Did you know that the shoulder joint actually has the most mobility of all the joints in your body? With such a wide range of motion, your shoulder needs to be flexible, but this can also make it more vulnerable to injury or overuse. If you experience persistent or chronic shoulder pain, it can really start impacting your quality of life. Visit your College Park chiropractor for shoulder pain chiropractic care and learn about all-natural and non-invasive treatment approaches to help alleviate chronic shoulder pain.
Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
The complexity of the shoulder joint means there can be a number of causes for your chronic shoulder pain. Here are some examples of conditions that can cause shoulder pain:
Bursitis
Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa, which are fluid-filled sacs that help provide shock absorption in the shoulder joint. Symptoms of bursitis may include a dull, aching pain inside the joint, and an increase in pain when moving or pressing on the shoulder. You may also experience swelling, tenderness, and redness around the shoulder joint.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of tendons. The shoulder joint is made up of several soft tissues, including tendons like the rotator cuff. Tendinitis is a common overuse injury due to repetitive movements that aggravate and inflame the tendon. This causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Injury
A sudden injury to the shoulder can also cause shoulder pain. If left untreated, a shoulder injury can develop into chronic shoulder pain. A torn rotator cuff or dislocated shoulder from a car accident or sports injury should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor.
Arthritis
Arthritis can develop in the shoulder joint. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which is a gradual wear and tear on the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Both types of arthritis can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain around the shoulder joint and make certain movements uncomfortable or impossible.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage in the shoulder joint can occur for a number of reasons, most commonly due to a pinched nerve. If a nerve is compressed by inflammation in surrounding soft tissues, it can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness. You may develop a pins and needles sensation that extends into your arm and hand.
Effective Shoulder Pain Treatments to Improve Quality of Life
Effective options for shoulder pain treatment will depend on the root cause. In order to improve your quality of life and reduce your chronic shoulder pain, you will want to talk to a doctor and get a diagnosis for your pain. Here are some examples of effective treatments for shoulder pain with chiropractic care.
Shoulder Stretches
Stretching the shoulders, arms, and upper back can help promote strength and stability. When the muscles and soft tissues that support the shoulder joint are strong, they are better able to help the joint function properly. Stretching also helps to gently improve your range of motion.
Upper Body Exercises
Upper body exercises can also help you regain strength after a shoulder injury and improve your mobility. These exercises promote strength and flexibility so you can get back to doing things that your shoulder pain may have prevented you from doing.
Adjust Sleep Habits
Changing the way you sleep can also help improve your quality of life. Your sleeping position may aggravate your shoulder joint or cause an arthritis flare-up. If you tend to sleep on your side, for example, then you might want to try propping yourself up with pillows so that your shoulder doesn’t take on too much pressure.
Apply Hot and Cold Compresses
Applying ice and heat to a stiff, sore shoulder can help provide natural pain relief and help your muscles relax. Cold temperatures help reduce inflammation and swelling, while hot temperatures encourage the flow of nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the area.
Visit a Pain Management Specialist
A pain management specialist in College Park can work with you to improve your quality of life if you struggle with chronic shoulder pain. A chiropractor can improve your pain without medication. Visit AICA Orthopedics in College Park for shoulder pain chiropractic care and learn more about how to effectively address chronic shoulder pain and get back to the activities you enjoy.