Shoulder Pain

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years. Symptoms include pain in shoulder, decreased range of motion and stiffness in shoulder.

This ailment has shown to affect middle aged women who have dealt with significant stress. Studies show the release of cortisol from the brain negatively impacts the shoulder capsule. Chiropractors can treat this ailments with adjustments to the shoulder and surrounding joints while pairing care with specific exercises to free up the joint.

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when there is impingement of tendons or bursa in the shoulder from bones of the shoulder. Overhead activity of the shoulder, especially repeated activity, is a risk factor for shoulder impingement syndrome.

Examples include sleeping with the arm overhead, painting, lifting, swimming, tennis, and other overhead sports. The typical symptoms of impingement syndrome include difficulty reaching up, behind the back, or pain with overhead use of the arm. Chiropractic care and rehab exercises aimed at balancing the shoulder, takes pressure off the impinged tissues, increases range of motion, and decreases pain. 

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and aid in movement. Every time you move your shoulder, you are using your rotator cuff to stabilize and help move the joint. Rotator cuff strains or tears are caused by overuse or acute injury. The tendons that connect muscles to bones can be overstretched (strain) or tear, partially or completely. The rotator cuff injuries typically cause intense and immediate pain.

Symptoms include loss of range of motion in the shoulder, difficulty sleeping, pain or tenderness when reaching overhead and weakness in the shoulder that progresses. Chiropractors are trained in orthopedic testing to identify the location of the injury and its significance. If during testing the injury is found to be a complete tear (grade 3), and MRI can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If the injury is found to be less than a grade 3 conservative care can be administered successfully.

Nerves travel from the neck and back (spine) to your shoulder. They run through your shoulder and upper arm all the way to your fingertips. Nerve damage in the shoulder can cause symptoms in your hand and other areas.

You may have other symptoms in your shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers as well. Other symptoms can include cold or warmth in the area, heaviness, muscle weakness, pain and or tenderness, and swelling.