Tampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The accomplishment of many different movements 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 attaching 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 commonly caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be created by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues surrounding the joint. Arthritic changes do occur in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

The nerves in the cervical spine region energize all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the origin of the shoulder problem. Tight or weak shoulder muscles, created by aggravated nerves can produce dysfunction in the ordinary mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff. A similar problem can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a hunched position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Pain and restricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful predicament is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict people of all ages.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common problem is ” frozen shoulder. “Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to form practically sticking the joint together, thus producing  incapacitation the shoulder. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to heal on its own, if ever, and therefore attention by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is crucial. There are many other conditions of the shoulder although those mentioned above are almost certainly the most common.

Treatment

Most shoulder treatments are generally 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 vital for a fulland speedy recovery.

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