Usually, we don’t think about our shoulders until they start to cause us pain. The shoulder is subject to a wide range of injuries because it is the most mobile joint in the body. If shoulder problems go unchecked, they can lead to life long issues that are potentially debilitating. To treat a shoulder joint injury effectively, it is important to identify the direct cause. This article explains some of the causes of shoulder pain, and how they can be alleviated with chiropractic treatment.
Shoulder Pain in Santa Cruz
Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include spinal misalignment, arthritis, abnormal patterns of movement, and injuries from athletic or automobile accidents. While some of these causes may produce localized swelling in the shoulder joint, more of them point to the spine as the source of pain. If the vertebrae around the neck and upper back are compressed or injured, then the nerves that connect to the shoulder will suffer irritation and produce pain. Even a minor spine misalignment can cause problems with communication between the nerves in the shoulder. Therefore, what appears to be shoulder pain may be the direct result of a problem in the spinal column.
Symptoms of Shoulder Injury
Due to the wide variety of causative factors, shoulder pain and abnormal motion can develop suddenly or can develop at a gradual pace. Sometimes, symptoms of a shoulder injury are very subtle. However, they can develop into major issues. Since the majority of daily activities involve the shoulder joint, any symptoms of a shoulder injury need to be monitored carefully and treated swiftly. If shoulder issues are not dealt with they can progress and cause permanent nerve damage. Symptoms that can indicate the need for an urgent examination include shoulder pain that lasts mot that a weak, difficulty raising your arm above your head, snapping or clicking sensations in the joint during movement, and visual signs of shoulder bruising or swelling.
Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic treatment offers a non-invasive and gentle alternative to medications and surgeries. Santa Cruz chiropractors have been trained to deal with spinal issues that directly result in shoulder pain. To determine the cause of shoulder pain, any treatment will begin with a thorough examination of provided medical history, and the use of advanced imaging techniques. After the problem has been diagnosed correctly, the chiropractor will an individual treatment plan to put you on the fast road to recovery. For more information, contact Sawyer chiropractic in Santa Cruz today.