What should you do about shoulder pain?
Our goal through Chiropractic for shoulder injuries is to restore the full range of movement to the shoulder girdle. This also includes improving the function of the cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spines as the nerves from these areas supply the shoulder. Abnormal function and damage to the area can result in shoulder or arm pain. This is why all areas will be assessed when seeing our Chiropractors, as your posture will impact on how well the shoulder is moving.
To get to the root cause of your shoulder or arm pain, a thorough physical and orthopaedic examination is conducted by our Chiropractors. In some cases, further examination through x-ray, MRI and ultrasound may be requested.
Posture has a significant effect on shoulder problems. If day after day you are sitting for extended periods of time in a slouched posture, or you continually lie on the same shoulder every night, this is going to result in your shoulder going forward. It is always cause equals affect. What you are doing in your day to day life is going to determine how you are. A great exercise for you: Try to raise your arm to the side when you are slouched forward. Do you notice how much harder it is to do, than when you are in an upright posture?
Early intervention is key. The sooner you address the problem and restore the range of motion, the sooner you can get out of pain and get back to your normal activities.
Shoulders can take time to heal especially if neglected for a long period of time before addressing the problem/cause. Pain is often the last thing you notice, so as soon as you feel a niggle it is important for you to realise that there has usually been damage building under the surface for some time (refer back to our “True Cause of Pain” blog).
Giving your body a chance to heal through improving movement, nerve function, specific stretches and rehabilitation exercises first, before undergoing any invasive procedures is wise. If you have given your body time, around 6 months, and you are still not noticing any improvement you may need to look further. If you are aligned and functioning at your best, your body is going to heal optimally.
Five things that you can do to assist your shoulder to relieve the pain:
- Posture – Make sure your shoulders are pulled back and your head is back so your ears sit directly above your shoulders. Do not sleep on the same side each night and make sure your pillow is the right height to allow room for your shoulder.
- Exercise – Once the pain has gone it is important to strengthen the shoulder. It is important to stretch as well as doing rehabilitation exercise to strengthen the shoulder.
- Massage – Lengthens the muscles and ligaments along with increasing blood flow into the area to enhance the healing process.
- Chiropractic – To help to restore movement to the shoulder as well as making sure the spine is aligned to improve nerve function to the shoulder area. Along with restoring movement and nerve function, exercises can be given to strengthen the shoulder girdle.
- Pillow – A supportive pillow at night for your sleep is so important. If you are a side sleeper and your pillow is too low this is going to create more pressure on the shoulder which when done night after night can eventually lead to shoulder problems. Here are Global Chiropractic we fit you so you get the right pillow for you!
If you have any specific questions regarding your individual situation or you would love further information please contact us here at Global Chiropractic on 54443388 or email [email protected]
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