Shoulder Pain in Grand Junction CO?

We don't think much about our shoulders until they start to give us pain. Most people immediately start looking for the best chiropractic care in Grand Junction CO because they are always using their shoulders to lift and extend their arms, carry, wave and perform numerous other motions and tasks. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and as a result, it is subject to a wide range of injuries and conditions.

Shoulder problems that go unchecked can lead to lifelong, debilitating issues. In order to properly treat the shoulder joint and achieve long-term relief, it is important to identify the cause of shoulder pain. This article explains some of the common causes of shoulder pain and how chiropractic care can return the shoulder to functional health.

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Is shoulder pain serious?

Shoulder pain is very common, affecting people of all ages. Understanding the root causes are critical as the shoulder is a complex joint, the most movable joint in the human body. It is a ball and socket joint which means it allows for backwards, forwards, sideways and rotating movements. It has four tendons, eight muscles and two ligaments and is a marvel of engineering but very fragile. Shoulder pain is very common for athletes and for all people as we age.

Referred shoulder pain
Problems in other parts of your body can cause pain in your shoulders. The pain can be transmitted through the nerves. Tight muscles, pinched nerves, even pain from other organs can create shoulder pain. Common symptoms include dull aching pain, accompanied by heaviness or tightness.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is one of the leading causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and control the movement of the shoulder. It is a leading injury among athletes and people who work with their hands and arms raised overhead. Rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy (inflammation) cause piercing pain, difficulty in movement and problems sleeping on the side. A complete rotator cuff tear can greatly restrict movement of the arm at all. Most rotator cuff tears are caused by wear and tear of the tendon tissue over time. A distinguishing feature is pain at night when trying to sleep on that side.

Arthritis
Osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear over time, damages the protective cartilage lining the shoulder joint. The deterioration of the cushioning and controlling cartilage causes bone on bone grating with pain and limitation of movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can also affect the shoulder with swelling, inflammation and pain.

Bursitis
Bursitis of the shoulder occurs when a bursa, a small fluid filled sac that reduces friction between moving parts in the shoulder. If it becomes inflamed the condition is bursitis. Symptoms include swelling, pain, redness and warmth around the area.

Additionally, other syndromes such as Frozen shoulder and impingement syndrome (when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched) can produce shoulder pain and restricted movement.

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Shoulder Pain Options in Grand Junction CO

The causes of shoulder pain are seemingly endless, but let's go over some of the more common causes of pain in the shoulder. Shoulder pain may be the result of conditions, such as:

• Neck and upper back tightness
• Spinal misalignment
• Arthritis
• Abnormal patterns of movement
• Athletic injuries and automobile accidents

While a few of the items on this list may indicate localized swelling in the shoulder joint, more of them point to the spine as the probable source of pain. The nerves that control the shoulder originate in the spine. If the vertebrae around the neck and upper back are compressed or injured, the nerves that go to the shoulder will be irritated and cause pain. Even a minor spinal misalignment can interrupt communication between the nerves and the shoulder and a cascade of problems can begin. So, what appears as shoulder pain may actually be referred pain from the spinal column.

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Symptoms of Shoulder Injury

Due to the wide range of causative factors, shoulder pain and abnormal motion in the joint may develop gradually or come on suddenly. Symptoms of a shoulder injury are occasionally very subtle, but even these can develop into major issues. Since the shoulder joint is used in the vast majority of activities that we engage in daily, all symptoms involving the shoulder should be monitored carefully and addressed promptly to avoid the progression of the problem. Symptoms indicating the need for an immediate evaluation of the shoulder complex include:

• Shoulder pain that lasts for more than a week
• Shoulder pain that goes away and then returns frequently
• Difficulty raising your arm above your head
• Trouble or pain when carrying objects
• Pain in the shoulder joint that becomes more pronounced in the evening
• Any visual signs of damage to the joint such as bruising or swelling
• Unusual snapping or clicking sensations in the joint during movement

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Chiropractic care for Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care is a gentle and non-invasive alternative to medications and surgeries that provides fast and effective results. Grand Junction CO chiropractors are trained to deal with issues in the spine and the shoulder complex that result in shoulder pain. In order to determine the cause of your shoulder pain, a chiropractic care begins with a thorough evaluation process, using the information provided from your medical history, and advanced imaging techniques. Once a correct diagnosis is achieved it will then be used to develop an individualized care plan that will help ensure a fast recovery.

Call our team at Redlands Chiropractic & Wellness Center today for help.