The Health Biz

Introduction

The performance of many different motions and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones - the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus - many connecting ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The main articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are generally caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be produced 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 happen in the shoulder joint, but 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 animate all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak producing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, particularly in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overuses the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People who sit too much in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward, are also at risk for developing these imbalances and shoulder problems.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Regardless of the reason, if the imbalances and irritation to the shoulder are not rectified, pain and limitation of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost complete inability to use the shoulder. Individuals of all ages are afflicted by this painful problem known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

Frozen Shoulder

“Frozen shoulder” is another common condition.This often crippling condition occurs when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint get so inflamed that adhesions form making the joint nearly stuck together. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder movement that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to resolve on its own, if ever, and therefore treatment by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is crucial. There are many other afflictions of the shoulder although those mentioned above are almost certainly the most common.

Treatment

The treatment of most conditions of the shoulder is relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed 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 suggested by your Tampa chiropractor are also essential for a fulland quick recovery.

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