What causes shoulder pain?
Your primary shoulder joint, the glenohumeral, is a ball-and-socket joint. The head of your upper arm bone, the humerus, is shaped like a ball, and it sits inside the hollow part of your shoulder blade bone, the socket. This gives your shoulder a wide range of motion.
Because your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, it’s vulnerable to wear-and-tear and injury. Shoulder pain has a variety of causes, but it typically falls into four main categories:
Tendon inflammation or tears
You may develop a tendon tear from a sudden injury, wear-and-tear as you age, or overuse of your tendon from sports or physical activity. Rotator cuff and bicep tendon injuries are the most common tendon tears in the shoulder.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects your shoulder. This type of arthritis is typically related to playing sports, work injuries, or chronic wear-and-tear. You may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in older age.
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone that, when it happens in your shoulder, commonly involves the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade.
Dislocation
A dislocation results when the top of your upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, typically due to sudden injury or overuse of your shoulder.
How is shoulder pain treated?
When you visit Eric Whitehouse DC to receive treatment for your shoulder pain, Dr. Whitehouse first asks you about your medical history and the specifics of your shoulder pain. After this, he completes a physical exam to assess your shoulder’s range of motion and cause of pain.
If your shoulder is dislocated, Dr. Whitehouse can perform gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment in your shoulder. He may adjust your upper back and neck as well to help minimize shoulder pain.
Dr. Whitehouse also provides therapeutic massage to release tension in your neck and shoulders, therapeutic exercises to help you rebuild strength and mobility in your shoulders, and stretches to prevent tightness and strain on your shoulders.
How can I prevent shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain typically occurs from straining your neck and shoulders. To prevent serious injury, complete the recommended daily exercises that loosen muscle tension in your shoulders and increase your flexibility and range of motion.
Dr. Whitehouse educates you on the most effective exercises and stretches to help you avoid injury or worsening symptoms.
Call Eric Whitehouse DC or use the online booking tool to learn more about your shoulder pain treatment options.
