when you move your shoulder.

When Do You Need To Call Your Chiropractor?

Just like any other painful condition, it is advisable to seek help for shoulder pain as early as possible. This will contribute to preventing the recurrence of the condition. If you’re not sure about the cause of your pain or you don’t know the recommended treatment for your condition, you should seek help from French Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

For the treatment to be effective, it must be directed at the specific cause of the problem. The following signs indicate that you need to seek help from a specialist.

• Shoulder pain that is persistent for more than a few days
• Inability to lift objects or use your arm
• Recurrent shoulder pain, even if it has a history of healing by itself
• Injury that deforms the joint
• Swelling or significant bruises on the arm or joint
• Inability to raise your arm
• Signs of an infection such as fever, swelling, warmth or redness

What are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

The following are the most common causes of shoulder pain.

Referred Pain from the Neck to the Mid-back

When pain occurs in the neck and the mid-back, the pain is often felt at the shoulder. Therefore, your chiropractor will always examine your neck and mid-back when you report shoulder pain.

Bursitis/ Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (Impingement Syndrome)

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that form a cushion for the bones, muscles and tendons near your joints. This condition occurs when the bursae become inflamed.

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint that holds the head of your upper arm’s bone firmly in the shallow socket of the shoulder. Injury to the rotator cuff can cause a dull ache in the shoulder that gets worse when you sleep on the injured side.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition indicated by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The signs of this disease often begin gradually, get worse over time and then resolve, usually within about two years. It often occurs in individuals who are recovering from an injury or procedure that affects the mobility of their arms, such as mastectomy or stroke.

Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis refers to a condition where calcium build-ups occur in the rotator cuffs of the shoulder. When calcium builds up in the tendon, pressure builds up in the tendon as well as causing a chemical irritation. This leads to excruciating pain. The calcium deposit also reduces the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion and impairs the normal function of the rotator cuff.

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury is an injury that occurs in the brachial plexus, which is the network of nerves that transmits signals from your spine to your arm and shoulder. This condition occurs when these nerves are compressed, stretched, or in severe cases, torn. This can happen when your shoulder is pinned down forcefully while your head is pushed up and away from the shoulder. A direct contact hit can also compress the nerves.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation is an injury in which the bone of your upper arm pops out of the cup-shaped socket that forms a part of your shoulder blade. The shoulder is your body’s most mobile joint. Thus, it is more susceptible to dislocation.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, is the death of bone tissue caused by a lack of blood supply. This condition can lead to tiny breaks in the bone, after which the bone will finally collapse. Blood flow to a part of the bone can be impaired if the bone is fractured, or if the joint is dislocated. Osteonecrosis is also associated with excessive alcohol intake and long-term use of high-dose steroid medications.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the cartilage protecting the ends of your bones wears off. Although it can cause damage to any joint in your body, osteoarthritis often affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. It often worsens gradually, and no cure exists for this condition. But staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and using other treatments can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Biceps Tendon Rupture

The upper part of the tendon at the biceps can rupture leading to shoulder pain.

What are the Best Treatments for Shoulder Pain?

Treatment for shoulder pain will entirely depend on the cause of the pain. Thus, your chiropractor should accurately diagnose your problem before embarking on treatment. If you are not sure of the severity of your condition or the diagnosis of the problem, seek professional help before beginning any self-medication.

Remember, resting and taking pain relievers are not likely to help your shoulder in the long term without treating the cause of the problem.

• Rest: Resting is the first treatment for many common conditions that cause shoulder pain because it allows acute inflammation to subside. However, use caution when resting the shoulder because prolonged immobilization may lead to a frozen shoulder.
• Apply ice and heat: Heat pads and ice packs are among the most common forms of treatment for shoulder pain. Use them correctly, and when in doubt, ask for help from a specialist.
• Stretching: Stretching your muscles, and the tendons that surround the joints can help with some causes of aching shoulders. However, stretch with care so as not to cause more injury.
• Exercise: rehabilitation exercise is an important aspect of treatment for shoulder pain. It is vital, therefore, to know which exercises to do and when to start them. This is because, if done incorrectly, your condition could get worse.

Shoulder pain is an uncomfortable experience, and therefore you need to avoid situations that are likely to cause the problem. Eat a healthy diet and start a weekly exercise regimen. If you notice any symptoms of shoulder pain, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of shoulder pain, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.