Introduction

The performance 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 primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is connected by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain and disability are generally 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 encompassing the joint. Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, however not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.

Anatomy

Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. If these nerves are irritated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overuses 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 lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Regardless of the reason, if the imbalances and inflammation to the shoulder are not changed, pain and restriction of normal motion will eventually develop. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. Individuals of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

Frozen Shoulder

“Frozen shoulder” is another common problem.This often debilitating condition happens when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint become so inflamed that adhesions form making the joint practically stuck together. This results in extreme pain, as well as limitation of shoulder movement that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Left alone, frozen shoulder can take several years to heal on its own, if ever, and therefore care by a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is extremely important. The ailments mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders.

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 offered by your Tampa chiropractor are also vital for a full and fast recovery.

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