Causes and treatment for shoulder pain.

Pinched nerve coming from the neck and upper back.

Upper back and neck pain that radiates into the shoulder is the most common type of shoulder pain. When shoulder pain originates at the spine the pain will generally run across the top of the shoulder and down into the joint itself. This is generally an easier case to treat. Spinal and shoulder adjusting combined with dry needling and massage gives great relief.

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder Syndrome) treatment in Virginia Beach.

 

Frozen shoulder is a chronic (long term) condition of the shoulder that starts with inflammation of the tendons, bursae and joint capsule of the shoulder and causes major restriction of all shoulder movement. No one is really sure of what causes this condition. It primarily effects woman in the 35-60 age group.

 

This condition is seen in cases of severe arthritis of the lower neck, people with a larger than normal curve in the mid back as well as in people with malposition of the arm as it meets the shoulder (scapulohumeral misalignment). Other causes not as common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the shoulder as well as dislocations and fractures of the humorous.

 

Frozen shoulder is usually a very slow progression, starting with pain in the shoulder. The shoulder becomes more restricted in movement as the pain increases. This process can take months to years to develop and lead to complete fixation of the shoulder joint. For some reason the left shoulder is effected more often and vary rarely are both shoulders involved. The pain can radiate to the elbow in some cases.

 

Frozen shoulder can be diagnosed through a series of orthopedic and neurological tests, and x rays can be beneficial as well. Treatment goals in a chiropractic office are to promote soft tissue healing, relieve pain, restore normal movement, and of coarse prevent recurrence.

 

Treatment procedures include gentle manipulation of the scapula, humorous, acromioclavicular joint as well as the clavicle, neck and mid back. Ice and ultrasound are used to reduce inflammation. Massage can break down scar tissue and adhesion’s in the shoulder joint. Stretching techniques are also performed to restore range of motion. We also started doing dry needling with outstanding results.

 

Homework is also assigned. Codmans pendulum and wall walking are prescribed (explained in detail by Dr Geheren). Gradual progression to isometric exercises using flexible tubing are introduced. To get started on correcting your shoulder pain call New Life Chiropractic of Virginia Beach. 757-222-0910

 Rotator cuff  treatments in Virginia Beach

What is the rotator cuff?

One of the most common sources of pain in the shoulder area is caused by trauma to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff or “SITS” muscles are made up of the: supraspinatus, teres minor, infraspinatus and subscapularus. These four muscles surround the scapula in the back and attach to the top back side of the humerus (upper arm). These muscles are heavily involved in most shoulder movements.

Common injuries that cause pain in the rotator cuff.

Many things can aggravate or injure the rotator muscles. A fall on an outstretched arm, overuse, impingement, stress and strain (primarily in the elderly). Degenerative or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute. Most conditions are do to overuse and not just a single event. There are three recognized grades of rotator cuff injury. Grade 1 is minor pain and weakness. Grade 2 is moderate impairment and disability. Grade 3 is severe progressive shoulder pain with limited range of motion. It is not uncommon for a grade 1 to progress to a grade 3.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff problem.

This condition is recognized by painful or painless weakness in the arm and shoulder. Pain can be felt in the neck and shoulder and is usually worse at night. Range of motion or the ability to move the shoulder is greatly reduced. The arm just feels very weak and sore. Any pressure on the involved muscles can cause pain. The amount of weakness often correlates directly to the amount of tearing within the cuff.

Natural treatment for a rotator cuff injury.

Healing can occur naturally when the torn edges stay in close contact. Any gaps will be filled with scar tissue that can produce problems in the future. Patients that receive steroid injections are more likely to develop tears. Malpostion of the shoulder, cervical spine, or scapula as well as arthritis can produce symptoms similar to rotator cuff injuries.

 

Treatment goals are to relieve pain, and to restore strength and full range of motion as well as to prevent recurrence. During the acute phase we immobilize with a sling to promote healing, icing and ultrasound therapy are also performed. The next phase is to start transverse friction massage, passive range of motion, interferential therapy and light chiropractic manipulation all done to restore range of motion and reduce pain. If you are suffering with shoulder pain call New Life Chiropractic today. 757-222-0910

 

Shoulder pain case study.

complaint

William (Bill) a 54 year old physically fit male came to my office in July of 2014. Bill complained of a constant dull, stiff ache running from his neck to his right shoulder and upper arm. He could feel pain in both the front and back of his shoulder. Bill also said that this pain becomes sharp with any lifting including his mourning cup of coffee. The pain became worse at night making sleep difficult. Bill was in his seventh week of pain.

onset

Bill was unsure as to the onset. He did a lot of home improvement, gardening and is an avid golfer. He also stated a history of similar pain though not as severe. It has been getting worse.

medical treatment

Bill was treated by his MD with drug therapy. He was given 800 mg Motrin to be taken four times a day and muscle relaxers to be taken at bedtime. The meds allowed Bill to get better sleep but did very little to reduce the pain. At this point he was referred to an Orthopedic MD who sent him to get an MRI and then to physical therapy. The MRI showed only mild degeneration of the shoulder joint. Therapy consisted of stretching and trigger point work both of which increased the pain substantially.

chiropractic treatment

In our office we completed a neck, upper back and shoulder exam. X-rays of the neck and upper back were also taken. Our findings indicated fixation and nerve irritation in the area of C5 to C7. The patient also showed shoulder restricted movement primarily flexion. The Patient was put on a treatment plan of neck and shoulder adjustments and ultrasound therapy. The patient was 90% improve by the third treatment and was back at pain free full activity within 6 treatments. This patient is continuing at two treatments a month for 3 months. Call Us!!